Sunrise at Mary Island SP
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Mary Island State Park

4.2
Β·9 reviewsΒ·, United States

A boat-access-only island park offering secluded, shaded campsites and a tranquil waterfront escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Peaceful start to the day

CrowdLow
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Sunrise at Mary Island SP

Mary Island State Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Peaceful start to the day

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A boat-access-only island park offering secluded, shaded campsites and a tranquil waterfront escape.

4.2
(9 reviews)

"Accessible only by boat, it is a semi isolated location that is very relaxing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚀 Arrange Boat Transport Early

Water taxi services are limited and can be expensive. Book well in advance to secure your spot.

πŸ“ž Be Persistent with Calls

If you need to reach the park office, expect potential delays in callbacks. Keep trying!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 Β· 9 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Island Camping

Secluded Island Camping

Various campsites across the island

Enjoy private, shaded campsites perfect for relaxation and unwinding by the water.

Waterfront Relaxation

Waterfront Relaxation

Shorelines

Sit by the fire and watch the world go by, with occasional views of cargo ships.

Picnic Paradise

Picnic Paradise

Designated picnic areas

An ideal spot for a day trip picnic, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Boat Access is Key

Mary Island State Park is only accessible by boat. Plan your transportation in advance, whether you own a boat or need to arrange a water taxi. Booking water transport can be challenging, so start early.

Bookings & Communication

Campground reservations are essential. Be aware that communication with park staff can be difficult, with some visitors reporting unreturned calls. Patience and persistence are advised for booking and inquiries.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Peaceful start to the day
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer visitors, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Campfire ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hiking, swimming areas, playgrounds and more at my favorite New York spot that’s perfect for summer! πŸ’β€β™€οΈ ***Please note a lot of this footage was taken years ago, follow signs for information on where you can swim and LEAVE NO TRACE! #newyorker #swimminghole #gorges #ithaca #ithacaisgorges #nycgetaway #newyork #nature #waterfalls #travel #adventure
@amorraytravels
136.9K likes β€’ 2.1M views

🚀 Arrange Boat Transport Early

Water taxi services are limited and can be expensive. Book well in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

πŸ“ž Be Persistent with Calls

If you need to reach the park office, expect potential delays in callbacks. Keep trying! Reddit

This and other Top things to do in Finger Lakes, NY is up in my YouTube. Link in bio! Bucket list Adventure in Upstate New York! Take a hot air balloon ride over the Letchworth State Park! Considered one of the best Hot Air Balloon rides in the USA. Provided by a family-owned company @balloonsoverletchworth Rides are available, morning and evening, Monday through Saturday, year-round. Launch sit...
@travelwithsudipa
133.1K likes β€’ 2.1M views
Such a hidden gem and not far from the city either #hike #Outdoors #thegreatoutdoors #newyork #newyorkstate #upstate #upstatenewyork #harrimanstatepark #harrimanny #newyorkcity #swimming #swimminghole #wateringhole #swim #nature #nyctrip #nycdaytrip
@travelwithfrannie
107.4K likes β€’ 1.5M views

πŸ•οΈ Embrace the Privacy

Campsites offer great privacy and shade, making it a truly relaxing getaway. Reddit

🚒 Enjoy the Views

Depending on your site, you might get to see cargo ships pass by. Reddit

🍁Chasing the golden glow of fall? Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes Region offers 19 cascading waterfalls set amid the most enchanting fall foliage. 🌟 Experience the true magic of autumn here #FingerLakesFall #fallfoliage πŸŽ₯: @Sunetra
@visit
91.8K likes β€’ 1.7M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚀 Arrange Boat Transport Early

Water taxi services are limited and can be expensive. Book well in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

πŸ“ž Be Persistent with Calls

If you need to reach the park office, expect potential delays in callbacks. Keep trying! Reddit

πŸ•οΈ Embrace the Privacy

Campsites offer great privacy and shade, making it a truly relaxing getaway. Reddit

🚒 Enjoy the Views

Depending on your site, you might get to see cargo ships pass by. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(9 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mary Island State Park is a highly sought-after destination for its tranquil, private, and shaded campsites accessible only by boat. Visitors cherish the relaxing atmosphere and waterfront views, making it an annual tradition for many. However, the primary drawback is the difficulty in arranging boat transportation and communicating with park staff, which can lead to booking frustrations and added costs.

"Only avalible from boat, so you either need to own your own boat or pay a minimum of $100 to get to the campgrounds, on top of that, trying to get ahold of someone on the phone in the office is impossible. They tell you they'll call back but you dont hear back from them. I now have to cancel my plans there because they aren't answering me and now im going to have to go threw the struggle of getting the refund. Extremely dissatisfied!"

fluffy bunny

"From a picnic to overnight camping, Mary's Island is an awesome location. Accessible only by boat, it is a semi isolated location that is very relaxing."

Jeffrey Folino

"Quiet, relaxing and every site has privacy and shade. Boat in and sit by a fire watching the world pass by (and cargo ships depending which side of the island you stay on). It has turned into an annual place to visit."

Michelle Walters

What People Like

Secluded and private campsites
Relaxing waterfront atmosphere
Peaceful island escape

What People Dislike

Difficult boat access arrangements
Communication challenges with park
High cost of water taxis

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Mary Island State Park is exclusively accessible by boat. Visitors must either own a boat or arrange for a water taxi service. Due to limited options, booking water transport in advance is highly recommended. Reddit

While water taxis can be arranged, they are not always readily available and can be costly. It's crucial to research and book your water transportation well ahead of your visit. Reddit

No, Mary Island State Park is an island and cannot be reached by car. All access is via watercraft. Reddit

The cost varies significantly depending on whether you use your own boat or hire a water taxi. Hiring a water taxi can cost a minimum of $100. Reddit

Currently, there is no public ferry service to Mary Island State Park. Access is limited to private boats or hired water taxis. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, campsite reservations are essential for overnight stays at Mary Island State Park. It's advisable to book as early as possible. Reddit

Reservations are typically made through the park's booking system. However, some visitors have reported difficulties reaching park staff by phone for booking inquiries. Reddit

As an island park, access is generally available whenever water transport is operational. Specific park hours for facilities or ranger stations may vary. Reddit

While there isn't a direct entrance fee for the park itself, the cost of boat access or water taxi is the primary expense for visitors. Reddit

Some visitors have experienced challenges with communication. Persistence with phone calls or exploring online booking options if available is recommended. Be prepared for potential delays in responses. Reddit

🎫 πŸ•οΈ Onsite Experience

Mary Island State Park offers campsites that are known for their privacy and shade, providing a relaxing environment for overnight stays. Reddit

Information on specific campsite amenities is limited, but the focus is on a natural, semi-isolated experience. Campfires are a popular activity. Reddit

Visitors enjoy picnicking, camping, relaxing by the water, and watching the scenery, including cargo ships. It's a place for quiet enjoyment. Reddit

Yes, it's an excellent location for a day trip picnic, offering a peaceful escape accessible only by boat. Reddit

The park is described as quiet, relaxing, and semi-isolated, offering a great opportunity to sit by a fire and watch the world go by. Reddit

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