Darien Lakes State Park RV & Campground Guide
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In northwestern New York, Darien Lakes State Park is a large natural area filled with hills, woodlands, ravines, and streams. The park, which is only a short distance from Buffalo, is home to a well-maintained campground as well as the 12-acre Harlow Lake, a great destination for activities like fishing and boating. The scenic park also boasts a beach, several playgrounds, peaceful picnic areas, and a network of lovely multi-use trails. Many visitors head to Darien Lakes State Park during the winter, when it becomes a fantastic place to enjoy activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The weather in the park is fairly mild during the summer, when temperatures higher than 80 degrees are rare. Winter weather, though, can be somewhat harsh, with the temperature frequently dipping below 20 degrees and significant snowfall.
Spring 28–73 F
Summer 59–82 F
Fall 28–68 F
Winter 16–40 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Darien Lakes State Park
Darien Lakes State Park Campground is a large camping area featuring a total of 154 campsites. Of these, 141 are RV campsites with electrical hookups, while the other 13 are primitive sites. The campground offers a variety of amenities, including showers, heated comfort stations, and beach bathhouses. There are also picnic tables, drinking water, restrooms with flush toilets, and an RV dump station. Pets are permitted at the campground, and the maximum RV length is 50 feet, although the majority of the sites can only accommodate RVs up to 40 or 45 feet long.
What to Do at
Darien Lakes State Park
Visitors to Darien Lakes State Park can enjoy various land and water-based recreational activities. During your stay, you can sunbathe on the beach, go hiking or horseback riding on one of the scenic trails, or enjoy a peaceful picnic while looking out over the water. If you're in a sporting mood, you could head for the disc golf course or volleyball court. Other popular activities include fishing, geocaching, and wildlife viewing. Once the snow flies, you can also snowshoe and cross-country ski.
Fishing
Located within the park, Harlow Lake is a fantastic fishing destination. The placid reservoir is stocked with largemouth bass and yellow perch.
Geocaching
There are many excellent spots to locate hidden geocaches at Darien Lakes State Park. You can use your smartphone or GPS device to find one and sign the logbook.
Nature Watching
Darien Lakes State Park is known as a wonderful bird-watching destination. During your visit, you might spot belted kingfishers, blue-winged warblers, or eastern towhees. If you hike the park's network of trails, you may also see small mammals, such as deer, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Stargazing
Darien Lakes State Park stays open until 10 p.m., making it a popular spot for stargazing on clear nights. Even if you aren't camping overnight, you'll have a great opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous night sky.
Flora and Fauna
Much of Darien Lakes State Park consists of dense woodlands filled with deciduous trees. During the spring, many colorful wildflowers bloom in the park's meadows.
Hiking
A couple of lush hiking routes are located within Darien Lakes State Park. The Darien Lake Loop is a 6.4-mile route that's relatively easy to navigate, while the Conservation Trail to Gas Line Loop is slightly shorter and a bit more challenging. All the park's trails offer a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Boating
Boating is a popular activity for visitors to Darien Lakes State Park. While you're there, you could spend an afternoon kayaking or canoeing in Harlow Lake.
Swimming
The beach at this park is a great place to take kids because the water is shallow along the shore. There is also a playground nearby.
How to Get to
Darien Lakes State Park
To reach the park from Buffalo, travel east on US-20 until you come to Harlow Rd in Darien Center. Take a left onto Harlow Rd, and after just under 1 mile, you'll see signs for Darien Lakes State Park, which will be on your right.
Entering Darien Lakes State Park
Darien Lakes State Park is open every day from dawn to dusk. Although the park is open year-round, the campground is only open between May 19 and Oct. 8. There are several parking lots available in the park, and there are ADA-accessible parking spots.
Darien Lakes State Park Entry Fee (per vehicle) : $7.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Darien Lakes State Park
For most activities, summer is the ideal time to visit Darien Lakes State Park. The weather is usually warm and relatively dry between June and September. Those who enjoy activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing will want to visit between December and February.
The park is home to many mammals, including rabbits, squirrels, deer, and chipmunks. Birders can look forward to spotting a variety of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl.
Yes, 141 of the 158 total campsites at Darien Lakes State Park Campground are designated RV campsites equipped with electrical hookups. There is also an on-site RV dump station that visitors can access.
Yes, you'll need to reserve your campsite at Darien Lakes State Park Campground in advance, and you can secure a spot online. Campsites cost between $18 and $30. If you are from out of state, you pay an extra $5.
Yes, pets are permitted at the park, but there are certain rules to keep in mind. For example, a maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day-use areas. Additionally, all pets must be supervised at all times and either crated or on leashes no longer than 6 feet.