There are countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at New York State Parks. Whether camping, boating, fishing, or exploring our trails, we all share the responsibility to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. We’ve assembled a list of tips and tricks for the next time you’re connecting with nature at one of our facilities, but they all boil down to a few simple concepts: stay aware of your surroundings, leave no trace, keep safety in mind, and follow the rules. 

Navigating Parks and Trails

Whether you stroll, run, ride a bike, operate a wheelchair, walk a leashed pet, push a stroller, or cross-country ski, all trailgoers should get out there with courtesy and safety in mind! Below are some things to remember before heading out on a trail.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Keep our parks and trails enjoyable for all by remaining aware of others and acting respectfully. When on the trail, stay to the right and maintain a clear path for passing. People at our facilities might be having a conversation, wearing ear buds, or be hard of hearing, so never assume they know you’re near them or approaching. When in doubt, slow down and be patient with others.

If you’re biking, make sure the trail you wish to use allows bikes. Use a bell or call out to alert others as you pass safely on the left. When taking a break, move to the side to keep the trail clear. 

Leave No Trace

Many of our parks and trails are carry-in, carry-out — in other words, we ask that you leave with what you come in with. In many cases, we intentionally do not have trash cans available to prevent disturbance to nearby wildlife and the ecosystem through runaway litter.

For this reason, we need your help to keep our parks and trailways clean! All trash (including dog waste) should be carried out once you are finished recreating. Pro tip: bring an extra paper, plastic or canvas bag to make it easy.

Try your best to not disturb wildlife! If some cute ducks approach you by a body of water while you’re having a snack, don’t feed them. Similarly, consuming plants while hiking, even if they’re edible, is prohibited for your safety and for the plant species’ longevity.

Keep Safety in Mind

We love hiking season, camping season and biking season. Unfortunately, some less fun seasons take place at the same time: tick season, poison ivy season, sunburn season, and injury season. Before you head out, use an insect repellent and brush up on tick safety. Avoid contact with vegetation, wear sunscreen, and approach your outings with your own physical limitations in mind.

When biking, ensure you’re protected! All cyclists should wear a properly sized bike helmet, with the strap buckled. Under New York State law, those under age 14 are required to wear an appropriate helmet. Cyclists are encouraged to ride defensively. Stop at all intersections to check for oncoming traffic before safely crossing.   

Follow All Rules

Stay on designated trails and avoid unofficial “social” trail paths that people create. Venturing on unofficial trails can damage fragile ecosystems, cause confusion about the actual route, and put you at risk for tick bites, poison ivy, and other unpleasant encounters.

Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re aware of any parameters for your adventure. For example, electric-assist bicycles, or e-bikes, are legal to use across the state. However, government entities and trail owners on the Empire State Trail and others can place restrictions on the types and places they may be used. In most locations, e-scooters, one-wheels, and higher-speed e-bikes are prohibited. On roads, Class I and Class II e-bikes are permitted where the posted speed is 30 mph or less.  

Boating Safely 

New York State is home to an array of stunning lakes, rivers, ponds and other waterways that make the perfect environment for boating. Whether you’re an experienced ship captain or a casual boater, scenic spots offer the chance to enjoy the outdoors from a different perspective. However, with great beauty comes great responsibility. Keeping safety and respect in mind while enjoying a day on the water is key.  A few points to consider before hopping aboard and setting sail?

Follow All Rules

Before you set out on the water, familiarize yourself with boating rules. As of January 1, 2025, all motorized boat operators must earn a safe boating certificate, regardless of age. Find online and classroom options to take the course. Be aware of speed limits. Keep U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on board. Stay sober while operating a boat, canoe or kayak, and make sure your passengers do, too.

Keep Safety in Mind

Safety begins before you launch! Let someone on shore know where you’re headed, and avoid boating alone. Ensure your watercraft is in good condition and that the weather will be safe. Monitor weather conditions while you’re out on open water and be prepared for rapid changes. Bring safety gear such as a horn or whistle, life jackets, and flares. If you’re on a motorized boat, take a fire extinguisher, too. And don’t toss basic outdoor safety overboard. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellant.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Show courtesy on our waterways. Motorized boaters are required to yield the right of way to non-motorized boats like kayaks or canoes. Kayakers and canoers should keep in mind that they are less visible to larger boats. Everyone should keep ample space from other boaters to avoid collisions. Stay mindful of noise levels from your engine or stereos. Be a good, friendly citizen of the boating community!

Leave No Trace

We count on boaters to help us to protect the environment. Dispose of your trash in designated bins at boat launches or marinas, never in the water! Keep your boat clean to prevent the spread of invasive species such as zebra mussels which disrupt local ecosystems. Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance from their nesting areas and habitats. 

Good Camping Citizenship 

New York State is the perfect spot for outdoor lovers and camping enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent, park your RV, or stay in a home away from home at one of our cabins, cottages or yurts, we have something for everyone. The key to a successful camping trip is prioritizing safety and respect for yourself, your neighbors and the environment around you.  

Follow All Rules

When you check in, review all campground rules. If planning a campfire, buy firewood within a 50-mile radius to avoid bringing invasive species into the park. Keep your campfires small and contained. Respect quiet hours (10PM-7AM) by keeping your music low and your conversations quiet. Turn off lights so others can enjoy a good night’s sleep. 

Keep Safety in Mind

Like boating, safe camping starts before you leave home. Ensure you are packing smart for your stay. Download our camping checklist to stay prepared, and avoid a frustrating detour to the store. Include items like first aid essentials, sunscreen, raingear, and any medications you take. Keep the park’s emergency number handy.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

When setting up camp, stay aware of nature and other people around you. Respect the campsite boundaries to avoid disturbing neighbors or wildlife. Use a fire pit to minimize the risk of fire spreading. Once you’re finished, extinguish the fire completely.  

Leave No Trace

Just like with hiking, stay on the designated trails in the campgrounds. Don’t remove any plants from the environment. Secure your trash so it won’t blow away or be investigated by animals. Although some campgrounds have dumpsters, come prepared to carry in, carry out.  

Hooked on Fishing  

New York State is home to a ton of waterways that offer a variety of fishing experiences. Whether you’re fishing in the deep blue sea or enjoying a quiet day on the lake, there are opportunities to reel in some fish all around the state. Here are a few tips for fishing enthusiasts to keep in mind before casting a line: 

Follow All Rules

Before you begin your fishing trip, ensure you are doing it according to the law! Make sure you have a valid fishing license for New York State. Know the catch limits in your park, and follow seasonal population rules. You cooperation will ensure our fish populations continue to thrive and prevent disruption to the property’s ecosystem. 

Keep Safety in Mind

Keep fishing a pleasant experience for yourself and those around you by prioritizing safety. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other folks fishing or enjoying the water. Wear gloves while handling hooks or fish. Before you cast your line, check to see if there are any people, animals or obstacles behind you. 

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Fishing is often a peaceful and meditative hobby. Respect the space and boundaries of others who are fishing. Keep a low volume to avoid scaring off the fish and annoying other fishers. 

Leave No Trace

While you’re fishing the waters of New York, do your part to keep the beaches and waters clean. Ensure that you are properly carrying out all of your fishing gear. Even items as small as hooks or fishing line can make a huge negative impact on wildlife. 

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As stewards of New York’s public lands, we firmly believe that whether you’re trekking on a trail, paddling across a lake, casting a line, or pitching a tent, safety and courtesy should always guide your actions. They certainly guide ours.

Swimming is also a huge part of summer fun at parks! If you and your loved ones are heading out to cool off, we highly recommend reading our Ready, Set, Swim Safely blog post from earlier this year, where one of our very own lifeguards offers guidance on being mindful in the water.

By respecting the spaces, people, rules and wildlife around, you are contributing to the preservation of New York’s natural beauty and helping to ensure everyone who visits a New York state park has an enjoyable and relaxing time.

—Written by Jewel Slade, Marketing Specialist