Rules & Regulations

The rules people ask about most at Green Lakes State Park are about dogs and boats. Dogs are allowed, up to two per person, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, but not on the guarded beach, in playgrounds or buildings, or on the golf course. No private boats, kayaks or canoes are allowed on either lake. Fishing is allowed on Green Lake only, never on Round Lake. Bikes are not allowed on the lake trails, and swimming is allowed only at the guarded beach.

Pets

NYS Parks' pet policy for Green Lakes:

• Two pets maximum in campsites and day-use areas, unless a sign says otherwise.
• Leash or crate. Pets must be supervised and either crated or on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Rabies proof. Staff may ask for proof of rabies vaccination.
• Where pets can't go: playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds, and guarded beaches.
• Service animals are exempt from these limits.

Boats and the Lakes

NYS Parks: "Due to the sensitive nature of both Green and Round Lakes, no outside/private boats, kayaks, or canoes are allowed." The park page also says "no outside watercraft allowed." Rent a kayak or rowboat on Green Lake in summer instead. See boat rentals and why the water is green.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed only on Green Lake, outside the swimming area. There is no fishing on Round Lake, the National Natural Landmark. Anglers 16 and older need a New York fishing licence (NYS DEC). See fishing.

Swimming

Swim only at the guarded beach at the north end of Green Lake, during its open hours (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, May 23 to September 7 in 2026). See beach.

Trails and Bikes

• Foot only: NYS Parks says biking is not allowed around the lake trail, and the map marks the Green Lake, Round Lake, Tween Lakes, Round Lake Overlook and Old Erie Canal Connector trails foot only.
• Bikes: allowed on the park's other trails.
• Closed land: the map marks a large area north-west of the lakes "Not Open To The Public." Stay out of it.
• Hours: trails are open dawn to dusk.

See the trail map.

Hunting

NYS Parks allows hunting at Green Lakes under a self-issued hunting permit, with a separate hunting map, both on the park page. Hunters should read both and follow state hunting regulations. Hikers in fall should wear a bright colour on the outer trails.

Golf Course

Everyone on the golf course, including spectators and ride-alongs, needs a valid greens fee receipt, and no pets are allowed. See golf course.

Fees

$10 per vehicle and $35 per bus from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. See hours and fees.

Emergencies and Reporting

The park map asks visitors to report any accident or incident to park police right away. State Park Police: 1 (877) 851-6086. Emergencies: 911. Park office: (315) 637-6111.