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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

Winter Calendar Nassau 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 (4/1 - 5/23/25), 9am-5pm (5/24 - 9/1/25) and 9am-4pm (9/2 - 3/31/26). 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.
  • Picnicking: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. Permit required for groups of 50 or more. No fee for permit.
  • Carousel and Gift Shop: 4/5 - 10/13/25 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 - 10/31/25 from 7am - Sunset, Daily
    Hard, Clay, & Pickleball Courts (weather permitting). Contact Sportime for rates and info: (516) 282-7222
  • Beachside Valet offers in-season rentals of kayaks, swan peddle boats, and surrey bikes. Contact Beachside Valet: (800) 313-8011.

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

    2025 Fee Collected:

    4/5 - 5/18/25
    8:00 am - 4:00 pm Weekends/Holidays
    5/24 - 9/1/25
    8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mon-Fri
    7:00 am - 6:00 pm Weekends/Holidays
    9/6 - 10/13/25
    8:00 am - 4:00 pm Weekends/ Holidays

  • Carousel

  • $2 per ride, 4/5 - 10/13/25, weekends & holidays

  • Rentals
  • Single kayak - $40 per hour
    Tandem kayak - $50 per hour
    Swan peddle boat - $80 per hour
    Surrey bike tour - $50 per hour

Maps

Digital Maps

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

Sat 05 Apr
Passport Through Parks: Early Earth Day Walk
Saturday, April 5, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
To learn more and to register, please visit NYS Parks Long Island Environmental Education on Eventbrite.
Registration: Required
Sat 05 Apr
Passport through Parks! - Hempstead
Saturday, April 5, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Discover Long Island's State Parks in a monthly hiking series through every park on the Island! Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sun 06 Apr
Traditional Egg Decorating
Sunday, April 6, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Discover a new method of egg decorating! The technique involves alternating applications of beeswax and dye in such away that the wax protects the color of the dye underneath it. When all layers are completed, the wax is gently melted away by warming the egg over a flame to reveal beautiful, colorful designs. Capacity for this program is 10 adults. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sat 12 Apr
Spice Up Your Life
Saturday, April 12, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Join us for a hands-on class about eating seasonally throughout the year, discover new foods and ways to eat them, and create your own spice blends to enjoy! This program is part of our monthly gardening series. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required
Sun 13 Apr
Chicken or the Egg?
Sunday, April 13, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Which one came first?! Join us to learn about the science behind the age-old question. We will dive into the evolution of chickens, starting all the way back to the dinosaurs, we will do some egg-citing activities, and there will be a fun craft! 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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