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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

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.

Fri 18 Oct
TINY TOTS: Spiders
Friday, October 18, 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 19 Oct
The 2024 Fall Family Freshwater Fishing Festival
Saturday, October 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
This family oriented festival integrates fishing with fall activities, providing fun for all ages! The NYS DEC I Fish NY program and local fishing clubs will provide fishing activities, such as fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, loaner rods, free bait, and fish cleaning services for all participants. In addition to fishing opportunities, there will be a wildlife exhibits, reptile show, magic performance, inflatable, and much more. The fishing license requirement for all anglers over the age of 16 is suspended for this festival. No registration is required for admission and parking is free. For additional information, please call 631-321-3510 or DEC's I Fish NY at (631) 444-0283.
Sun 20 Oct
Otherworldly Adaptations
Sunday, October 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Certain organisms have such unique adaptations that they almost look like aliens! Join us in learning about the wacky adaptations certain plants and animals have before you create your own otherworldly creature. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Tue 22 Oct
Craft & Coffee
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Join us one Tuesday a month to sip some coffee and make a craft inspired by nature! This month we will be painting wood cuts. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sun 27 Oct
Micro-season Nature Hike
Sunday, October 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Meet up with us to hike around Hempstead Lake and bask in the beautiful fall foliage! This hike will go the entire distance around the lake, which is 3 miles, so come prepared with your hiking shoes and adventurous spirit! We will meet at the Field 1 Education Center and we will begin hiking promptly at 10am. 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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