Hempstead Lake State Park

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Address
1000 Lake Drive
West Hempstead, NY 11552

Long Island Region

Latitude 40.682314001199998

Longitude -73.642421507799995

Directions

General Information: (516) 766-1029

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Weather

Winter Nature Programs Nassau County

Winter Nature Programs Suffolk County

Spring 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 .

Pavilion Information
The Philip Scott Pavilion is available to rent for large parties of up to 300 people, ranging in price from $200 on a weekday to $250 on a weekend or holiday. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com. Find out more on picnic pavilion reservations and see photos of the Philip Scott Pavilion.

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.
Environmental Education and Resiliency Center is open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm (beginning 11/10/22) and 9am-5pm (beginning 2/16/23), Phone number: 516-766-1029, Email: HempsteadLakeEE@parks.ny.gov
Fishing: Available year-round. Valid NY State fishing license required for patrons 16 yrs. or older.
Model Boat Permit: Sold in park office. Valid NAMBA membership card must be presented. (Suspended for 2022 due to construction)
Picnicking: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. Permit required for groups of 50 or more. No fee for permit.
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.

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
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses (By permit only) $75

2023 Fee Collected:

Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Weekends/ Holidays, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Weekend/Holiday collections start 4/1 until 5/21, then again from 9/9 until 10/9

Daily collections start 5/27 until 9/4
Carousel
$2 per ride, 4/1 - 10/9, weekends & holidays
Permits
Model Boat Permit: (Suspended for 2022 due to construction)
$40

Maps

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

Hempstead Lake State Park Trail Map

Trail Map (pdf)

Sat 01 Apr

Rockin’ Robin
Saturday, April 1, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Explore the world of birding by sound! It's springtime and that early morning song you hear is likely a robin singing its heart out. Join us as we learn about why birds sing, how they can make such beautiful sounds, and how to identify birds by listening to their songs. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Adult Program.

Sun 02 Apr

Egg Decorating
Sunday, April 2, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Have you ever heard of Pysanky, Batik, or Kistka? Don't worry if you haven't! We will learn these words and more as we learn to decorate eggs in a unique new way. Join us for this two-hour, hands-on program. Discover the art of egg decorating with different dyes, tools, and waxes. Afterward join us for some egg-cellent egg trivia! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Adult Program.

Fri 07 Apr

Tiny Tots: Hop into Spring
Friday, April 7, 2023 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. Children aged 3-5. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure.

Sat 08 Apr

Scrambled Eggs
Saturday, April 8, 2023 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Join us to celebrate the wonders of physics as we will design and build protection for an egg that will be dropped 20 feet from our back porch. Test out your egg engineering skills in this hands-on program. Do you have the skills to protect a raw egg from a 20-foot drop? To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Children 6+ Program.

Sun 09 Apr

Spring Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 9, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park

The birds are starting to chirp, trees are budding, and the days are finally getting longer. All types of flora and fauna are waking up and enjoying the extra sunlight and warmer days. Let's go for a hike in the park with our scavenger hunt worksheets and seek out the telltale signs of spring. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Family Program.

View all events for Hempstead Lake State Park

Amenities Information

Amenities
Biking
Boat Launches
Equestrian Trails
Fishing (Accessible)
Grills
Hiking
Pavilions and Shelter Rentals
Playgrounds (Accessible)
Playing Fields
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Tennis (Accessible)

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation