Hempstead Lake State Park is a multifunctional facility offering hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. This 737-acre park is home to Hempstead Lake, McDonald Pond, and South Pond. Visitors are permitted to use car top boats with an annual permit issued by the park.
The three ponds are stocked with trout in the fall but you can target them year-round. There is also chain pickerel, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. This is a fantastic article to read.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Hempstead Lake State Park, with three different ponds available to would-be anglers. The park regularly stocks its ponds with trout and largemouth bass. Canines are welcome to accompany fishermen, provided they are on a leash no longer than 8 feet.
The park also features the Hempstead Lake Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, which is a unique hands-on learning center focused on environmental management and storm resiliency. The 8,000-square-foot facility was opened in September of 2021.
Picnicking
Hempstead Lake State Park features 18 tennis courts, six pickleball courts, children’s playgrounds, picnic areas with pavilions, bridle trails for horseback riding and biking, and a historic hand-carved wooden carousel. It also has three ponds that are accessible for fishing. A valid New York State fishing license is required. Trout are stocked in Hempstead Lake, McDonald’s Pond, and South Pond.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced $47 million in improvements at Hempstead Lake State Park, which will transform the park for all residents and make it more climate change resilient. The project includes two miles of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant stone dust and bridle trails, and upgrades to the Northern Ponds’ dam and culvert to mitigate flood risk. Discover more exciting places here.
Hiking
Hempstead Lake State Park offers a few miles of scenic trails for runners and hikers. The most popular trail is the three-mile Hempstead Lake Bridle Trail, which loops around the namesake lake and also includes some wooded sections. Other trails include the mile-long blue and green trails above Northeast and Northwest ponds, as well as the 0.5-mile Indian trail.
Fishing is also popular at Hempstead Lake State Park, with three different ponds that are regularly stocked with trout and largemouth bass. Canines are welcome to accompany anglers, provided they’re on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Easily save your favorite routes to navigate Hempstead Lake State Park with a free Komoot account.
Camping
Hempstead Lake State Park in West Hempstead NY offers a variety of camping opportunities. The 737-acre park features the largest freshwater lake in Nassau County, playgrounds and tennis courts, picnic tables with pavilions, a recreation program, hiking and biking trails, a bridle path, fishing (Hempstead Lake and McDonald and South Pond), cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Hempstead Lake State Park is also home to an 8,000-square-foot Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, which will provide educational outreach programs as well as serve as a storm response center. The park welcomes leashed dogs. It has 18 tennis courts, 6 dedicated pickleball courts added to two existing hard surface tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, and soccer fields, a basketball court, a softball field, and a historic hand-carved wooden carousel.
Boating
Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi-use park. The park offers a variety of recreational activities such as picnicking, fishing, hiking, and boating. The park is also home to a historic hand-carved carousel.
In addition, the new Environmental Education and Resiliency Center provides hands-on learning on the subjects of storm resiliency and environmental management. It is also used for community outreach and emergency response.
Visitors can fish year-round at Hempstead Lake and other ponds provided they have a valid NY state fishing license. The park also has a bike trail, horseback riding trails, and a playground. Pets are welcome unless prohibited by park signage.
Carousel
Hempstead Lake State Park offers a historic hand-carved carousel, picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, 20 tennis courts, and basketball courts, bridle trails for horseback riding, and bike, and hiking trails. The 737-acre park has quick access from exit 18 on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead.
Fishing is popular at Hempstead Lake State Park, where three ponds are regularly stocked with trout and largemouth bass. Canines are welcome to accompany anglers provided they are on a leash.
The Hempstead Lake State Park’s Heckscher Carousel, a work of art featuring 36 jumping horses and two chariots, is available for rental for parties at a fee. It is the only one of its kind in Nassau County, NY. Continue reading about Arthur J. Hendrickson Park.
Driving directions from RJ’s Gutter Cleaning to Hempstead Lake State Park
Driving directions from Hempstead Lake State Park to Arthur J. Hendrickson Park