Boating Fishing Hiking Hunting & Trapping

Recreation

View our Interactive Recreation Area Map

With more than 155,000 acres of land and water open for recreation, we are eager to share our slice of nature with watershed residents and visitors. More than half of these lands are open to recreation without a permit, but recreation on the reservoirs and some lands require a DEP Access Permit.

Recreation Activities

We offer a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Please visit Boating, Fishing, Hiking, and Hunting & Trapping for specific information about each type of recreation as well as for unit closures.

For information about watershed recreation during the planned shutdown of the Delaware Aqueduct, visit The Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project and its Impacts on Watershed Communities.

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Recreation Area Maps

Use our maps to to find City-owned properties and understand the types of recreation that are permitted in each area:

DEP Access Permit

A DEP Access Permit is required on all City-owned recreational lands that are posted with “Entry by Permit” signs. City-owned lands that are immediately adjacent to reservoirs and open for recreation also require a DEP Access Permit. You can verify the designated uses of City-owned lands by using our Recreation Area Maps. You can also familiarize yourself with the various types of Watershed Recreation Signs that you may see posted.

For answers to commonly asked questions about DEP Access Permits, visit DEP Access Permit FAQs.

How to Apply for a DEP Access Permit

Apply Online

You can use our Access Permit System to apply for, renew, or update a DEP Access Permit. Children between the ages of 16-17 will need to apply by mail with the signature of a parent or guardian. Children 15 and under do not need an Access Permit but must be accompanied by a permit holder over the age of 18. Permits are valid for five years.

Access the Permit System

Apply by Mail

Non-US/Canadian citizens, minors, or those without an e-mail address, should print and fill out the paper application. Minors age 16–17 that would like to use City lands without the presence of an adult will need their own access permit. They will need the signature from a parent or guardian and apply by mail.

Download the Access Permit Application

If you already have a DEP Access Permit and your information changes, you can update it using the Access Permit System or fill out the form.

Download the DEP Access Permit Update Form

Apply For a Guest Pass

A Guest Pass is required for any person 16 and over who do not have their own Access Permit and will temporarily be using Water Supply lands that require a DEP Access Permit. When using Water Supply lands, the guest must be accompanied by an Access Permit holder over 18 years of age at all times. A Guest Pass is valid for 7 consecutive days.

To obtain a guest pass, download the Guest Past Application Form, fill it in, and carry it with you while recreating in areas that require a DEP Access Permit.

What do I need to enter an Access Permit Area?

Age	Access Permit	Guest Pass
15 and under	Permit not required: Individuals age 15 and under do not require an Access Permit and are ineligible to apply. Must be accompanied by an Access Permit holder over the age of 18 A valid Access Permit holder aged 18 or older may accompany up to six people aged 15 and under	Pass not required Must be accompanied by an Access Permit holder over the age of 18
16–17	Can apply for an Access Permit via a paper Access Permit Application with signature of parent/guardian Can enter property without an adult with a valid Access Permit Required to apply for a boat tag	Required if you do not have your own Access Permit Must be accompanied by an Access Permit holder over 18 Download the Guest Pass Application and carry it with you
18 and older	Required if entering all Access Permit Areas Apply, renew, or update your Access Permit Online	Required if you do not have your own Access Permit Must be accompanied by an Access Permit holder Download the Guest Pass Application and carry it with you

Please also visit Boating, Fishing, Hiking, and Hunting & Trapping for activity specific information and any additional permit requirements.

Recreation Rules

We continuously test water quality to ensure that none of the recreational activities has an adverse effect on New York City’s drinking water supply. The recreation rules are set in place to further City’s goal of safeguarding an adequate supply of high quality drinking water while allowing compatible recreational use and enjoyment.

View the Rules for the Recreational Use of Water Supply Lands and Water.

Download the Rules for the Recreational Use of Water Supply Lands and Water.

Outdoor Guide Services

DEP issues free permits for New York State Certified Outdoor Guides to operate on New York City water supply lands and reservoirs that are open for recreation:

Find Outdoor Guide Services

Download a Map of the East and West of Hudson Watersheds.

For more information, visit New York State Outdoor Guide Service Association. If you are a New York State Certified Guide and wish to learn more about applying for the guide service permit, please contact 1-800-575-LAND (5263) or recreation@dep.nyc.gov.

If you have questions about recreation in the watershed, please reach out to us at recreation@dep.nyc.gov.