Tucked into the rolling hills of Central County in southern New York, Oquaga Creek State Park spreads across 1,385 acres of hardwood forest and open meadow. The park takes its name from Oquaga Creek, which cuts through the landscape and feeds a modest but scenic lake that serves as the centerpiece for most visitor activity.

The lake draws swimmers in summer, with a sandy beach and designated swimming area that families rely on when the heat settles into the valley. Fishing is productive here — bass and panfish populate the lake, while the creek itself offers quieter spots for anglers willing to walk a bit. In winter, the terrain lends itself to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along trails that wind through stands of oak, maple, and birch.

Hikers will find a network of trails ranging from easy lakeside loops to moderate climbs that open up to views of the surrounding Broome County countryside. The forest canopy makes these trails especially rewarding in autumn, when the hardwoods put on one of the better fall color displays in the region.

The park maintains campsites for tent and trailer camping, making it a practical base for a weekend trip. Sites are wooded and reasonably spaced, offering more privacy than many state park campgrounds in New York.

Visit between late May and mid-October for the fullest experience. Summer weekends bring crowds to the beach, so midweek visits reward you with quieter water and open trails.

Explore Nearby

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• US Highway 278 — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• Knapp’s Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York
• Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area — Public Land