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

General Information: (516) 766-1029

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Winter 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 15 Mar

Fantastic Ferns
Saturday, March 15, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Ferns are some of the oldest plants on Earth. Join us as we hike around the park and identify and learn about ferns. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com. This event has been cancelled.

Registration: Required

Sun 16 Mar

Art in the Park: Still Life Painting
Sunday, March 16, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Essential to early species identification and the general representation of diversity in the natural world, we have a lot to learn from still life art. We will discuss the significance of still life paintings in the environmental movement before creating our own work of art. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

Registration: Required

Tue 18 Mar

Crafts and Coffee
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 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 making mosaics. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com.

Registration: Required

Fri 21 Mar

TINY TOTS: Frogs and Toads
Friday, March 21, 2025 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 activities, story times, and crafts. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com. This event has been cancelled.

Registration: Required

Sat 22 Mar

Gardening 101 Workshop
Saturday, March 22, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park

Want to grow your own food but don't know where to begin? Join us in a guided workshop in starting a home garden--no backyard necessary! 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