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
Picnic spots near Rochester
Day-use and picnic areas near Rochester on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
13picnic areas
35 mito the closest
May–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
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.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
55 mi east · National Park Service
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Auburn, New York in 1859.
Map of all 13 places
Map of 13 places loads as you scroll.
30 to 75 miles (5)
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
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
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
Harriet Tubman was guided by a deep faith and devotion to family, freedom, and community. After emancipating herself and members of her family, she moved them from Ontario, Canada to Fleming and Auburn, New York in 1859.
- Picnicking
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
Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
75 miles and farther (8)
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
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
Fort Stanwix National Monument
For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes.
- Biking
- Hiking
- History
- Picnicking
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 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
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.
Get outside around Rochester
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
There’s so much to do in Rochester, NY!
An activity Short shared by Jen Ruiz.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Did you know about this cultural hot spot in Rochester, NY? The International Plaza is a must-visit!
An activity Short shared by Visit Rochester.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Rochester
More outdoors near Rochester
- Hiking near Rochester
- Camping near Rochester
- Fishing near Rochester
- Boating and kayaking near Rochester
- Biking and mountain biking near Rochester
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Rochester
- Swimming holes and lakes near Rochester
- Snow play and winter sports near Rochester
- Parks in Rochester
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots 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 Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (46 mi) and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (55 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Rochester?
Based on Rochester’s average highs, May–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.