Lake Welch Beach State Park's man-made Lake Welch, with its half-mile-long sandy beach in the wooded hills of the Ramapo Mountains, is the largest beach in Harriman State Park. Originally a small body of water with farmland around the edges, Lake Welch became the large lake that it is today when a dam was completed in 1942. The park offers cool breezes, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping in adjacent Beaver Pond Campground. Winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Please note that alcohol is not permitted at this site.
Current Water Quality - Beach Results
No Pets permitted.
10/10/23 – 4/19/24
M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm, picnicking only. No swimming or wading allowed.
Closed weekends and Holidays.
Please note: Entrance gates are closed at 3:30pm.
4/20/24 - 5/24/24
Daily: 8:00am-4:00pm, picnicking only. No swimming or wading allowed.
Please note: Entrance gates are closed at 3:30pm.
5/25/24 - 6/16/24
M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm, picnicking only. No swimming or wading allowed.
Sat, Sun, Holidays: 7:00am-8:00pm, picnicking and swimming**
**Swimming available Weekends/Holiday only: 10:00am - 5:45pm
6/17/24 - 9/2/24
M-F: 8:00am-8:00pm, picnicking and swimming**
Sat, Sun, Holidays: 7:00am-8:00pm, picnicking and swimming**
** Swimming available Weekends/Holidays 9:00am - 6:45pm and Monday-Friday 10:00am - 5:45pm
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.
$10/car parking fee (cash or credit card accepted) applied during the Swimming season from:
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekends/holidays
Bus Permits:
Commercial: $100
Non-profit: $60
On Site: $150
Cash, check or credit card accepted.