Croil Island State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 27, 2025
Croil Island State Park is a beautiful natural area located in the state of New York.
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Summary
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions that make it a great destination for visitors of all ages. Some of the top reasons to visit Croil Island State Park include its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities.
One of the main points of interest at Croil Island State Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and offers visitors breathtaking views of the water and surrounding wilderness. The area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.
In addition to its natural beauty, Croil Island State Park offers visitors a range of recreational activities to enjoy. These include hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, as well as several picnic areas for day visitors. The park also features a number of historic sites and landmarks, including the historic Cedar Point Lighthouse and the historic Fort Marcy.
Interesting facts about Croil Island State Park include its history as a former military base during World War II, and its role in protecting the area from potential enemy attacks. The park is also home to a number of rare plant species, including the endangered sandplain blue-eyed grass.
The best time of year to visit Croil Island State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and comfortable for outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round and offers visitors a range of seasonal attractions and activities, including fall foliage tours, winter ice fishing, and spring birdwatching.
Overall, Croil Island State Park is a beautiful and fascinating destination for visitors to New York. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, history, or just enjoying the natural beauty of the area, this park has something for everyone.
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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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