Stony Brook State Park

4.44

65 reviews

10820 Route 36 South, Dansville, New York, 14437, United States

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New York

Quick Facts

1,184 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,184 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Stony Brook State Park

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee is $45 for the weekend as per a user review. No additional details about fee structure provided.

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

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Reserve America

Provider

5853355530

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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 65 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

crowdedsmall

"User reviews for Stony Brook State Park are mixed. Positive experiences highlight the park's natural beauty, particularly the gorge trail and waterfalls, while negative feedback often focuses on campsite proximity and noise levels."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10820 Route 36 South, Dansville, New York, 14437, United States

Stony Brook State Park

10820 Route 36 South, Dansville, New York, 14437, United States

Driving directionsThe park is located several miles south of Dansville. Take I-390 to Route 36 South. North Entrance: 10820 Route 36, Dansville NY 14437. South Entrance: 10518 County Route 47, Dansville NY 14437.

Access is primarily via paved roads including I-390 and Route 36 South; no seasonal closures mentioned.

Nearby places

Dansville (2 miles), Letchworth State Park (approximately 15 miles), Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area (approximately 20 miles), Honeoye Lake Boat Launch State Park (approximately 30 miles), and Watkins Glen State Park (approximately 55 miles).

Nearby supplies

Firewood is sold by private vendors near the campground. The closest reliable vendor with good firewood is approximately 1.5 miles north on Route 36 across from K's Canine & Tri-County Family Medicine. No other mention of supplies like groceries or fuel available nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Stony Brook State Park

Experience the full drama of seasonal change at Stony Brook, where each time of year paints the gorge in different hues. Spring awakens the forest with rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt, while summer brings perfect camping weather with warm days ideal for swimming and cool nights perfect for campfires. Fall transforms the woodland canopy into a breathtaking tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter enthusiasts will find pristine snow-covered trails perfect for cross-country skiing adventures. The sweet spots for camping fall during those magical weeks of moderate temperatures, blue skies, and gentle breezes that make outdoor living pure joy.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer reviews praise beauty and family activities but note crowding and busy weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal foliage and gorge views enhance fall; fewer crowds implied outside peak summer.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 20% in NY

Snowmelt feeds roaring waterfalls in spring — high scenic value noted in descriptions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Cross-country skiing available, but gorge trail opens late May and winter details are limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific dates for peak season pricing mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground opens reservations 9 months in advance. The gorge trail opens late May depending on safety conditions.
Current Alerts: The gorge trail opens late May, depending on safety conditions. Swimming availability is subject to water safety and lifeguard coverage.

About Stony Brook State Park

Nestled within rolling woodlands, Stony Brook State Park invites campers to pitch their tents or park their trailers among towering trees that whisper stories of the ancient forest. Below your campsite, a dramatic gorge carves through the landscape, where cascading waterfalls thunder over rugged cliffs and time-sculpted rock formations create nature's own amphitheater. After a day of exploration, cool off in the unique stream-fed swimming pool, challenge friends to a game of tennis, or gather the family at spacious pavilions equipped with playgrounds and playing fields. Modern comforts await with clean restrooms and hot showers, while each site offers its own picnic table for memorable outdoor meals. When winter transforms the park into a snow-covered wonderland, the trails become a cross-country skier's paradise.

The campground offers options for tent camping, group camping, and rustic cabins. There are no electric sites or cabins with electricity at this location.

Historical SignificanceWhile the ancient rocks and timeless waterfalls hold their secrets close, the true history of Stony Brook lies in the countless memories created by generations of families who have found adventure and solace within these wooded hills.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of seasonal change at Stony Brook, where each time of year paints the gorge in different hues. Spring awakens the forest with rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt, while summer brings perfect camping weather with warm days ideal for swimming and cool nights perfect for campfires. Fall transforms the woodland canopy into a breathtaking tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter enthusiasts will find pristine snow-covered trails perfect for cross-country skiing adventures. The sweet spots for camping fall during those magical weeks of moderate temperatures, blue skies, and gentle breezes that make outdoor living pure joy.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates a natural playground of hills and valleys, offering campsites perched above the dramatic gorge below, where each site provides its own unique perspective of the surrounding woodland landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThree magnificent waterfalls serve as the crown jewels of Stony Brook, each carving its own path through the dramatic gorge below. Towering cliffs rise like ancient sentinels, their faces etched by millennia of flowing water, while fascinating rock formations provide natural sculpture gardens for exploration. The surrounding hillside forests create a verdant canopy overhead, offering shade in summer and spectacular color displays in autumn. This diverse landscape provides endless opportunities for photography, nature study, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation of nature's artistry.

Geological RegionStony Brook State Park showcases nature's patient sculpting work, where an energetic stream has carved a spectacular gorge through the rolling hills of the region. This geological masterpiece features three distinct waterfalls that cascade through a canyon bordered by impressive cliff faces and unique rock formations, all surrounded by the gentle embrace of hilly woodlands that have stood watch over this natural wonder for countless generations.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 3 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Stay Limit

Acamping party can occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific number of guests per site mentioned.

Groups

Group camping is available, but exact details about capacity are not provided. One user mentioned a site 'accommodated 27 people.'

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTent and trailer campsites are scattered in woodlands above the gorge.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve America, which also offers pre-registration 2 days prior to arrival.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo details provided about walk-up/first-come-first-served availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or changed only after 18 days following the initial booking if departure dates fall outside the 9-month reservation window.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are lacking in certain areas. A user review highlighted issues with shower accessibility for people with disabilities, describing them as 'completely unacceptable.

Site SizeCampsites are described as being small and closely packed, offering limited privacy. However, some users noted larger and more secluded sites available in specific areas of the campground.

PrivacyMultiple reviews mention that campsites are very close together with limited privacy. One user stated, 'The camp sites are treated as party sites for families and young kids. Super loud.' Another review mentioned, 'We reserved a campsite marked as a “staff favourite” for privacy but found two campsites basically on top of us.

Recommended SitesSome sites are noted as more private than others, but proximity to other sites was a concern.

Amenities available

Showers

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Stony Brook State Park offers a range of activities including hiking, tennis, and cross-country skiing during winter. Several waterfalls are notable highlights of the park, and the gorge trail is particularly popular.

HikingThe park offers a variety of hiking trails, including rim, gorge, and nature trails. The gorge trail is a standout feature, with one user describing it as 'insanely beautiful.' Another reviewer noted, 'The hiking trails were amazing!' The gorge trail is seasonal and opens at the end of May, depending on safety conditions.

SwimmingSwimming is available in the park's stream-fed guarded swimming pool. However, it is noted that swimming opportunities depend on lifeguard availability and water quality testing, which may result in sudden restrictions.

BikingBiking is allowed on paved roads only.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention problems such as loud noise after quiet hours, traffic noise, muddy sites, and inconsiderate behavior from other campers.

Active AlertsThe gorge trail opens late May, depending on safety conditions. Swimming availability is subject to water safety and lifeguard coverage.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted. Firewood must be sourced from nearby vendors as none is sold within the campground.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are From 10 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include the ranger station (contact number: 5853355530) and Tri-County Family Medicine located approximately 1.5 miles north on Route 36.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the park's gorge, waterfalls, and a stream-fed swimming pool.

Camp HostUser reviews describe campground staff and rangers as friendly and helpful.

Weather at Stony Brook State Park

Reviews

4.4

65 reviews

Recommended

Stony Brook State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Stony Brook State Park are mixed. Positive experiences highlight the park's natural beauty, particularly the gorge trail and waterfalls, while negative feedback often focuses on campsite proximity and noise levels.

Review Summaries

Based on 65 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments include well-maintained grounds, beautiful trails, and a family-friendly environment. One user mentioned, 'The campground was clean and most people were friendly.' Another stated,...

Based on 65 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include lack of privacy between campsites, noise levels, and issues in the men's bathrooms. One user described the campsites as 'treated as party sites for families and young kids....

Based on 65 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include purchasing firewood north on Route 36, as firewood sold near the park entrance is considered overpriced. Plan for cabins without electricity or water, and consider quieter...

Based on 65 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the park's beauty and family-friendly atmosphere but note crowding and noise. Winter reviews focus on activities like cross-country skiing but lack specific details.

Based on 65 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The gorge trail is insanely beautiful.' 2. 'I've been here so many times in the past 20 years, and it's always exactly as I remember. I absolutely love it here.' 3. 'If you’re a mature camper,...

Based on 65 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites offer more privacy than others, but overall, the campsites are described as small and close together. One user noted, 'We reserved a campsite marked as a “staff favourite” for privacy but...

Based on 65 reviews

Accessibility Features

A user with disabilities criticized the accessibility of the public showers, describing the facilities as 'completely unacceptable.'

Based on 65 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with a limit of two pets per site. One user emphasized the importance of having proof of rabies inoculation at check-in as required by park rules.

Based on 65 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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