Prior to being purchased by New York State in the 1940s, much of the area that would become the park was a privately owned tract known as Nabor's Grove. Many large trees were preserved under private ownership, contributing to the mature forest that is found on much of the park's property today. In 1944, the
New York State Council of Parks approved the initial acquisition of land for Verona Beach State Park. By 1962, 59 lots comprising had been purchased at a cost of $276,300. The final acres, purchased in 1969–70, increased the park's size to for a total cost of $288,888 or roughly $166 per acre. The park is operated by the
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (Central Region). ==Facilities==