Hempstead Lake State Park
Lakeside Dr.
West Hempstead, NY 11552
- Phone: (516) 766-1029
Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi use facility. Included are 20 tennis courts, children's playgrounds, basketball courts, bridle trails for horse back riding, biking and hiking trails, shaded picnic areas and a historic hand carved wooden carousel. There is a picnic pavilion available for large parties. In addition to a pavilion rented through the Permit Department, Hempstead offers rental of the Carousel party-room done in-house at the park. For a rental fee of $350.00 for a three hour event, guests are also offered unlimited carousel rides during their event.
There are three ponds that are accessible for fishing. On Hempstead Lake, the largest lake in Nassau County, you are permitted to use car top boats with an annual permit issued from the Park. McDonald Pond, South Pond and Hempstead Lake are stocked with trout in the fall and you may target trout year-round. Other species present include large mouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, perch, tiger muskies, carp and sunfish.
Find out more on picnic pavilion reservations and see photos of Hemp Pavilion.
Dogs only. Access in dog-walk area only, on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in picnic areas, in buildings, or on walkways.
Hours of Operation
- Open year round. Sunrise to Sunset.
- Boat Permit: Sold in park office. Boat and life jacket must be inspected. Please call for appointment: (516) 766-1029
- Carousel and Gift Shop: 4/1 - 10/9, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
4/1 - 5/21: 12pm-6pm
5/27 - 9/4: 12pm 7pm
9/9 - 10/9: 12pm-6pm
Carousel Pavilion Building party room rentals for: Birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, etc. Contact Park Office: (516) 766-1029. - Fishing: Available year round.
Valid NY State fishing license required for patrons 16 yrs. or older. - Picnicking: Year round, sunrise to sunset. Permit required for groups of 50 or more. No fee for permit.
- Tennis: All weather courts: Available year round.
4/15 - 5/26: 8am - Sunset, Daily
5/27 - 9/4: 8am - Sunset (M - F) and 7 am - Sunset (SS & holidays)
9/5 - 11/7: 8am - Sunset, Daily- Tennis: All weather courts: Available year round.
Clay Courts - Available 4/15 - 11/7, Weather permitting.
Courts close at sunset.
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.
- Boat Permit
- $50
- Carousel
- $2 per ride
- Metal Detecting
- By Permit Only $40
- Model Boat
- $40 by permit only
- Picnicking
- Special permit required for Pavilion rental.
-Weekends/Holidays: $250
-Weekdays: $200 - Tennis (All Weather)
- $6 per hour
- Tennis (Clay)
- $8 per hour
- Tennis Tournament
- Singles: $12
Doubles: $15
Registration Fee Collected 5/1 - 6/30. - Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Cars $8
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses $75
2018 Collection Times:
4/1 - 5/20: 8am-4pm, weekends & holidays;
5/26 - 9/3: 8am-4pm, weekdays; 7am-6pm, weekends & holidays;
9/8 - 10/8: 8 am - 4 pm, weekends & holidays.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Monday, July 2, 2018 until Tuesday, September 4, 2018 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Daily, July 2nd through September 4th. Weekdays 4pm to 8pm. Two matches per night, 5:15pm & 6:30pm. Fee: $12 singles; $15 doubles.
Daily tennis tournament in the following divisions: Men’s and Women’s Singles; Men’s and Women’s Doubles; Mixed Doubles. Trophies are given to the 1st place winner and runner up in each division. Begins May 1 to June 30 or until the 384 maximum participant number is reached.
Saturday, October 20, 2018 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
This family-oriented annual fishing festival integrates fishing with fall activities, such as a casting for pumpkins contest and pumpkin decorating. The event also includes fly fishing instruction, demonstrations, and outdoor exhibits by local fishing clubs. Children also enjoy an inflatable, pumpkin decorating, face painting and much more! Rain or shine event.
Amenities, Activities & Information
- Amenities
- Boat Launches
- Bridle Path
- Grills
- Pavilions (Accessible)
- Picnic Tables (Accessible)
- Playgrounds (Accessible)
- Playing Fields
- Activities
- Biking
- Fishing (Accessible)
- Hiking
- Recreation Programs (Accessible)
- Tennis (Accessible)
- X-Country Skiing