Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Hours of Operation

• The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
• 2023 Swimming Season: Tentative Beach opening - mid-June - Labor Day, 11am-6:45pm daily. Weather and conditions permitting
  
  

• 2023 Camping Season: 5/19 - 10/8 **Closing dates for camping is the last night patrons can stay.

• Deer and small game hunting is permitted in season with a park permit.

• Shelter reservation season is daily, May 1st - September 30th.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

• Camping
• $18 - $30/night
  
  *Out of state resident fee for camping, per night: $5
• Vehicle Entrance Fee
• Cars $7
  Non-Profit Buses $35
  Commercial Buses $75
• Wood Permit

• $25/day (when available)

Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

• Darien Lakes State Park Trail Map

Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.

• Firewood Source Map (pdf)

• Disc Golf Map (pdf)
• Camping Map (pdf)
• Google Earth file (kmz)
• Park Map (pdf)
• Hunting Map (pdf)
• Trail Map (pdf)

Highlights of Darien Lakes State Park:

• Harlow Lake is a great family friendly place for fishing. Recently restored, the pond is habitat for large-mouth bass and yellow perch, as well as various species of waterfowl and aquatic life.

• Eleven Mile Creek runs through the park and cuts a ravine out of the shale exposing distinct fossils from the Devonian era, also known as the "Age of Fish," which lasted from 417 million to 354 million years ago.

• Many old apple orchards can be found throughout the park, feeding lots of wildlife species in the fall.

• Some areas of the park have a wild feel...

What will you see? Plan your visit today!

Look and listen for these birds at our Park:

• Belted Kingfisher
• Bobolink
• Blue-winged Warbler
• Eastern Towhee
• Ring-necked Pheasant

Everyone is a Steward: Be a Darien Lakes State Park Hero!

• Know the rules and concerns for the area you'll be visiting.
• Use a map and compass instead of flagging, rock cairns, or marking paint.
• Hike and camp on established, durable trails and campsites.
• Leave all natural objects as you find them.
• Be careful with your fire.
• Respect wildlife and observe from a distance.

For more information, please read our Trail Tips!

Ask a Naturalist!

Q: What is succession?

A: Succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It begins with pioneering plants and animals and develops with increasing complexity until it becomes a stable or self-perpetuating climax community. These changes typically occur after a disturbance or initial colonization of new habitat. Several successional habitat communities can be viewed at Darien.

Q: Is it okay to go off the trails?

A: No, staying on the trails is very important. Off-trail use can degrade the fine textured soils of the silver maple ash and beech maple mesic forest and cause erosion. You may also trample vegetation.

Q: Are any rare species found here?

A: Surveys conducted did not find any rare species, but historical records indicate that the old field and successional shrubland habitat within the park provide potential breeding grounds for rare grassland birds species, such as Henslow's Sparrow, Northern Harrier and Upland Sandpiper. Shrubland habitat is a plant community characterized by shrubs, but often also includes grasses and herbs.

Did You Know?

- DID YOU KNOW? A bird house for purple martins was erected near Harlow Lake in the spring of 2013 and has already fledged a number of birds.

- DID YOU KNOW? Darien Lakes State Park was originally called Harlow Lake and Park.

Please print and fill out the permit. Remember to read the rules before hunting.