Hempstead Lake State Park
UPDATE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 6th: Hempstead Lake State Park is closed due to damage from adverse weather.
1000 Lake Drive
West Hempstead, NY 11552
- General Information: (516) 766-1029
Hempstead Lake State Park is a multiuse facility. Included are 20 tennis courts, children's playgrounds, basketball courts, bridle trails for horseback riding, hiking trails, shaded picnic areas and a historic hand-carved wooden carousel. There is a picnic pavilion available to rent for large parties through the Permit Department. Additionally, Hempstead offers rentals of the Carousel Party-Room by appointment. For a rental fee of $350.00 for a three-hour event, guests are also offered unlimited carousel rides during their party.
There are three ponds that are accessible for fishing. On Hempstead Lake, the largest lake in Nassau County, you are permitted to use cartop and inflatable boats (certified by the National Marine Manufacturer's Association) with an annual permit issued from the Park. McDonald Pond, South Pond, and Hempstead Lake are stocked with trout in the fall and you may target trout year-round. Other species present include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bullhead catfish, black crappie, yellow perch, carp, and sunfish.
Pavilion Information
Hempstead Lake has one pavilion, ranging in price from $200 on a weekday to $250 on a weekend or holiday. It can accommodate up to 300 people. 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.
- Tennis: All weather courts: Available year-round.
4/13 - 5/22: 8am - Sunset, Daily
5/23 - 9/7: 8am - Sunset (M - F) and 7 am - Sunset (SS & holidays)
9/8 - 11/3: 8am - Sunset, Daily - Fishing: Available year-round.
Valid NY State fishing license required for patrons 16 yrs. or older. - Boat Permit: Sold in park office. Boat and life jacket must be inspected. Please call for appointment: (516) 766-1029
Model Boat Permit: Sold in park office. Valid NAMBA membership card must be presented.- Picnicking: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. Permit required for groups of 50 or more. No fee for permit.
- Tennis: Clay Courts - Available 4/13 - 11/3, Weather permitting.
Courts close at sunset.- Carousel and Gift Shop: 4/4 - 10/12, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
4/4 - 5/17: 12pm-6pm
5/23 - 9/7: 12pm 7pm
9/12 - 10/12: 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 $75
2020 Fee Collected:
Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 4:00 pmWeekends/ Holidays, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm - Carousel
$2 per ride, 4/4 - 10/12, weekends & holidays
- Permits
- Boat Permit:
$50
Model Boat Permit:
$40 - Tennis Information:
- Tennis (All Weather):
$6 per hour
Tennis (Clay):
$8 per hour
Tennis Tournament:
Singles: $12
Doubles: $15
Registration Fee Collected 5/1 - 6/30.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Saturday, October 17, 2020 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
This family-oriented annual fishing festival integrates fishing in MacDonald Pond and South Pond with fall activities, such as a casting for pumpkins contest and pumpkin decorating. The event includes fly fishing instruction, demonstrations by the DEC, and outdoor exhibits by local fishing clubs. Loaner rods are first come, first served. Children can also enjoy an inflatable slide, pumpkin decorating, face painting and live entertainment. Refreshments are available for purchase.
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)