Hempstead Lake State Park

Home / State Parks / Hempstead Lake State Park

Address
1000 Lake Drive
West Hempstead, NY 11552

Long Island Region

Latitude 40.682314001199998

Longitude -73.642421507799995

Directions

General Information: (516) 766-1029

Donate

Weather

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

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

Hempstead Lake State Park Trail Map

Trail Map (pdf)

Sat 29 Mar

Trail Talk: Women’s History
Saturday, March 29, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Celebrate Women's History Month as we go for a hike around the lake and discuss some of the most prominent women in the environmental field! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

Registration: Required

Sun 30 Mar

Signs of Spring
Sunday, March 30, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Spring is coming! Join us as we discuss the changes plants and animals go through as the temperature gets warmer and the days get longer. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

Registration: Required

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

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