200 Loop Campsites

For outdoor enthusiasts in the New York region, the 200 Loop Campsites represent a premier destination within the legendary Stony Brook State Park. Located in Dansville, this specific camping loop is a favorite among local families and road-trippers who seek a balance between rugged nature and organized state park facilities. The park itself is a crown jewel of the Finger Lakes region, famous for its dramatic terrain, which includes hilly woodlands, deep gorges with rugged cliffs, and three massive waterfalls. Staying at the 200 Loop places you in the heart of this "miniature Grand Canyon," offering a serene woodland environment where the sounds of cascading water and rustling leaves provide a natural soundtrack for your stay.

The 200 Loop is designed to cater to traditional camping values. It offers a secluded atmosphere under a dense canopy of mature trees, providing much-needed shade during the humid New York summer months. As part of a state park, the infrastructure is reliable and well-maintained by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This makes it an ideal choice for residents from nearby Rochester or Buffalo who are looking for a high-quality getaway without a long drive. The community vibe within the 200 Loop is friendly and respectful, adhering to the high standards of New York’s state park system, where nature conservation and guest experience go hand in hand.

Location and accessibility are standout features of the 200 Loop. The park is situated at 10820 Route 36 South, Dansville, NY 14437, making it easily accessible from Interstate 390. The 200 Loop specifically is located in the upper or southern end of the park, positioned on the woodlands above the gorge. This elevated location provides a sense of seclusion and better drainage during rainy periods compared to lower-lying areas. While the gorge trails themselves can be rugged and involve many stone steps, the campground loop is designed with accessibility in mind. The park provides wheelchair-accessible parking lots near the camping loops and day-use areas, ensuring that the natural beauty of the region can be enjoyed by all.

For those traveling with trailers or smaller RVs, the 200 Loop offers gravel, back-in sites that can accommodate a variety of setups. It is important for local users to note that the roads within the loop are narrow and winding, characteristic of historic New York state parks, so caution is advised when navigating larger rigs. The entrance to the park is clearly marked, and the proximity to the village of Dansville—just about two miles north—means that essential supplies, local groceries, and hardware stores are only a few minutes away if you happen to forget any camping essentials.

The 200 Loop Campsites provide a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and safe camping experience. While these are "dry" sites (meaning no individual water or electric hookups), the park has invested in high-quality communal facilities. The services offered include:

• Access to modern comfort stations within the loop, featuring flush toilets and hot, pressurized showers.
• Dedicated potable water stations located at frequent intervals throughout the loop for easy filling of jugs and tanks.
• A central sanitary dump station located near the park office for RV and trailer waste management.
• On-site park rangers and security staff who provide assistance, safety monitoring, and information to campers.
• A seasonal concession stand and gift shop located in the lower park area for snacks and souvenirs.
• Firewood sales available through nearby private vendors located just outside the park entrance.
• A pre-registration system via ReserveAmerica to streamline the check-in process upon arrival.
• Clearly defined quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM to ensure a peaceful night's rest for all guests.

The highlights of staying at the 200 Loop are rooted in the incredible natural features of Stony Brook State Park. Residents choose this loop for its proximity to world-class hiking and unique swimming opportunities. Features and highlights include:

• The Gorge Trail: A spectacular path that leads hikers past three significant waterfalls and through a lush, cool environment.
• Natural Stream-Fed Pool: A one-of-a-kind swimming experience in a pool area fed by the park's own streams, complete with a mini-dam and lifeguards.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: The loop features a nearby playground and open playing fields, including a baseball diamond and tennis courts.
• Winter Recreation: When the snow falls, the park transforms with three miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.
• Scenic Picnic Areas: Dozens of picnic tables and charcoal grills are scattered throughout the park for traditional outdoor meals.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Two leashed pets are allowed per site, provided owners have proof of current rabies inoculation.
• Unique Rock Formations: The park’s geology offers fascinating cliffs and stone bridges that are a photographer’s dream.

If you are looking to book a stay at the 200 Loop or need more information about current park conditions, the staff at Stony Brook State Park is ready to help. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months and holiday weekends. You can reach the park office at:

• Address: 10820 Route 36 South, Dansville, NY 14437, USA
• Phone: (585) 335-5530
• Reservation Portal: New York State Parks (ReserveAmerica)

What makes the 200 Loop worth choosing is the opportunity to stay in one of the most geologically stunning locations in Western New York. For the price of a standard camping fee, you gain 24-hour access to trails and waterfalls that day-users have to leave behind by dusk. The "off-the-grid" nature of the non-electric sites in the 200 Loop encourages a true digital detox, allowing families to focus on bond-building activities like pumpkin carving during the fall or roasting marshmallows over a stone fire ring. The loop’s positioning above the gorge offers a cooler microclimate during the heat of July, making it a more comfortable sleep than many inland campgrounds.

Furthermore, choosing a New York State Park site means your fees go directly toward the preservation of these historic lands. The 200 Loop provides a "classic" camping experience that is becoming harder to find in a world of high-tech RV resorts. Here, the emphasis is on the quality of the trails, the cleanliness of the air, and the simple pleasure of a morning walk to see a waterfall before the crowds arrive. Whether you are a local Dansville resident looking for a staycation or a Finger Lakes explorer, the 200 Loop at Stony Brook State Park offers a high-value, authentic New York outdoor adventure that is hard to beat.

Would you like me to check the specific opening dates for the gorge trail this season or look up the current vehicle entry fees for New York State residents?