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Stony Brook
Overview
Stony Brook State Park in Dansville, New York, offers a breathtaking natural retreat defined by its dramatic gorge and waterfalls. Established as a state park in the 1920s, this destination is famous for its rugged beauty and the historic stonework crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps. RVers visiting the park will find themselves immersed in a landscape of towering cliffs and lush forests, providing a serene escape from the hustle of highway travel.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just south of Dansville in the Finger Lakes region, the park serves as a gateway to some of Western New York's most stunning scenery. The surrounding area features rolling hills and agricultural valleys, which give way to the deep, cool glen of the park itself. The location is easily accessible from Interstate 390, making it a convenient but secluded stop for those exploring the scenic routes between the Rochester area and the Southern Tier.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Stony Brook provides a rustic experience focused on the Great Outdoors. While there are no full hookups, the park offers spacious, wooded campsites with electric hookups available in certain loops. Essential facilities include:
- Modern restrooms and hot showers
- A convenient dump station for RVers
- A natural, stream-fed swimming pool
- Picnic areas with charcoal grills and playgrounds
These features ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining the park's natural character.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw here is the scenic Gorge Trail, which leads hikers past three major waterfalls and numerous small cascades. For those looking to explore further, the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park, is just a short drive away. Locally, the town of Dansville offers charming shops, while the surrounding Finger Lakes wineries provide excellent day-trip opportunities for those looking to sample regional flavors and world-class agriculture.
Who This Park Is Best For
Stony Brook is ideal for nature-focused RVers who prioritize scenery and hiking over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for families looking for a classic camping experience and photographers seeking the perfect waterfall shot. If your travel style involves unplugging and reconnecting with nature, the peaceful, shaded campsites and the sound of rushing water make this park an unforgettable destination for your next New York itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
S Thomas
A beautiful park with a trail with a few small waterfalls. It is under a mile long but has many steps and a few wet areas. Take the George trail (.75 miles) if you want to see the waterfalls.
Charles Hollenbeck
This trail is fun, and reminds me of Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca, NY. The main trail is technically easy and fun, but be mindful that the rim trail is entirely roots and unkempt stairs with no railings. It’s not ideal for kids. Overall, this is a short, 50-60 minute gorge that is well worth the visit.
Angelo Garcia
It’s an amazing adventure and the views don’t stop coming!!! 3 big waterfalls smacked inside the Gorge Trail! Gorgeous views of small Cascades and of course the waterfalls!!! Plenty facilities to enjoy and go around with!!! Great for all ages and the swimming is fantastic!!! Last day for a swim is September 1/2025!
Mike Scheu
Well kept restrooms for a state park. Good distance between bathrooms on trails as well. But you know as well as I - if you gotta go, you gotta go, and that's the woods. Beautiful gorge trail with serene east and west ridge trail as well. Absolutely love this place just for the hike, but there's picnic areas and camping as well.
Jan Nou
One of my favorites near Rochester. The Gorge trail allows you to walk through the water or along side it leading to two waterfalls where you can swim. Beyond that, we went up the many stairs that led to the top and hiked through the woods to get back to the front near the parking lot. You get a view of the horizon and mostly trees, maybe about one mile long. Our group of kids ranging from 5 yo to 12 yo made it through, but there are a few more stairs even after the big one at the beginning (and the decline at the end near the lot). The Gorge path is obviously the most beautiful. It seems that the park frowns on swimming at the waterfalls because one of the employees was telling people to move along (could be they had chairs set up to stay). There is a natural pool at the beginning of the Gorge trail and swimming is allowed during hours where lifeguards are on duty. There are three different depths - deep end, 4ft, and shallow. There is a picnic area with many tables and grills and a playground near the two parking lots. There is also a shelter or two that you can rent. Apparently when it's at capacity, they do not allow any more cars in with exception to those who are staying at the camp grounds, which you can drive to the park or walk to the Gorge trail. Overall, a beautiful park and the campgrounds are great too. I love that we can get in the water and it's a doable hike for most people.