Cerow Recreation Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Cerow Recreation Park is a multi-purpose outdoor recreational area located in Clayton, New York.
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Summary
The park is spread over 160 acres and offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the primary reasons to visit Cerow Recreation Park is its beautiful natural surroundings. The park is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding forest. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and other small animals.
One of the most popular attractions at Cerow Recreation Park is the swimming area. The park has a large, sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There are also several picnic areas and grills located throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family outing or a day trip with friends.
Other points of interest at Cerow Recreation Park include hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, a playground, and a boat launch. The park also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors who are interested in learning more about the local history and ecosystem.
Interesting facts about Cerow Recreation Park include its history as a former military training ground. The park was used by the US Army during World War II and was later purchased by the town of Clayton for use as a recreational area.
The best time of year to visit Cerow Recreation Park depends on the activities you are interested in. The park is open year-round, but swimming and boating are only available during the summer months. The fall is a great time to visit for hiking and enjoying the fall foliage, while winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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