Stony Brook State Park Campground

Stony Brook State Park Campground offers a quintessential New York outdoor experience, characterized by its dramatic geological features and lush woodland setting. Located just outside the village of Dansville in the Finger Lakes region, this state park is renowned for its deep gorge, rugged cliffs, and three spectacular waterfalls. The campground serves as an ideal base for families and nature lovers who wish to explore the park's unique topography, which includes fascinating rock formations and hilly woodlands. As a popular destination for "locals" and visitors from across the state, it provides a rustic yet refreshing escape from the daily grind, where the primary soundtrack is the rush of water over stone.

The camping area is thoughtfully tucked into the woodlands above the gorge at the southern end of the park. This positioning allows campers to enjoy a sense of seclusion while remaining within walking distance of the park's most famous attractions. Whether you are pitching a tent or bringing a small trailer, the environment encourages a traditional camping lifestyle focused on campfires, hiking, and outdoor recreation. The park is particularly famous for its natural, stream-fed swimming pool, which offers a unique alternative to standard chlorinated pools and is a major draw during the warm summer months. For New Yorkers looking for a "hidden gem" that packs a significant visual punch, Stony Brook stands out as a top-tier choice.

Stony Brook State Park Campground is located in Dansville, NY 14437, easily accessible from major regional thoroughfares. For those traveling from Rochester, the drive is approximately one hour south via I-390, while visitors from the Buffalo or Corning areas will find it a convenient and scenic journey. The park features two main entrances: the North Entrance, which provides the easiest access to the day-use area and the natural swimming pool, and the South Entrance, which is more convenient for accessing the camping loops. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by well-marked roads, though travelers with larger RVs should be aware that the terrain is hilly and the roads within the camping loops can be narrow.

Accessibility is a priority at the park, ensuring that many of its features can be enjoyed by all guests. The campground provides wheelchair-accessible parking lots, restrooms, and park entrances. While the famous Gorge Trail involves many stairs and may not be fully accessible, the park provides various picnic areas and facilities designed with mobility in mind. On-site parking is plentiful at individual sites and in common areas, making it easy to transport gear from your vehicle to your tent or cabin.

• Tent and trailer sites scattered throughout hilly, wooded loops for maximum nature immersion.
• Rustic cabins available for those who prefer a roof over their heads while maintaining a traditional camping feel.
• Comfort stations equipped with flush toilets and hot public showers located in each camping loop.
• Access to potable running water and water fill-up stations throughout the campground.
• Sanitary dump station conveniently located near the camp office for RV and trailer users.
• Professional lifeguard services at the natural stream-fed swimming pool during the summer season.
• On-site park office with friendly staff to assist with check-ins, maps, and local information.
• Acceptance of multiple payment forms for camping fees, including credit cards and digital payments.

The highlights of Stony Brook State Park are undoubtedly centered around its water features and hiking opportunities. The Gorge Trail, roughly 0.75 miles one way, takes hikers past three significant waterfalls—Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls. These falls cascade over ancient rock faces into deep pools, providing incredible photography opportunities and a cooling mist on hot days. For families, the park offers a robust recreation area that includes multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, and volleyball areas, ensuring that children have plenty of space to play and stay active.

• Three major waterfalls (Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls) accessible via scenic hiking trails.
• Natural stream-fed swimming pool, a rare and refreshing feature guarded by lifeguards.
• Kid-friendly hiking paths and a well-equipped playground featuring slides and swings.
• Extensive picnic areas with picnic tables and grills, perfect for large family gatherings.
• Pet-friendly policy allowing up to two dogs per site (with proof of rabies inoculation).
• Diverse trail system including the Rim Trails for elevation gain and the Gorge Trail for scenery.
• Close proximity to other Finger Lakes attractions, including Letchworth State Park.

For those interested in booking a stay, the campground is located in Dansville, NY 14437. You can reach the park office for general inquiries at (585) 335-5530. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend stays during the peak summer season, and can be made through the New York State Parks reservation system. The campground typically operates from May through October, though the Gorge Trail may open later in the spring depending on safety conditions and winter ice melt.

Stony Brook State Park Campground is worth choosing for its unparalleled natural beauty and the "authentic" New York state park feel it provides. If you value a camping trip that centers on beautiful scenery rather than high-tech amenities, this is the place for you. The sites on the 200 loop are particularly favored by regular visitors for their proximity to the bathrooms and their spacious, private layouts. The absence of electricity at the sites encourages a true "unplugged" experience, allowing you to focus on the waterfalls, the star-filled night sky, and the company of your fellow campers.

Furthermore, the park's layout makes it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway that feels like a significant adventure without requiring a long-distance trek. The ability to hike past three waterfalls, swim in a natural pool, and return to a wooded campsite all within the same day is a luxury that few other campgrounds can match. While it can be a busy spot on the weekends, the sense of community and the shared appreciation for the outdoors make Stony Brook a staple of the New York camping circuit. Whether you are an experienced hiker looking for the challenge of the Rim Trails or a family seeking a clean and safe environment for your children's first camping trip, Stony Brook State Park Campground delivers a memorable and high-quality outdoor experience.