Green Lakes State Park's outstanding features are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. Another special feature of the park is the 18-hole Green Lakes State Park Golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, where visitors can snowshoe in winter, and there are 15 miles of trails that cross-country skiers can use.
Due to the sensitive nature of both Green and Round Lakes, no outside/private boats, kayaks, or canoes are allowed. Rowboat and kayak rentals are available Memorial Day - Labor Day at the Boat House, weather permitting.
Thanks to a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a Hippocampe Beach/All Terrain wheelchair is now available at Green Lakes State Park to access beach and trails. The wheelchair is available for use at no charge on a first come, first serve basis from 11am-7pm. Please check with the lifeguards at the beach for availability.
Current Water Quality - Beach Results
Household pets only; caged or on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in the bathing areas.
2018 Camping/Cabins:
Campsites - 145 campsites, maximum of 6 people/site.
Cabins - 7 cabins (Minimum age of 21 required for rentals)
Camping Season: 5/11/18 - 10/8/18
Cabins available: 5/11/18 - 10/8/18
Reserve through ReserveAmerica: 800-456-2267
Boat House: Kayak rentals available.
5/27/19 - 10/6/19 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Last boat rental at 5, must be back by 6.
Please call the park office at 315-637-6111 to confirm as there may be dates in the fall where staffing and weather may affect ability to open.
Due to the sensitive nature of the lake, no outside/private boats allowed.
Fishing: Only on Green Lake outside of swimming area. No fishing on Round Lake. No outside boats or watercraft allowed.
Park Office Hours:
Summer: Monday thru Saturday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. - Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Winter: Sunday thru Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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.
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.
Key BCA Criteria:
- Migratory concentration site
- Diverse species concentration site
The Green Lakes BCA is located within Green Lakes State Park. The BCA is unique in that it contains significant tracts of both mature forest and grassland habitat, providing habitat for an unusually diverse suite of bird species. The grasslands within BCA represent the largest concentration of grassland habitat in the New York State Park system. Grassland-breeding species include Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Mature forest birds include Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and American Redstart.
Download a copy of the BCA map.
Go Birding with the Green Lakes Bird Checklist