Hempstead Lake State Park
Address
1000 Lake Drive
West Hempstead, NY 11552
1000 Lake Drive
West Hempstead, NY 11552
Latitude 40.682314001199998
Longitude -73.642421507799995
- General Information: (516) 766-1029
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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 (beginning 11/10/22) and 9am-5pm (beginning 2/16/23), 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: 4/1 - 10/9, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
4/1 - 5/21/23: 12pm-6pm
5/27- 9/4/23: 12pm-7pm
9/9 - 10/9/23: 12pm-6pm
Carousel Pavilion Building party room rentals for: Birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, etc. Contact Park Office: (516) 766-1029.- Tennis: 4/15 - 11/7/23
Hard Courts & Clay Courts (weather permitting)4/15 - 5/26/238am - Sunset, Daily5/27 - 9/4/238am - Sunset, Mon-Fri7am - Sunset, Weekends/Holidays9/5 - 11/7/238am - Sunset, Daily
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 $8Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses (By permit only) $75
2023 Fee Collected:4/1 - 5/21/238:00 am - 4:00 pm Weekends/Holidays5/27 - 9/4/238:00 am - 4:00 pm Mon-Fri7:00 am - 6:00 pm Weekends/Holidays9/9/ - 10/9/238:00 am - 4:00 pm Weekends/ Holidays - Carousel
$2 per ride, 4/1 - 10/9, 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.
Fri
02
Jun
Friday, June 2, 2023 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. Children aged 3-5. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure.
Sat
03
Jun
Saturday, June 3, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
What
could be more relaxing than a slow and steady walk around the Bridle Trail at
Hempstead Lake State Park? How about a walk where we also stop to appreciate
all the beautiful birds we see along the way. Together we will explore the many
different species of birds that call the park their home! To
register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Adult Program.
Sat
03
Jun
Saturday, June 3, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Join
us as we saunter along the stream and look for different birds that live in,
along and above the stream at Valley Stream State Park. We will try to observe
and identify the variety of birds that call the park their home. Please meet at
the park office at field 1 and bring a pair of binoculars if you own them. To
register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Family Program, Free.
Sun
04
Jun
Sunday, June 4, 2023 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Join
us as we celebrate Pride Month through fun and exciting rainbow science
experiments. Through these experiments we will observe how the spectrum of visible
light can be used to demonstrate principles of science and wonders to the
senses. To
register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Children Program.
Sun
11
Jun
Sunday, June 11, 2023 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Below the surface of the water lives a vibrant ecosystem! Explore their underwater world and get a close look at some of the tiny creatures who make their home at Hempstead Lake! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Children's Program.
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)