Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area
35 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
The US Army Corps of Engineers built the Mount Morris Dam in the late 1940s to reduce flooding on the lower Genesee River.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Rochester
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Rochester for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
20places to boat and paddle
35 mito the closest
May–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Closest picks
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
40 mi west · Fish and Wildlife Service
Our namesake comes from the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, a powerful and enduring alliance that has thrived in the northeast for centuries.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
46 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service
Establishing the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in 1938 was the first step of many to restore the area back to its historic expanse of marshes—an area thriving with wildlife, once used by indigenous people for hunting and fishing.
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30 to 75 miles (4)
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area
The US Army Corps of Engineers built the Mount Morris Dam in the late 1940s to reduce flooding on the lower Genesee River.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Winter sports
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Our namesake comes from the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, a powerful and enduring alliance that has thrived in the northeast for centuries.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice Fishing
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Establishing the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in 1938 was the first step of many to restore the area back to its historic expanse of marshes—an area thriving with wildlife, once used by indigenous people for hunting and fishing.
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
Almond Lake
Kanakadea Park operated by Stuben County, NY is located on Almond Lake. Camping and day use facilities for picnicing and boating are available.
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (16)
Cowanesque Lake
This Corps project located near the New York state line in North Central Pennsylvania provides a 1,085-acre lake with 17 miles of shoreline for use by campers and day trippers.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
South Shore Recreation Area
South Shore Recreation Area is located on the south side of the Cowanesque Lake along State Route 49, just five miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Tompkins
Tompkins Campground is on the north shore of Cowanesque Lake in the northern tier of Pennsylvania, less than one mile from the New York state border.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Ives Run
Ives Run Campground sits on the eastern shore of Hammond Lake in north-central Pennsylvania.
- Boating
- Camping
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
Tioga-Hammond Lakes
Twin lakes in north central Pennsylvania with overnight and dayuse facilities in a scenic environment, southwest of Tioga, PA and north of Wellsboro on PA Route 287, which is acessable from U.S. Route 15 northeast of Tioga and U.S.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Whitney Point
Broome County operates Dorchester Park on Whitney Point Lake. Day use facilities include a beach, boat launch, picnic area, pavilions and open play areas.
- Biking
- Boating
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Willow Bay
Willow Bay is located within the Allegheny National Recreation Area, about 16 miles from Bradford, in northwestern Pennsylvania.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Tracy Ridge
Tracy Ridge Campground is located within the Allegheny National Recreation Area, approximately 15 miles from Bradford, Pennsylvania. Allegheny Reservoir is just minutes away.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Water sports
Dewdrop
Dewdrop Campground sits on the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering a popular getaway for boaters and families. Recreation Water activities abound, including lake fishing, boating, and water skiing.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Water sports
Red Bridge (Pa)
Red Bridge Campground sits on the eastern shore of the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering a peaceful getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Allegheny Reservoir
Totally surrounded by forest, Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir are the heart of one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation complexes in the northeastern United States.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
East Branch Campground
East Branch Campground is located at East Branch Lake in Northeastern Elk County. East Branch Lake offers an excellent freshwater fishery as well as other recreational opportunities from hiking, boating, and picnicking.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Water Activities
- Wildlife viewing
East Branch Clarion River Lake
Elk State Park is located at this lake in scenic western Pennslyvania, 14 miles north east of Johnsonburg.
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Buckaloons
Buckaloons Campground sits at the confluence of the Allegheny River, Brokenstraw Creek and Irvine Run in northwestern Pennsylvania.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
Kettle Creek Lake
Surrounded by high mountains in a wild and scenic area, Kettle Creek State Park provides day use recreation facilities on Alvin R. Bush reservoir and campground adjacent to Corps land on the lake and downstream of the dam.
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
East Sidney Lake
The recreation area is lease to the Town of Sidney, NY. Facilities include camping, picnic area, boat launch and beach.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Rochester. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Rochester?
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 35 miles southwest of Rochester as the crow flies. Next are Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (40 mi) and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (46 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Rochester?
Based on Rochester’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.