About Green Lakes State Park
Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville NY, just east of Syracuse, is one of Central New York’s most scenic state parks.
The park features two rare glacial lakes — Green Lake and Round Lake — surrounded by upland forest, miles of hiking and biking trails,
a golf course, swimming beach, picnic areas, camping, fishing access, and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.
The lakes’ unusual blue-green water and forested surroundings make this a top destination for nature lovers and families.
Green Lakes State Park spans
over 2,000 acres of pristine natural beauty. The park’s crown jewels are its two glacial meromictic lakes—Green Lake and Round Lake—which
are rare bodies of water where surface and bottom layers never mix, preserving ancient sediments and offering crystal-clear turquoise hues
that captivate visitors year-round.
Meromictic Lakes Explained
A Glacial Legacy
The park’s origins trace back to the last Ice Age, when massive glaciers carved out the landscape, leaving behind these unique plunge basins. Green Lake, the larger of the two at 65 acres, was the first lake in America classified as meromictic in the early 20th century, a distinction that highlights its scientific significance for studying ancient plant and animal life. Round Lake, smaller and more secluded, is equally intriguing and protected as a National Natural Landmark. The surrounding old-growth forest includes towering trees like eastern hemlocks estimated to be up to 400 years old, creating a serene, timeless atmosphere.
Activities for Every Season
Green Lakes offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. In summer, swim in the designated beach area on Green Lake or rent boats to explore its depths—though private boats are not allowed to preserve the ecosystem. Anglers can fish for species like bass and trout, but fishing is prohibited on Round Lake. The park boasts 15 miles of trails for hiking, running, or cross-country skiing in winter, winding through forests and along lake shores. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones, complete with a pro shop and restaurant. Year-round options include disc golf, snowshoeing, and hunting in designated areas. For families, there’s a playground, nature center with exhibits on local wildlife and geology, and environmental education programs like guided hikes and scavenger hunts.
Planning Your Visit
Open daily from dawn to dusk, the park currently charges no vehicle entry fee, though an Empire Pass provides unlimited access to New York state parks. Camping is available with 137 sites, including cabins, from mid-May to mid-October. Pets are welcome in most areas (leashed, with proof of rabies vaccination), but not on beaches or in buildings. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful hike, a round of golf, or a dip in glacial waters, Green Lakes State Park delivers an unforgettable escape into nature’s wonders.
Camping, Cabins & Lodging
Green Lakes State Park7900 Green Lakes Road
Fayetteville, NY 13066
(315) 637-6111
- Hours of Operation
Camping/Cabins:
Campgrounds will be open May through October.
Campsites - 145 campsites, maximum of 6 people/site.
Cabins - 7 cabins (Minimum age of 21 required for rentals)
Reserve through ReserveAmerica: 800-456-2267
Park open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Boat House: Open Weekends only through Columbus day (weather permitting)
Hours of operation are 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Fishing: Only on Green Lake outside of swimming area. No fishing on Round Lake. No outside boats or watercraft allowed.
Golf: April to November (weather permitting).
Tee Times are Every 10 Minutes.
Call the pro-shop at 315-637-4653 for in season hours of operation.
Park Office Hours: Our hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Labor Day.
After Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday until Columbus Day.
Fall/Winter - Daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitor Info, Hours & Fees
Vehicle Entrance Fee
Cars: $10
Non-Commercial Bus Fee: $35
Commercial Bus Fee: $75
Seasonal Bus Permit: $75
Boat Rentals
Boathouse open weekends only until Columbus day (weather permitting)
Single Kayaks are $7/Hour, $4/Half Hour
Tandem Kayas are $10/Hour, $6/Half Hour
Crystal Tandem Kayaks are $20/Hour, $10/Half Hour
Camping
Campsites: Camping Season is from May to October
$18-$36/night
Additional $5/night for non-NYS residents
Cabins:
Cabins rented from Saturday to Saturday during peak season*, 7 or 14 days ONLY
$434 per week
$108.50 per night - 2 night minimum
$7.25 Registration Fee
Additional $28/week for non-NYS residents
Additional $7/night for non-NYS residents
Golf Course
9 hole Weekdays: $18
9 hole Weekends/Holidays: $20
18 hole Weekdays: $21
18 hole Weekends/Holidays: $30
Jr/Sr 9 hole: $11
Jr/Sr 18 hole: $15
Jr/Sr rates apply on weekdays and after 1 p.m. on weekends
Twilight 18 hole (after 6 pm): $14
During June, July & August
Any questions, please call Pro-shop at (315) 637-4653
Outdoor Activities & Amenities
Biking
Boat Rentals
Campsites, Cabins & Lodging
Disc Golf
Fishing
Food
Hiking
Hunting
Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
Playgrounds (Accessible)
Showers (Accessible)
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Swimming Beach (Accessible)
For more info, latests updates, latest prices, latest hours, programs/events, etc. - go to
Green Lakes State Park
Related Resources
- Syracuse Nightlife
- YMCA & Fitness Centers
- Sports & Recreation Facilities
- Golf Courses
- Pickleball Courts
- Resort Casino
- Skateparks
- Skiing Snowboarding
- Winery
- Merchants
- Cook Book
