Hempstead Lake State Park
Lakeside Dr.
West Hempstead, NY 11552
- Phone: (516) 766-1029
Spring Nature Programs
Spring Nature Program Descriptions
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.
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
- 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 - 9/2: 12pm 7pm
9/3 - 10/14: 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 - 9/2: 8am - Sunset (M - F) and 7 am - Sunset (SS & holidays)
9/3 - 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.
Saturday, June 29, 2019 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Come learn to fish! We will be showing how to tie line, cast and identify fish. Then try to catch a fish in Hempstead Lake! This program is based on the "I Fish NY" clinic by the Department of Environmental Conservation This is a free program. Ages 8 and up.
Monday, July 1, 2019 until Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Hempstead Lake State Park
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.
Date: Weekdays, July 1st through September 3rd
Time: Weekdays, 4:00pm-8:00pm - Two matches per night, 5:15 PM & 6:30 PM
Location: Hempstead Lake State Park
Fee: $12.00 singles; $15.00 Doubles
Saturday, August 10, 2019 02:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Part of Long Island State Parks Summer Entertainment, this magic show will amaze and astound no matter your age! Colorful handkerchiefs turn to magic canes and objects materialize out of thin air. Bring your chair or blanket and get ready for an amazing show!
Vehicle Use Fee: $8.00
Sunday, August 18, 2019 02:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Part of Long Island State Parks Summer Entertainment, Jester Jim's show is filled with juggling, magic, audience participation, beat boxing, balancing and tons of comedy, it’s entertaining and fun for the whole family. Don't miss out on this fun family show!
Vehicle Use Fee: $8.00
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