Group Camp Entrance, Stony Brook

The Group Camp Entrance at Stony Brook State Park serves as the gateway to one of the most breathtaking outdoor experiences in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. Located just south of the village of Dansville, this specialized camping area is designed to accommodate larger gatherings of up to 60 people, making it a premier choice for family reunions, scouting troops, and organized club retreats. For New York residents, Stony Brook has long been a cherished destination, known for its dramatic geological features, including a deep gorge, rugged cliffs, and three magnificent waterfalls that cascade through the heart of the park.

Choosing the group camp at Stony Brook allows visitors to immerse themselves in a landscape sculpted by post-glacial streams. The terrain is characterized by hilly woodlands that provide a lush, green canopy during the summer months and a vibrant tapestry of gold and crimson during the autumn. Unlike standard individual sites, the group area offers an expansive, communal footprint where multiple tents can be pitched in close proximity, fostering a sense of togetherness that is often hard to find in more traditional, segmented campgrounds. Whether you are planning a weekend of storytelling around a massive central fire or an educational nature excursion for a youth group, this location provides the infrastructure to make large-scale camping both manageable and memorable.

Location and accessibility are major advantages for those traveling from across New York State. Stony Brook State Park is situated in Steuben County, approximately 50 miles south of Rochester and a short drive from the northern tips of the Finger Lakes. The Group Camp Entrance is specifically located toward the southern end of the park, accessible via NY Route 36. For travelers using modern navigation, the park provides two distinct entrances: the North Entrance at 10820 Route 36 and the South Entrance at 10518 County Route 47. Groups should coordinate their arrival to ensure they utilize the entrance closest to the group site, as the two ends of the park are connected primarily by trails and the main highway rather than internal vehicle roads.

Once you arrive, you will find a dedicated, wheelchair-accessible parking lot with ample space for up to ten vehicles associated with the group reservation. The transition from the parking area to the campsites is designed for efficiency, allowing groups to unload heavy gear, coolers, and large tents with ease. Accessibility is a key focus here, with paved surfaces leading to essential facilities, ensuring that all members of your party can navigate the common areas comfortably. For those looking to explore beyond the camp, the park's famous trail system is literally at your doorstep, offering immediate access to the scenic wonders of the Stony Brook gorge.

The services offered at the Group Camp are tailored to meet the needs of large parties while maintaining the rustic integrity of a state park experience. Staff at Stony Brook are noted for being helpful and efficient, ensuring that the facilities are ready for your arrival. Because group camping requires more coordination than individual stays, the park provides a robust set of communal utilities to simplify your logistics.

• Spacious tenting areas capable of accommodating groups of up to 60 individuals.
• Clean and modern public restrooms that are maintained and sanitized daily by park staff.
• Dedicated on-site parking for up to 10 vehicles included with the group site reservation.
• Plentiful picnic tables and heavy-duty charcoal grills for large-scale outdoor meal preparation.
• Large central fire rings designed for group campfires and evening social gatherings.
• Access to shared comfort stations within the park that feature hot showers and flush toilets.
• Seasonal concession stands located within the park for snacks and basic supplies.

Features and highlights of the Stony Brook Group Camp extend far beyond the campsite itself. The park is a natural playground, particularly famous for its stream-fed swimming pool. Created by a small dam in the lower reaches of the brook, this "natural" pool offers a unique swimming experience in cool, spring-fed water under the watchful eye of certified lifeguards. For families with children, the proximity to the park's playground is a significant highlight, featuring slides and swings just a short walk from the group area.

• Immediate access to the Gorge Trail, which showcases three major waterfalls and unique rock formations.
• Dog-friendly environment, allowing up to two pets per site (with proof of rabies inoculation).
• A dedicated playground area nearby, making it an exceptionally "good for kids" destination.
• Proximity to the East Rim and West Rim trails for those seeking more challenging hikes and panoramic overlooks.
• Educational opportunities to observe local wildlife, including the rare Grey Petaltail Dragonfly.
• Recreational facilities including tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and volleyball courts within the park.
• Close proximity to other Finger Lakes attractions, such as Letchworth State Park and local wineries.

To secure a spot at the Group Camp, it is highly recommended to use the New York State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica). Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance, and because this is one of the few high-capacity group sites in the region, it tends to book up quickly for summer weekends and holiday periods.

Address: Stony Brook State Park, 10820 Route 36, Dansville, NY 14437, USA

Phone: (585) 335-5530

What is worth choosing when planning your next outdoor event? The Group Camp at Stony Brook is worth choosing because it eliminates the isolation of booking multiple individual sites. It provides a private "neighborhood" for your group where you can cook, eat, and socialize in one central location. Furthermore, the value proposition is hard to beat; for a single group fee, you gain access to 568 acres of prime New York wilderness, complete with high-end park amenities like hot showers and a guarded swimming area.

Choosing this location also means you are supporting the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), whose craftsmanship is still visible in the stone bridges and stairways that wind through the gorge. It is a place that balances adventure with convenience—you can spend your morning hiking a rugged trail and your afternoon relaxing in a well-maintained picnic area. If you are looking for a destination that offers something for everyone, from the youngest children on the playground to the most avid hikers on the rim trails, Stony Brook’s group camp provides the perfect stage for your next great New York adventure. Its unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and group-friendly infrastructure makes it a standout choice for any collective outdoor excursion.