Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park

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Address
2957 Crompond Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Latitude 41.283306
Longitude -73.818123

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Pet Policy

A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

A scenic haven approximately 40 miles from New York City, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers day-trippers a day of fun and relaxation. The park's spacious picnic areas, which can accommodate individual families as well as large groups, may be reserved in advance. The park's mammoth pool can hold 3,500 bathers at one time! In addition the park offers a host of other activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

The park's oases of blue water, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond, provide excellent freshwater fishing and boating. Popular catches include bass, perch, and sunfish. A New York State Freshwater Fishing License is required. Licenses can be purchased at town halls or at a variety of sporting goods stores. Both rowboats and pedal boats are available for rental (please contact the park office to confirm availability); however, a regional boating permit allows visitors to launch their own rowboats, canoes or kayaks. In wintertime, the water's tree-lined border provides a winter wonderland backdrop for ice fisherman.

For those who are content to remain in the park's picnic areas, there are many other activities to enjoy. Many picnic areas have volleyball nets and many have softball fields nearby. Two NCAA regulation basketball courts and a soccerfield are available for recreational use or league play. Sports enthusiasts may wish to try their hand at Disc golf, located a short distance from the picnic areas. One can play either 9 or 18 holes. The rules and scorecards are located at the course, and loaner Frisbees are available from the park office for a refundable deposit. The park's hills and trails are perfect for winter sports. The young and the young at heart will enjoy sledding or cross-country skiing.

Pavilion Information
Franklin D. Roosevelt has pavilions and picnic areas available. Reserve and check availability at ReserveAmerica.com.

Picnic Map & Shelter Guide 

Special Activity Permit

Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park

  • Swimming Pool-the swimming pool at FDR is twice the size of an Olympic-sized pool and holds over 3,500 bathers at once!  A must-see during the summer.
  • Lake Mohansic and Crom Pond-picture-perfect fishing and boating.
  • Pavilions and Picnic Areas-three large, rentable pavilions and 24 large, rentable picnic areas--perfect for get-togethers in any weather
  • Playground-newly renovated huge playground with climbing walls and rocks, swings and more!
  • Regulation basketball courts-two NCAA regulation courts with stadium spectator seating are available for recreational use or league play
  • Disc Golf Course-located a short distance from the picnic areas.  Play either 9 or 18 holes.  Rules and scorecards are located at the course, and loaner Frisbees are available from the park office.
  • Concession Stands-two food and beverage concession stands located in the park, one by the pool and one by the basketball courts.

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Hours of Operation

  • Trails are open daily from sunrise - sunset, year round
    Park gates close at sunset
  • Lot #1, Commuter Lot is open weekdays 6am to 9pm and follows park hours weekends and holidays.

  • Park Office Hours - Office is open daily year round

    Summer: 8 am - 6 pm

    Off-Season/Winter: 8 am - 4 pm

  • FDR POOL - 2024 Anticipated Swimming Season

    7/3 - 9/2     7 Days a week

    Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
      - Last admission is 30 minutes before the pool closes

    Lap Lane swimming is available 7 days a week: 10 am - 2 pm

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Vehicle Use Fee (VUF)
  • $10 per vehicle *pool additional
    Bus: $35

    Collected:
    5/18  -6/23; weekends & holidays 8 am - 4 pm
    6/29 - 9/2; weekdays 8 am - 5 pm, weekends & holidays 8 am - 6 pm
    9/7 - 10/14; weekends & holidays 8 am - 4 pm
  • Swimming Pool
  • FREE
  • Permits
  • Special Events Permit:
    $30/50 patrons (For hosting large events September through June)

    Season Boating Permit:
    $30 (To place boat on lakes in the Taconic Park Region)

    7-Day Boating Permit:
    $10 (To place boat on lakes in the Taconic Park Region)
  • Lake Access Key
  • $35 (To store boat at FDR State Park)
  • Boat Rentals
  • Please contact the park office to confirm availability

    5/27 - 6/23; weekends only 10am - 5pm (last boat out at 4 pm)
    6/29 - 9/2; daily  10am – 5pm (last boat out at 4 pm)  

    Rowboats, Kayaks, Paddleboats
    $20 for 2 hours


Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Highlights of Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park:

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park encompasses two water bodies, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond, which provide recreational boating and are home to many native fishes, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill.
  • A red maple-hardwood swamp covers 179-acres of land, which is almost 1/5 of the Park. Try to identify the many beautifully unique dragonfly species that can be found in and around the Park wetland.
  • The Hudson Valley's lower Hudson River watershed, where Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is located, provides about 10% of the drinking water for New York City through the East of the Hudson Reservoir System. Bio-retention basins located around the Park, and planned construction of a new green parking lot, will help filter and protect this drinking water.

What will you see? Plan your visit today!

 

Look and listen for these birds at our Park:

These birds will be found near the lake and you could encounter them while boating:

 Everyone is a Steward: Be a Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Hero!

  • Be sure to place your waste in trash bags and dispose of the bags in the available dumpsters.
  • Do not transport wildlife between locations within the Park or leave unwanted animals in the Park.
  • Use designated trails and paths between Park locations to safely avoid car traffic.
  • Keep your dog on a leash to protect ground nesting birds and small mammals in the woods.
  • Learn about invasive species and volunteer for removal projects - check out our calendar for a list of upcoming events.
  • If you bring your own grill, leave leftover charcoal in the Park grills instead of on the ground.
  • Remember, your actions have impacts the environment, wildlife, and even drinking water! "Great power involves great responsibility." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

For more information, please read our Trail Tips!

 

Ask a Naturalist!

Q: What should I know about the Park's wetlands?

A: Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is one of the best places in New York to see a red maple-hardwood swamp. Our wetlands are home to a variety of animals, including many species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies), birds, white-tailed deer, and Eastern coyotes.

Q: What kinds of wild animals are in the woods? Are they dangerous?

A: Many of the animals commonly seen in New York State backyards can be found in our park, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and song birds. The species that may cause some alarm are coyotes and snapping turtles - however, these animals will generally not come in contact with humans and would prefer to be left alone. Dragonflies, despite their name, are harmless and beautiful creatures. Be respectful of our wildlife, keep a safe distance, and they will not bother you.

Q: What can I do at the Park besides swim in the pool and have a picnic?

A: Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond offer a beautiful boating and fishing experience. You can find many types of fish, birds, and mammals in the area, including great blue herons and beavers. Secluded and serene Crom Pond can only be accessed through the water trail connecting it to Mohansic Lake.

 

Did You Know?

- DID YOU KNOW? In 1782, French troops camping in Yorktown created the current outlet from Crom Pond in return for firewood and camping rights.

- CHECK IT OUT! New rustic benches scattered around the Park's 18-hole disc golf course are made out of Black Locust wood from trees that fell during recent severe storms, a great re-use of Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park wood!

- DID YOU KNOW? Bobcats have been spotted in some areas of the park!

 

FDR State Park was originally inhabited by the Algonquin tribe of Native Americans. Dutch settlers later name this land "Crom Pond" (crooked lake). During the Revolutionary War, French General Rochambeau's army encamped near the lake in 1781-1782.


Mohansic State Hospital

In 1909, New York State acquired approximately 550 acres to build the Mohansic State Hospital for the Insane. A railroad sour was constructed from Yorktown Heights' train station to the hospital in 1911, but little else was erected. Amid growing concerns that the hospital's sewage would pollute the nearby Croton Reservoir (New York City water supply), the New York State Legislature brought hospital development plans to an end. In 1918, the Legislature established the Mohansic Lake Reservation (now FDR State Park) to be preserved in its natural condition and open for all. 


Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at FDR State Park

From 1935 until the start of World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park was home to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp Mohansic SP-52/Company 2218-V. The "V" indicates that it was a unit of World War I veterans; only 26 of New York's 161 camps enrolled unemployed veterans. The cam's 200 men were from New York and New Jersey and ranged in age from 35 to 60. Although most CCC camps consisted of young unskilled men, Camp SP-52's veterans came equipped with various life experiences and turned this park into a recreational area to be enjoyed by all.

Between 1935 and 1942, Civilian Conservation Corps Camp SP-52 converted the existing property into a public recreation area - Mohansic (now Franklin D. Roosevelt) State Park. Focusing on park improvements and conservation projects, they created new roadways, picnic and parking areas, ball fields, nature trails, and a new park exist. Crews planted numerous trees and eradicated Dutch Elm disease. The stonework in the Toll Booth and Pavilion 1 is a example of the men's craftsmanship.  

Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Ramble through FDR State Park with your guide Terence Ducey for a fun and fact-filled First Day Hike. Easy 2-mile hike, no pre-registration, leashed pets only! Dress in warm layers with hats and gloves. Meet up in North end of pool parking lot. Free of charge. Meet-up Location: North End of the pool parking lot, Approximate distance of hike: 2 miles Leashed pets welcome.
Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Ramble through FDR State Park with your guide Terence Ducey for a fun and fact filled First Day Hike at 9am. Easy 2-mile hike, no pre-registration, leashed pets only! Dress in warm layers with hats and gloves. Meet up in North end of pool parking lot. Free of charge.
Did You Know? In 1782, French troops camping in Yorktown created the current outlet from Crom Pond.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking
  • Boat Launches
  • Boat Rentals
  • Disc Golf
  • Fishing (Accessible)
  • Food (Accessible)
  • Grills (Accessible)
  • Hiking
  • Ice Fishing
  • Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
  • Playgrounds
  • Playing Fields
  • Showers (Accessible)
  • Sledding (Accessible)
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
  • Swimming Pool (Accessible)