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The Niagara River seen from a grassy, tree-lined bank at Joseph Davis State Park
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Joseph Davis State Park: What to Know Before You Go

Joseph Davis State Park is a 375-acre park on the Lower Niagara River in Lewiston, New York. Here’s what to know about its outdoor activities, facilities and drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Published 3 min read

By Gavin Colter

Joseph Davis State Park is a 375-acre New York state park in Lewiston, on the banks of the Lower Niagara River. It’s a separate outdoor option from parks in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with nature trails, disc golf, fishing and open natural areas.

  • Location: Lewiston, Niagara County, New York
  • Park setting: Fields, woodlands, ponds and river access
  • Activities: Hiking, disc golf, fishing and seasonal pursuits such as cross-country skiing
  • Address: 4143 Lower River Road, Lewiston, NY 14092
Park setting and activities

Park setting and activities

Joseph Davis State Park combines fields, woodlands, ponds and habitats that include wetlands, shrublands, meadows, forest and open water. The park sits beside the Lower Niagara River, giving its landscape a mix of inland trails and water-edge areas.

Hiking and nature trails are among the park’s activities. You can also find snowmobiling trails and disc golf, with both a 27-hole course and a 9-hole course. Seasonal activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting and fishing.

Fishing options include largemouth bass in the pond near the entrance and freshwater fish from a dock on the Lower Niagara River. Wildlife to watch for includes frogs, spring peepers, turtles, bald eagles, orchard orioles, Bonaparte’s gulls and long-tailed ducks.

The park opened in 1964 as Lower Niagara State Park and was renamed in 1970 to honor Joseph Davis.

Facilities and visitor access

Facilities and visitor access

Park amenities include an accessible playground, boating, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, restrooms, walking routes, fishing, hiking and disc golf.

The New York State Parks reservation listing gives the address as 4143 Lower River Road, Lewiston, NY 14092. If you’re planning to camp, note that campground availability and reservation requirements can change; check the official site before you go.

New York State Parks says campground reservations must be made at least 4 days before arrival and can be made up to 11 months ahead.

Dogs must be leashed no longer than six feet. They are not permitted in buildings, camping, bathing or picnic areas, except as service dogs where needed.

Hours, fees and seasonal details

Hours, fees and seasonal details

Check with New York State Parks for current park hours and admission fees. Outdoor activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Campground status is separate from access to the rest of the park. For camping, check current availability and reservation terms directly with New York State Parks; don’t assume a campground status applies to all park areas.

How do you get from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Joseph Davis State Park?

How do you get from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Joseph Davis State Park?

Joseph Davis State Park is about a 52-minute drive from The Old Bank House, and the route crosses the US border. The Lewiston–Queenston Bridge connects Lewiston, New York, with Queenston in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, making it the directly relevant crossing for this trip.

Before leaving, check current traffic conditions with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission for border-wait information. For the destination, use the park address: 4143 Lower River Road, Lewiston, NY 14092.

Choosing between nearby state parks

Choosing between nearby state parks

Joseph Davis State Park is a New York option for river-side outdoor activities, while Fort Niagara State Park and Four Mile Creek State Park are other choices.

Fort Niagara State Park is an alternative to consider alongside Four Mile Creek State Park. If you’re comparing parks by setting and activities, start with the option that best matches your plans, then verify access and seasonal details with the relevant state park operator.

FAQs

Where is Joseph Davis State Park?

It’s in Lewiston, Niagara County, New York, on the banks of the Lower Niagara River.

What can you do at Joseph Davis State Park?

Activities include hiking, nature trails, disc golf and fishing. Seasonal pursuits include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Is there a fee to enter Joseph Davis State Park?

Check with New York State Parks for current access and fee details.

Can you bring a dog to Joseph Davis State Park?

Dogs must be leashed no longer than six feet and are restricted from buildings, camping, bathing and picnic areas, except as service dogs where needed.

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