Summer Calendar Nassau County
Hempstead
Lake State Park is a multiuse facility. Included are 18 tennis courts, 6
pickleball courts (with an additional 4 pickleball courts added to 2 hard
surface tennis courts), children's playgrounds, basketball courts, softball
field, bridle trails for horseback riding, biking and hiking trails, shaded
picnic areas, a beautiful observation deck overlooking Hempstead Lake, and a
historic hand-carved wooden carousel.
There
are also three bodies of freshwater that are accessible for fishing (Hempstead
Lake, McDonald Pond, and South Pond). They are stocked with trout in the fall
and you may target trout year-round. Other species present include largemouth
bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, carp, and sunfish. On Hempstead Lake, the
largest lake in Nassau County, you are permitted to launch cartop boats such as
kayaks, canoes, and rowboats as well as inflatable boats that are certified by
the National Marine Manufacturer's Association. Trailers are not permitted.
Additionally,
Hempstead offers rental of the Carousel Party Room in-house, by appointment.
For a rental fee of $350 (weekends/holidays) or $300 (weekdays) for a
three-hour party, guests are also offered unlimited carousel rides during their
event for up to 90 people.
Environmental
Education and Resiliency Center The
Environmental Education and Resiliency Center is a unique, hands-on learning
center focused on environmental management and storm resiliency. The goal is to
connect the community with the natural environment by providing outreach and
educational programming. The Center will also be used for storm response
purposes. The Hempstead Lake Dam will be monitored from the center and the data
tracked to assist in storm preparation and response.
The
EERC currently offers educational programming for scouts, schools, and the
public. To register for public programs you can visit our
Eventbrite page. If you would like to
book a school or scout program you can email the EERC at
HempsteadLakeEE@parks.ny.gov .
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are always to be supervised 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.
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- Environmental Education and Resiliency Center is open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm (4/1 - 5/24/24), 9am-5pm (5/25 - 9/2/24) and 9am-4pm (9/3 - 3/31/25). Phone number: 516-766-1029, Email: HempsteadLakeEE@parks.ny.gov
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- Fishing: Available year-round. Valid NY State fishing license required for patrons 16 yrs. or older.
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- Model Boat Permit: Sold in park office. Valid NAMBA membership card must be presented. (Suspended for 2023 due to construction)
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- Picnicking: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. Permit required for groups of 50 or more. No fee for permit.
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- Carousel and Gift Shop: 4/6 - 10/14 from 12pm - 6pm, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Carousel Pavilion Building party room rentals for: Birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, etc. Contact Park Office: (516) 766-1029. -
- Tennis: 4/1 - 10/31/24 from 7am - Sunset, Daily
Hard Courts & Clay Courts (weather permitting)
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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 Entrance Fee
-
Cars: $8
Buses: $35
2024 Fee Collected:
4/6 - 5/19/24
8:00 am - 4:00 pm Weekends/Holidays
5/25 - 9/2/24
8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mon-Fri
7:00 am - 6:00 pm Weekends/Holidays
9/7 - 10/14/24
8:00 am - 4:00 pm Weekends/ Holidays
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- Carousel
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$2 per ride, 4/6 - 10/14, weekends & holidays
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- Permits
-
- Model Boat Permit: (Suspended for 2022 due to construction)
$40
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Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Critter Crossing
Friday, August 30, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Join us for a scavenger hunt based on the hit game, Animal Crossing! Participants will find and learn about critters found across the Northeast and make an Animal Crossing inspired craft. Children's program (ages 6 to 16). To register, please visit
Eventbrite.com.
TINY TOTS: Owls
Friday, September 6, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. To register, please visit
Eventbrite.com.
Happy Hummingbirds
Saturday, September 7, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Learning about some of the tiniest birds in the animal kingdom is bound to put a smile on anyone's face! During this program, participants will learn about the world of hummingbirds and will go home having made a hummingbird inspired craft. Children's Program (ages 6 and up). To register, please visit
Eventbrite.com.
What A Colorful World!
Sunday, September 8, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
The world is a vibrant place with colors everywhere you look! Join us in exploring the world of colors, including how other animals see colors and the role of colors in nature. Participants will get to make and take home their very own kaleidoscope! Children's Program (ages 6 and up). To register, please visit
Eventbrite.com.