Gilbert Lake State Park

Gilbert Lake State Park is a recreation area in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains with two lakes, forests, and a network of hiking trails. The grounds feature varied landscapes from shoreline to rolling woodlands.

The land was heavily developed between 1933 and 1941 when Civilian Conservation Corps workers built cabins, dams, and roads. These structures and the creation of a wildlife refuge formed the foundation for the modern park.

The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum inside the park displays photographs and objects documenting conservation work from across the nation. Visitors can see how young workers shaped the landscape through their labor during the 1930s.

The park offers camping sites and cabins from May through October, with different areas providing electric and non-electric options. Visitors should note that most facilities operate only during the warmer months.

In winter, the grounds transform into a center for winter sports with extensive trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing on Gilbert Lake. These activities make the park a destination year-round for different recreational interests.