Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry » Policies & Procedures

Policies & Procedures

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Polices and Procedures:

  • SHELTERS & CAMPSITES: To check campsite or shelter availability, you may call 716.858.8355 or submit an electronic request by clicking here. Campsite fees are $25/night for NON-ELECTRIC site, and $35/night for an ELECTRIC site. Shelter reservation fees vary. There is a 2 night minimum stay on the weekend. No camping permit issued to anyone under 21 years of age. Minimum of one (1) adult for every four (4) underage campers. Generators are not permitted at our campsites.
  • EVENTS: To inquire about holding an event in a park(s) please complete the event permit application form here. Once you complete the form, your application will be reviewed and responded to accordingly. Issuance of park permits are at the discretion of the Erie County Parks Department. SOME events Erie County Parks have hosted include but are not limited to the list below:  
    • RECREATIONAL (SEASONAL & ONE-TIME EVENTS)
    • CROSS-COUNTRY & WINTER SPORTS EVENTS
    • FUNDRAISERS or any other type of use for the parks and/or facilities, please call 716.858.7037
  • BOUNCEHOUSES, TENTS, AND/OR OTHER VARIOUS OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT: - Tents larger than 19' x 19' are prohibited. Tents do not increase shelter capacity. Houses and similar outdoor recreational equipment are prohibited.

Certain activities may require a certificate of insurance be provided in order to be permitted. For more details please call 716.858.7037.

PARK RULES

1. Park Hours: 7 am -Dusk (Winter Hours: Labor Day through Memorial Day) or 9pm (Summer Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day). Reserved shelters & buildings are accessible from 10 am - Park Close. Park staff will unlock the buildings at 10 am and re-lock them at the end of your rental. Check-in for camping is 3 pm; check-out is 11 am.

2. Shelters are by reservations only. The quantity of people at shelter must not exceed the shelter limits. Tents do not increase shelter capacity.

3. Reservations (shelter & camping) may be made by calling 716.858.8355 or by submitting an electronic request by clicking HERE!

4. Reservation Fees are not transferable or refundable. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS. A fee will be assessed if a check is returned for nonsufficient funds.

5. Preservation of Property: Destruction or defacing of park property is prohibited. Please remove signs at the end of your event. Use of  spray paint (including water soluble), staples, nails and tacks is prohibited.

6. Traffic and Parking:

      a. Speed limit is 15 mph.

      b. NO parking more than 5 feet off roads or where prohibited by sign.

      c. Driving off roadways is prohibited.

7. Fires shall be allowed only in grills, camping facilities and fire circles provided for that purpose, or grill furnished by Park patrons. All Fires shall be extinguished before leaving the site.

8. Garbage and Refuse: Littering and Dumping are prohibited. Please use carry-in/carry-out principle and place all garbage in proper refuse containers.

9. Dogs: Must be licensed and kept on leash no longer than 7 feet at ALL TIMES (this includes at your shelter or campsite). YOU MUST CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG. Dogs are not allowed on county beaches.

10. Alcoholic Beverages: Beer and wine are by permit only. Shelter permit allows beer and wine (no alcohol in Casino Meeting Room). No other alcoholic beverages allowed. No kegs.

11. All glass containers are prohibited.

12. Unreasonably loud noise or music and disorderly conduct is prohibited.

13. Bouncehouses and other outdoor recreational equipment (dunk tanks, miniature golf, etc.) are prohibited. Tents larger than 19' x 19' are prohibited.

14. Commercial Enterprises, Soliciting, and Large Events: are prohibited without a permit issued by the Parks Commissioner or his duly appointed agent.

15. Bicyclists: Must wear helmet at all times.

16. Hunting and Trapping: is prohibited in all County Park land. Fishing shall be allowed only in season and where posted.

17. Firearms: Carrying or discharging of firearms is prohibited.

18. ATVs and snowmobiles:  Must be insured and registered and remain on designated trails only. 

         a. ATVs are allowed only in Chestnut Ridge Park in designated outlying trails, during snowmobile season. The ground must be frozen.

         b. ATVs are defined by NYS motor vehicle laws. UTVs are prohibited.

19. Horses and Riders: prohibited except on designated trails at County Forestry Saw Mill/ Sugar Shack Area (Genesse Rd, Sardinia), Sgt Mark A. Rademacher Memorial Park/Hunters Creek Park and Boston Forest.

20. Mountain Biking: Prohibited except on designated trails at Sprague Brook Park and Sgt. Mark A. Rademacher Memorial Park/Hunters Creek Park.

21. Do not cut or destroy any trees or plant life. Do not disturb wildlife.

22. DECORATIONS: May be applied with sticky-tac only.  Absolutely no tape, tacks, staples or nails can be used at any time.  Nothing can be affixed to ceilings or fans.  Tableclothes can not be stapled or tacked to table.  Absolutely NO BALLOONS. Any damage caused by using unauthorized items will be charged back to the permit holder.

23. Any damage caused to rented facilities will be charged back to the permit holder.

24. Smoke free parks. Please no smoking or vaping.

25. Metal detecting is not permitted.