Stony Brook State Park (nysparks.com) has approximately 120 campsites scattered beneath a dense canopy of adult shade trees. Each campsite includes a picnic table and campfire ring, and all visitors have access to potable drinking water and modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. None of the campsites have electricity or hookups, but trailers and RVs are welcome, as are tents and smaller pop-up campers. Many sites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length, and a few are wheelchair accessible.
You also can stay at one of eight rustic cabins in Stony Brook State Park. The cabins each sleep up to four people, but they include only minimal furnishings and do not have electricity or running water, making them a suitable compromise for campers who like to have a solid roof over their heads while still getting away from modern conveniences. Cabins are located among the standard campsites, and have plenty of shade trees and easy access to restrooms, showers and drinking water.
Hiking is a prime attraction at Stony Brook State Park, and both the 1-mile West Rim Trail and the 1.25-mile East Rim Trail follow the length of Stony Brook, the creek for which the park is named. The trails cover moderate terrain, including stone steps and a few steep climbs, and provide access to three waterfalls -- the largest of which is the 45-foot Upper Falls. Stony Brook State Park also offers numerous opportunities for nature viewing and photography, and has picnic areas, playgrounds, ball fields and tennis courts.
Stony Brook State Park is open for camping from early May through mid-October, although exact dates may vary from one year to the next. The park stays open for day-use year-round, and winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The gorge trails are closed in winter for safety reasons. If you plan to camp at Stony Brook, you can claim an unreserved campsite upon arrival on a first-come, first-serve basis, but reservations are available by phone or online through ReserveAmerica. The campground often fills up on weekends, holidays and during the summer months, so reservations are recommended.
