Darien Lakes State Park

3.53

103 reviews

10475 HARLOW ROAD, DARIEN CENTER, New York, 14040, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,024 ft

Price

$100 - $280/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,024 ft

Price

$100 - $280/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Darien Lakes State Park

$100.00 - $280.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pricing varies significantly based on the type of camping (cabins, RV, tent). User reviews mention weekend pricing as high as $280 and standard...

Standard Site Fee$100.00

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

5855479242

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What Campers Say

3.53

Mixed Reviews

Based on 103 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

"User reviews for Darien Lakes State Park vary widely, with some praising the spaciousness and cleanliness of cabins and campsites as well as friendly staff, while others criticize maintenance issues, high prices, and overcrowding during holiday periods."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

10475 HARLOW ROAD, DARIEN CENTER, New York, 14040, United States

Darien Lakes State Park

10475 HARLOW ROAD, DARIEN CENTER, New York, 14040, United States

Driving directionsUse exit 48A - Pembroke Exit off the NYS Thruway, I-90, and follow the signs South on Rte. 77 (Allegany Road) to Darien Lakes State Park, three miles from Darien Lakes Amusement and Camping Resort.

Road access is straightforward via the NYS Thruway (I-90), exit 48A. Seasonal navigation challenges or closures are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Darien Lakes Amusement and Camping Resort (3 miles), Letchworth State Park, Niagara Falls State Park (roughly equidistant).

Nearby supplies

Darien Lake Theme Park, gas stations, grocery stores, weekly farmers market nearby

specific distances not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Darien Lakes State Park

Experience the full spectrum of New York's seasons in this outdoor paradise. Winter blankets the park in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts, while summer brings warm, balmy days ideal for swimming and lakeside relaxation. Spring and fall offer spectacular transitions, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and camping. Our detailed seasonal analysis helps you discover the optimal weeks for your camping adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Beach swimming, biking, fishing and horseback riding available, but overcrowding on holiday weekends.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Rolling hills and dense woodlands imply good fall foliage viewing; activities continue into season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Trails and lake access resume after winter; seasonal activity details are limited in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, but fewer amenities in winter.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, with seasonal variations in activities and weather.
Current Alerts: Swimming closures when lifeguards are unavailable or water quality tests fail.

About Darien Lakes State Park

Discover endless outdoor adventures at Darien Lakes State Park, where wooded trails beckon mountain bikers and hikers, while crystal-clear Harlow Lake invites anglers to cast their lines. From friendly games on the basketball court to challenging rounds of disc golf, this dynamic campground transforms with the seasons—offering peaceful horseback rides along scenic bridle paths in summer and exhilarating snowmobile trails through snow-covered forests in winter. Modern comforts await with heated facilities, a refreshing beach for swimming, and well-appointed picnic areas perfect for family gatherings under towering trees.

Darien Lakes State Park offers tent camping, RV camping, group camping sites, and cabin lodging. Primitive camping is also available at some designated sites.

Historical SignificancePerfectly positioned in Western New York's most spectacular corridor, this campground serves as your gateway to two of America's natural wonders. Journey west to witness the thundering majesty of Niagara Falls, or venture east to explore the breathtaking gorges of Letchworth State Park, known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East.' This prime location makes Darien Lakes an ideal basecamp for experiencing the region's most treasured landmarks.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New York's seasons in this outdoor paradise. Winter blankets the park in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts, while summer brings warm, balmy days ideal for swimming and lakeside relaxation. Spring and fall offer spectacular transitions, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and camping. Our detailed seasonal analysis helps you discover the optimal weeks for your camping adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where rolling hills meet dense woodlands, creating a tapestry of natural beauty that changes with every turn. Deep ravines carved by babbling streams wind through the terrain, leading adventurers to hidden corners of the park. At the heart of it all lies the serene twelve-acre Harlow Lake, its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding forest canopy. Visitors consistently rave about the stunning vistas that unfold throughout the park, from sunrise breaking over the hilltops to evening light filtering through the trees.

Geological RegionNestled in the rolling countryside of south-western Genesee County, this remarkable landscape tells the story of ancient geological forces. The park's distinctive hilly terrain creates a diverse ecosystem where hardwood forests cascade down into mysterious ravines, carved over millennia by persistent streams. The crown jewel, twelve-acre Harlow Lake, rests peacefully among these hills, a natural basin that captures both rainwater and imagination, offering a pristine aquatic habitat in the heart of this varied topography.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4PM

Stay Limit

Acamping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites are large enough for families and groups.

Groups

Specific group site descriptions, including guest and vehicle limits, are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are described as large and spacious, accommodating multiple tents and vehicles.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America, with pre-registration available two days prior to arrival.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations outside the 9-month maximum window are restricted for 18 days after reservation creation.

AccessibilityADA-accessible cabins are available. User reviews consistently praise the cleanliness and suitability of these accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with one user noting they could fit four tents and multiple hammocks with room to spare.

PrivacyUser reviews mention significant space between sites, allowing privacy and peace.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a mallet for tent stakes due to rocky ground; cabins are closer to the park but vary in size and amenities.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Darien Lakes State Park offers a diverse range of activities, including biking, basketball, disc golf, horseback riding, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, and wintertime snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

HikingThe park features hiking trails that traverse woodlands, ravines, streams, and areas near Harlow Lake. No specific details about trail lengths or difficulty are included.

FishingHarlow Lake provides opportunities for fishing from the shore. User reviews describe experiences of catching small fish using a spinner, though no additional details about fish types or fishing quality were provided.

SwimmingSwimming is permitted at the beach when lifeguards are on duty. The authoritative source highlights safety measures such as water testing and lifeguard staffing.

BikingThe park offers biking activities, though trail descriptions and difficulty levels are not specified.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsIssues like rotting picnic tables, wasp infestations, and electric circuit panel corrosion have been mentioned.

Active AlertsSwimming closures when lifeguards are unavailable or water quality tests fail.

Fire PolicyFire pits are inconsistently available; bring your own if necessary.

Emergency ServicesRanger station available at the park (585-547-9242); other emergency services are not explicitly mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesHarlow Lake is a central feature for fishing and scenic views.

Camp HostFriendly and helpful staff, although some inconsistencies in service quality are noted.

Weather at Darien Lakes State Park

Reviews

3.5

103 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Darien Lakes State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Darien Lakes State Park vary widely, with some praising the spaciousness and cleanliness of cabins and campsites as well as friendly staff, while others criticize maintenance issues, high prices, and overcrowding during holiday periods.

Review Summaries

Based on 103 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight spacious campsites, clean facilities, ADA-accessible cabins, and immersive camping experiences near the amusement park. Several users enjoyed activities like fishing and...

Based on 103 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently mention high costs, rotting picnic tables, lack of fire pits, maintenance issues in RVs and cabins, and poor customer service. Security concerns and overcrowding were also noted...

Based on 103 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend bringing a mallet for rocky tent sites, renting golf carts for easier travel, and ensuring adequate supplies for cabin stays, such as hand soap, towels, and tablecloths. A...

Based on 103 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends indicate overcrowding and security issues on holiday weekends, while quieter midweek stays provide a more relaxing experience. Winter activities like snowmobiling are available, but...

Based on 103 reviews

Camper Quotes

1) 'GORGEOUS campground. You feel like you’re in the woods but are still within walking distance to the park.' 2) 'Don't be fooled folks, this place has gone downhill in recent years.' 3) 'The cabins...

Based on 103 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user mentioned rotting picnic tables and insufficient fire grates at their site, while another praised the large tent sites for accommodating multiple tents and hammocks.

Based on 103 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible cabins received positive feedback for cleanliness and suitability, though one reviewer noted difficulty obtaining answers from staff on-site.

Based on 103 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at all campsites, and one user expressed gratitude for the pet-friendly policies. However, the need for proof of rabies inoculation was emphasized.

Based on 103 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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