Hempstead Lake State Park

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Hempstead Lake State Park Update

Field 1 playground will be closed through May 17, 2024.

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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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 - 5/24/24), 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

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

Hempstead Lake State Park Trail Map

Trail Map (pdf)

Sat 20 Apr

Earth Day Cleanup (Free)
Saturday, April 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Get outside and celebrate Earth Day at Hempstead Lake State Park by helping to keep it clean! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

Sun 21 Apr

The Lorax Storytime
Sunday, April 21, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Celebrate Earth Day with us as as we enter the world of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

Fri 26 Apr

TINY TOTS: Dino Madness
Friday, April 26, 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.

Sat 27 Apr

Rainbow Science at Valley Stream SP
Saturday, April 27, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Together we will create fun rainbow science experiments and predict the results! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

Sun 28 Apr

Terrific Terrariums
Sunday, April 28, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Discover the wonders of the water cycle! Join us as we get an up-close view of the Water Cycle in action and create your very own terrarium. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

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