Grafton Lakes State Park
00 reviewP.O. Box 163, Grafton, New York, 12082, United States
Grafton Lakes State Park
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The only fee mentioned is for parking, which is $8 per car.
About this campground
While Grafton Lakes State Park doesn't offer overnight camping, this beloved day-use destination beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine swimming holes, meandering hiking trails, and tranquil waters perfect for boating and fishing. Visitors find themselves drawn back season after season to experience the park's diverse recreational offerings amidst its natural splendor.
Camping is not available at Grafton Lakes State Park. It serves primarily as a day-use park with extensive recreational offerings.
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons transform Grafton Lakes throughout the year, each bringing its own unique charm. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and ice, creating a crystalline wonderland despite freezing temperatures. As spring arrives, mixed precipitation gives way to warmer days, culminating in idyllic summers with comfortable highs in the 70-80°F range—perfect for swimming and outdoor adventures. The park enjoys predominantly dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for fair-weather explorers.
Natural Features and ScenerySix pristine ponds dot the landscape like natural jewels, each teeming with aquatic life including rainbow trout, bass, pickerel, and perch that delight anglers of all skill levels. The crown jewel, Long Pond, features an inviting sandy beach that serves as a summer oasis for swimmers and sunbathers. Dense forests provide a verdant backdrop, their canopy offering shade along trails and creating intimate pockets of wilderness throughout the park.
Geological RegionPerched on a scenic forested plateau that bridges the dramatic Taconic Mountains and the historic Hudson Valley, Grafton Lakes encompasses nearly 2,500 acres of protected woodland. This unique geographical position creates a diverse ecosystem where mountain and valley influences converge, resulting in the park's distinctive landscape of rolling forests punctuated by six sparkling ponds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes accessible picnic areas and restrooms. Additionally, user reviews highlighted the efforts made during community events, such as the trick-or-treat night, which demonstrated the park's inclusivity.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Amenities available
Showers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Grafton Lakes State Park offers a wide range of activities such as hiking, swimming, biking, boating, fishing, and cultural programs. Seasonal activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing during winter.
Hiking
The park has 25 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. However, some visitors have criticized the trails as "treacherous and dangerous" due to challenging terrain.Fishing
Fishing is popular in the park's ponds, with species like rainbow trout, brown trout, and bass available. Victor Velasquez noted, 'Lots of people enjoying fishing.'Swimming
Swimming is available at the sandy beach along Long Pond. User reviews highlight the clean and well-maintained beach area, though some complaints about water quality were noted.Biking
Biking trails are available, serving as part of the 25-mile trail system.Boating
Boating activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, are supported. The park has boat launches and rentals. Samantha Monroe noted, 'Can't wait for them to get the canoes and paddle boats back up for renting.'Wildlife viewing
The park's forested areas and ponds offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species were not detailed in reviews.Beach activities
Beach activities include sunbathing and playing on the sandy shore. The beach is popular for its size and flat layout, as noted by Stevie: 'Very large beach, nice and flat.'Cultural and Educational Programs
The park hosts cultural and educational programs such as the Lantern Light Trail Walk and LL Bean Outdoor Discovery classes on kayaking and archery.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and ice fishing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews cite treacherous hiking trails with boulder fields as potential hazards.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present within the park.
Proximity to water featuresThe park contains six ponds, including Long Pond and Martin-Durham Reservoir, offering boating, fishing, and scenic views.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor trail conditions (e.g., boulder fields), unclean beach water, limited food concessions, and lack of WiFi in emergencies.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 163, Grafton, New York, 12082, United States
Driving directionsPlease use the address provided for GPS driving directions or call the park directly.
Good road access is implied, but no specific details about road type, seasonal closures, or terrain challenges are provided.Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Grafton Lakes State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting well-maintained facilities, a clean beach, and a variety of activities. Complaints include water quality, lack of cell service, and limited food options.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors praised the clean and spacious beach, attentive lifeguards, and variety of recreational opportunities like hiking, boating, and fishing.
Common Concerns
Complaints include water quality at the beach ('clumps of hair and glass in the sand'), challenging trails, and poor cell phone service.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a picnic spot, especially during weekends or holidays. Consider calling ahead during hot days due to capacity limits.
Seasonal Insights
The park is most popular in summer for beach activities and boating. Winter activities like cross-country skiing are also well-received when conditions allow.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The beach was clean and well kept.' - Martha P.
2. 'The trails are treacherous and dangerous.' - Elaine Macura
3. 'Beautiful fall colors and a lovely trick-or-treat event for kids.' - Lo Wood
Accessibility Features
Accessible features such as picnic areas and restrooms have been positively mentioned, though specific details about their usability are limited.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes and are not permitted in certain areas. Victor Velasquez mentioned his 'fur son' enjoying the park.
Last updated August 10, 2025