Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the phone number for a park, historic site, or golf course?
Phone numbers for each location are listed at the top of the corresponding webpage or directly under the description in our NY State Parks Explorer App.
Where can I find the phone number for a regional office?
Please visit https://parks.ny.gov/regions/ and select the region that best suits your needs. The regional office number will be listed next to the phone icon on the right side of the page. Our regional offices are open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
How can I get a NY State Parks map or brochure?
If you would like to receive maps and informational guides that pertain to all of our state parks and historic sites, please provide your mailing address through the Contact Us page. The brochures are free and we are happy to send these upon request!
However, if you would like to be sent a map of one site or region in particular, please contact the office directly and the staff will be able to assist you!
Where can I find a park's pet policy?
Please visit the individual park page and you will find the pet policy listed toward the bottom of the Park Description.
I lost an item on a recent visit. What should I do?
Please contact the state park, historic site, or golf course you visited directly and ask the staff for assistance.
Where can I find resources on historic preservation?
For assistance with historic preservation - including restoration, research, grants, CRIS, tax information, technical assistance, and more - visit the page for our State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at: https://parks.ny.gov/shpo/
You'll be able to find the best contact for your needs on the 'Contact' page at https://parks.ny.gov/shpo/contact/. If you need further assistance, please contact the general phone number for the SHPO at (518) 237-8643.
How can I obtain a permit from NY State Parks?
Permits are either administered through one of our regional offices or by an individual park office. The application and authorization process will vary by location.
Activities that typically require a permit include - but are not limited to - film/photography shoots, drone flights, metal detecting, and event catering.
I have a question about Long Island Dashboard Permits. Who should I contact?
Long Island Dashboard Permits are exclusive to the region and administered directly through the LI Permits Office. You can find more information on our regional webpage for Long Island state parks. For further assistance, please contact the Long Island Regional Permit Office at (631) 321-3515 or LongIslandPermits@parks.ny.gov.
How do I make a camping reservation?
You can find and book available sites through Reserve America, online at https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or by calling 1-800-456-2267.
On the website, you can search for one destination in particular, or you can use the "Interested in" dropdown menu to view all options. You can find more information on each location - such as amenities, photos, available electric/water hookups, season dates, and more on the Reserve America website.
Please contact the park you are interested in directly for more information about specific amenities.
All reservations for camping at our New York State Parks must be made through Reserve America.
For further assistance, please contact our Camping Bureau directly at (518) 473-8361 or camping@parks.ny.gov.
Please note: Our camping reservations are limited by a 9-month reservation window. Campers are not able to book a site sooner than 9-months prior to their chosen arrival date.
How do I rent a pavilion/shelter?
You can reserve a shelter or pavilion at one of our NY State Parks through Reserve America, online at https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or by calling 1-800-456-2267.
On the website, you can search for one park in particular, or you can use the "Interested in" dropdown menu to view all our pavilion and shelter options. You can find more information on each location - such as amenities, photos, and any permit requirements - on the Reserve America website.
For further assistance, please contact the park or historic site you are interested in directly. They will be able to give you the best information!
Please note: Our pavilion/shelter reservations are limited by an 11 - month reservation window. Patrons are not able to book a site sooner than 11 - months prior to their chosen arrival date.
Where can I find information about hosting my wedding and/or reception in a park?
Please contact the park or historic site you are interested in directly for the best information on availability, scheduling, rates, necessary permits, and more.
How can I donate a memorial bench?
Please contact the Natural Heritage Trust which helps administer gifts and contributions to New York State Parks. More information can be found on their website
https://www.naturalheritagetrust.org/
and
you can contact their office by calling (518) 474-2997 or emailing nht@parks.ny.gov.
How can I learn about employment opportunities with NY State Parks?
For information on what opportunities may be available, you can visit the employment page on our website at: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/
For any further assistance, please contact the Parks Personnel Office at (518) 474-0453.
Where can I find more information on Admissions Programs (Access Pass, Lifetime Liberty Pass, Golden Parks Program, Empire Pass)?
Visit our admissions page at: https://parks.ny.gov/admission/empire-passport/
Where can I find information about the Connect Kids Field Trip Grant and/or the 4th Grade Free Entry Program?
Visit our Connect Kids page at: https://parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids/grant-program.aspx
Where can I find information on snowmobiling?
You can find information on our website at: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/
For any inquiries, please contact our Snowmobile Bureau directly by calling (518) 474-0446 or emailing Snowmobile.Unit@parks.ny.gov.
Where can I find information on boating?
You can find information on our website at: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/
For any inquiries, please contact our Marine Services Bureau directly by calling (518) 474-0445 or emailing boating@parks.ny.gov.
How can I find out about hikes and other events in my area?
You can search for upcoming events by using our Find an Event feature at: https://parks.ny.gov/events/
Under the 'Featured Category' dropdown menu select the feature you're interested in, then select which 'Region' best suits your needs and click 'Find an Event'. A list of all upcoming events in that area will appear along with the dates, times, and a description of each event!
Frequently Asked Questions (Rules and Regulations)
Where can I find the official rules and regulations for NY State Parks?
Visit our page for Regulations & Rulemaking at: https://parks.ny.gov/inside-our-agency/rulemaking.aspx
Can I disperse ashes at a state park or historic site?
Ashes cannot be released in NY State Parks, according to the NYS OPRHP Regulations, 9 NYCRR Title 9, Subtitle I § 375.1 Prohibited Activities (C).
As stated in this section of the regulations, ashes are a form of inorganic material and therefore cannot be dispersed or left on any NY State Parks property unless officially approved by the OPRHP. For any further assistance, please contact the regional office that oversees the area in which you are interested.
What kind of floatation aids are allowed at pools and beaches?
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, types I, II and III, are the only floatation devices permitted in state park waters. For more information on personal floatation devices (PDF's) and their use, please visit: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/safe-boating/life-jackets.aspx
Please note the following guidelines in OPRHP Regulations 9 NYCRR 375.1 (r) Artificial swimming aids:
No person shall use tubes, floats, swim fins, Aqua-lungs or skin diving equipment of any kind, or any other inflated or buoyant objects or artificial or mechanical aids for swimming or diving, except under the following circumstances:
(1) when the use of skin or scuba diving equipment is authorized in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the commissioner; or
(2) when the use of personal flotation devices at designated facilities is specifically authorized by the commissioner. Only United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices shall be allowed.
Are ATVs allowed in state parks?
All-terrain vehicles (ATV's) are not allowed in New York State Parks in accordance with the NYS OPRHP Regulations, 9 NYCRR Title 9, Subtitle I, Section 375.1 (0) 1. which states, "No person shall use or operate an all-terrain vehicle or other similar wheeled or air-cushioned vehicle designed or equipped to operate outside of highways. This prohibition shall not be interpreted to include snowmobiles unless equipped with a wheeled conversion to an all-terrain vehicle."
What is NY State Parks' policy regarding service animals and emotional support animals?
Service animals that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability will be allowed in all locations regardless of other pet policy restrictions, unless their presence poses a danger to themselves or the public using the facility.
Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs or performing other special tasks. When the need for a service animal is not apparent, the handler may be asked: a) if the animal is required because of a disability; and b) what work or tasks the animal has been trained to perform.
Therapy animals are defined as those that provide therapeutic and emotional support. Therapy animals are not defined as service animals by the ADA and may be treated in accordance with the facility's pet policy.
For more information, please contact the park you are interested in prior to your trip.