How much does camping cost at Hempstead Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Hempstead Lake State Park range from $300-$350/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hempstead Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Hempstead Lake State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hempstead Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Hempstead Lake State Park has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hempstead Lake State Park?

Hempstead Lake State Park is open Null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hempstead Lake State Park?

Hempstead Lake State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hempstead Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Hempstead Lake State Park: Null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Hempstead Lake State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Hempstead Lake State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Hempstead Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Hempstead Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hempstead Lake State Park

3.93

7 reviews

880 Lake Drive - Field #1, West Hempstead, New York, 11552, United States

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$300 - $350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Direct Line Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$300 - $350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Direct Line Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Hempstead Lake State Park

$300.00 - $350.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The Philip Scott Pavilion can be rented online or by phone for $350 on weekends/holidays and $300 on weekdays for three hours. Unlimited carousel...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

1692 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadewater

"The park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its cleanliness, variety of activities, and inclusivity. Many users admire its well-maintained infrastructure and the diversity of wildlife."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

880 Lake Drive - Field #1, West Hempstead, New York, 11552, United States

Hempstead Lake State Park

880 Lake Drive - Field #1, West Hempstead, New York, 11552, United States

Nearby places

Null

Nearby supplies

Null

Best Time to Camp at Hempstead Lake State Park

Fall is the standout season. Expect mid-50s to upper-60s°F days with crisp mornings and lower crowds than summer weekends. Migratory waterfowl move through the ponds, and lake mist at dawn makes for good photography. Bass and pickerel remain active. Spring brings wildflowers and mild hiking weather. Summer is warm but busy. Winter activities are available, though specific conditions aren't detailed in the source data.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in NY

Described as the standout season: crisp days, migratory waterfowl and lower crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Null
Current Alerts: Field 1 playground will be closed through May 17, 2024.

About Hempstead Lake State Park

Hempstead Lake State Park is a Nassau County day-use recreation area built around three freshwater lakes. The park offers tennis courts, pickleball courts, trails, fishing, and cartop boating on Hempstead Lake, the county's largest. There are no overnight campsites. A hand-carved wooden carousel operates seasonally.

Hempstead Lake State Park does not have designated campsites or camping facilities.

Historical Significance

The park's hand-carved wooden carousel has served generations of families, though exact dates and carver details aren't specified in the source materials. The park also hosts environmental education programs and demonstrates storm resiliency practices, but no deeper historical context is provided.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Expect mid-50s to upper-60s°F days with crisp mornings and lower crowds than summer weekends. Migratory waterfowl move through the ponds, and lake mist at dawn makes for good photography. Bass and pickerel remain active. Spring brings wildflowers and mild hiking weather. Summer is warm but busy. Winter activities are available, though specific conditions aren't detailed in the source data.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates an accessible outdoor experience for visitors of all abilities, with level paths perfect for leisurely strolls and easy bike rides throughout the grounds.

Natural Features and Scenery737-acre park featuring Hempstead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Nassau County, along with McDonald Pond and South Pond. Wooded picnic areas provide shade, with hiking, biking, and bridle trails winding through the natural landscape.[1][2][3]

Geological RegionNestled within Nassau County's remarkable freshwater ecosystem, the park centers around three distinct aquatic jewels: Hempstead Lake, McDonald Pond, and South Pond. Hempstead Lake claims the title of Nassau County's largest lake, its expansive waters welcoming paddlers in kayaks, canoes, and rowboats to explore hidden coves and peaceful inlets. These interconnected waterways support a thriving fish community including prized largemouth bass, acrobatic chain pickerel, abundant yellow perch, hefty carp, and colorful sunfish. The lakes' calm waters and cartop-only boat policy create an intimate paddling experience where the splash of your oar and call of waterfowl provide the soundtrack to your adventure. Please note that boat trailers are not permitted, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for all visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

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Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for the Pavilion can be made online or by phone through Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilityNull

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityThe park is inclusive and features a wheelchair ramp and designated lookout points, as highlighted by a user review: 'Yes, new wheelchair ramp and a lookout points have been added!

Site SizeThe park does not have designated campsites.

PrivacyThe park does not have campsites, so privacy levels are not applicable.

Recommended SitesNull

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Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Hempstead Lake State Park is a hub for a wide array of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing in three well-stocked freshwater bodies, and horseback riding on bridle trails. The park also facilitates pickleball, basketball, softball, and tennis. Unique features include a historic hand-carved wooden carousel, an environmental education center, and a scenic observation deck overlooking Hempstead Lake. Boating with kayaks, canoes, and rowboats is allowed on the lake. Several user reviews highlight the park's cleanliness and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Hiking

Fishing

Fishing is a prominent activity at Hempstead Lake, McDonald Pond, and South Pond. The lakes are stocked with trout in the fall, and year-round fishing is permitted for species like largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, carp, and sunfish. According to a user review: 'Very nice paddling (lake is popular for fishing, and we saw lots of turtles). Fishermen: Please pick up your tackle and discarded monofilament line. It's harmful to wildlife.'

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNull

Active AlertsField 1 playground will be closed through May 17, 2024.

Weather at Hempstead Lake State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hempstead Lake State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its cleanliness, variety of activities, and inclusivity. Many users admire its well-maintained infrastructure and the diversity of wildlife.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Extensive recreational opportunities including tennis, pickleball, playgrounds, sports fields, shaded picnic areas, and freshwater fishing.[1][2][3]

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

One review criticized service-related issues in a dining context, though this is likely unrelated to the campground itself.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No camper tips available as this is a day-use only facility with no overnight camping.[2]

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

While seasons were not explicitly discussed in the reviews, the availability of cross-country skiing implies winter usage, and trails, fishing, and boating suggest popularity in warmer months.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. '2nd time to visit! Walk 3-5 miles a daily wherever I am! Everythg at your fingertips!' 2. 'Very nice paddling (lake is popular for fishing, and we saw lots of turtles).' 3. 'Wonderful park for...

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no designated campsites, so site-specific reviews are not applicable.

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive feedback was provided for accessibility features, including wheelchair ramps and lookout points: 'Yes, new wheelchair ramp and a lookout points have been added!'

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park allows dogs on a leash not exceeding six feet; however, they are not permitted in buildings, camping, bathing, or picnic areas. A user mentioned walking dogs as a popular activity.

Based on 7 reviews

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