The scenery at Green Lakes State Park lives up to its name, with sprawling old-growth forest and both its Green and Round Lakes displaying a blue-greenish color. Visitors can swim or rent a rowboat or kayak to explore the lakes in summer, while winter offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There’s also an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails through a gorge and across hills, and more than 170 species of birds to look out for. The park has two campgrounds—Pine Woods and the primitive Rolling Hills can accommodate tents, RVs, trailers, and campervans.

1. Just outside Syracuse, Green Lakes is a popular city escape, which means that you should make weekend bookings as far in advance as possible. 
2. Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone, up to nine months in advance.
3. From mid-May to early October, same-day reservations are permitted only until 3pm. No walk-ins are allowed.

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons and the best times for enjoying paddling and swimming in the lakes and playing a round of golf but fall and winter have their own appeal. The park’s lush foliage explodes into rich colors in fall, which is also the ideal time for tackling the park’s hiking trails. In the colder months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possibilities.

• No outside boats, kayaks, or canoes are allowed on the lakes. Rowboat and kayak rentals are normally available from the Boat House Wednesdays through Sundays, Memorial through Labor Day.
• Up to two pets per site are welcome, as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in buildings or swimming areas.
• There is a fee for vehicles entering the park. If you plan to visit multiple New York state parks, buying an Empire Pass card can save you money.