New York State
Inclusive Recreation Resource Center

John Dillon Park is wilderness day use and camping area located along Grampus Lake, deep in the heart of the Adirondacks. The park was developed using universal design principles in order to provide an accessible outdoor experience for people of all abilities. The park provides numerous campsites with lean-tos, outhouses and metal food storage cases for protection from animals. There is also a tent site available.  John Dillon Park contains two miles of well maintained trails. There are two separate docks, one available for fishing, and another for boating.  A pontoon boat is available for guided boat rides by the staff of John Dillon with advanced notice.

Recently, NYS IRRC’s student interns, Eric Komar and Shane Brown camped at the park. Many thanks to Park Manager Steve Cobb for his hospitality! 

In describing his experience, Eric writes: “John Dillon Park puts you in the center of New York State’s finest natural setting. During my recent stay, my only alarm was the cry of a loon in the distance. John Dillon Park is one of the finest rustic recreation sites in New York State, not just because it brings people closer to nature, but because it brings us closer to one another. One of the most well thought out features in its design is the  universal accessibility that it provides. The lean-tos have stone and dirt ramps built up to them, to allow access to all. The outhouses are built with significant space inside with grab bars next to the toilets. The trails were intentionally designed with fine gravel for a less taxing hiking experience.  Docks at John  Dillon Park are much wider than other docks I have seen and have lowered railings for barrier-free casting for a seated fisherperson. The floor of the dock is also covered with an outdoor carpeting to avoid the challenges provided by the boards of an average dock. Another great feature of the park are the beds that are hinged to the walls of the lean-tos and fold down for easy transfer.  Also, the fire rings have grills that can elevate and swing away for safer cooking. The design of John Dillon Park is the most inviting rustic campsite that I have ever experienced. I will be a camper at John Dillon Park for as long as the great outdoors have a place in my heart.” Eric Komar

The park is open for day use from 9 am to 9 pm. To learn more about John Dillon Park, visit www.johndillonpark.org/ or call(518) 524-6226 to make a reservation. Many sites are still available through September.