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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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

Fall Calendar Nassau County

Winter 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 (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
  • 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 2023 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: 4/6 - 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)

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

  • Carousel

  • $2 per ride, 4/6 - 10/14, weekends & holidays

  • Permits
  • Model Boat Permit: (Suspended for 2022 due to construction)
    $40

Maps

Digital Maps

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

Sat 21 Dec
Solstice Hike
Saturday, December 21, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Hempstead Lake! Learn what the solstice is and how it has been celebrated in time immemorial during a nature hike around the lake. Please dress warmly and come prepared for a 3 mile hike. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Fri 27 Dec
TINY TOTS: Arctic Animals
Friday, December 27, 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.
Registration: Required
Sat 28 Dec
Antlered Friends
Saturday, December 28, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Reindeer aren't our only antlered animal friends! Join us for a lesson on antlered animals and make a craft. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sun 29 Dec
Winter Bird Walk
Sunday, December 29, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
What can we spot flying in Winter skies? Come find out! We will walk along the lake and learn about some of the bird species that may be spotted across Long Island at this time of year. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Tue 31 Dec
Free Play
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Spend some time with your little one in the Center's classroom. An educator will be present, but the time and space is yours- play with our toys, put together our puzzles, or read one of our storybooks. The hour is what you make of it! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required

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)

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