Hempstead Lake State Park

4 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$300 - $350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$300 - $350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Direct Line site

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

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

1692 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

"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."

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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

Driving directionsPlease use the address provided for GPS driving directions or call the park directly.

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Nearby places

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Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Hempstead Lake State Park

Experience the full spectrum of seasonal beauty at Hempstead Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in stunning new colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and blooming wildflowers, creating ideal conditions for hiking and picnicking. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days perfect for water activities and evening tennis matches. Fall transforms the park into a golden tapestry of changing leaves, while crisp air invigorates morning trail rides. Throughout the camping season, you'll find stretches of clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make outdoor adventures irresistible. Our detailed weather tracking helps you plan your visit during those perfect weeks of dry, moderate conditions that make memories shine.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Boating, kayaking, biking and trails make summer appealing; positive boating reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall trout stocking and scenic foliage suggested; trails and fishing remain strong draws.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 20% in NY

Spring wildflowers, milder weather and open trails/boating make spring attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Cross-country skiing implied; fewer active amenities than warmer seasons.

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

Discover your perfect outdoor escape at Hempstead Lake State Park, where adventure meets tranquility across a sprawling recreational paradise. Challenge yourself on 18 pristine tennis courts or join the pickleball revolution on six dedicated courts. Wander through sun-dappled picnic groves, explore winding bridle trails on horseback, or pedal along scenic biking paths that reveal new vistas at every turn. Children's eyes light up at the sight of our enchanting hand-carved wooden carousel, while anglers cast their lines into three shimmering freshwater lakes teeming with fish. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping activity or peaceful waterside reflection, this diverse outdoor playground offers something special for every member of your family.

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

Historical SignificanceStep back in time aboard our treasured hand-carved wooden carousel, where generations of families have created lasting memories on painted horses that dance to nostalgic melodies. This beloved centerpiece stands as a testament to craftsmanship and community heritage, drawing visitors who appreciate both its artistic beauty and historical significance. Beyond entertainment, Hempstead Lake State Park has evolved into a vital educational resource, hosting innovative environmental programs that inspire the next generation of nature stewards. The park also serves as a living classroom for storm resiliency, demonstrating how natural spaces can protect and sustain communities through thoughtful conservation and management.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of seasonal beauty at Hempstead Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in stunning new colors. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and blooming wildflowers, creating ideal conditions for hiking and picnicking. Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days perfect for water activities and evening tennis matches. Fall transforms the park into a golden tapestry of changing leaves, while crisp air invigorates morning trail rides. Throughout the camping season, you'll find stretches of clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make outdoor adventures irresistible. Our detailed weather tracking helps you plan your visit during those perfect weeks of dry, moderate conditions that make memories shine.

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 SceneryImmerse yourself in a vibrant aquatic ecosystem where three pristine freshwater bodies create a haven for both wildlife and recreation enthusiasts. Watch elegant swans glide across mirror-like surfaces while mallards dabble in the shallows and Canadian geese honk their arrival overhead. Patient observers might spot turtles sunning on fallen logs or catch glimpses of small mammals darting through the diverse vegetation that frames these waters. Each season brings fresh stocks of fighting trout to join the resident populations of feisty bass, pickerel, perch, carp, and sunfish, creating an angler's paradise. The surrounding landscape bursts with native plants and trees that provide crucial habitat while painting an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.

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

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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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

Site layoutNull

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

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.

HikingThe park offers hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. These trails provide scenic views and opportunities to explore the natural habitat around the lake, as noted by users: 'Gr8 paths all around the Lake . . . opposite side natural habitat, plenty small wildlife and plenty of Swans, Mallards, Canadian Geese seen!'

FishingFishing 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.'

BikingThe park includes biking trails suitable for recreational cycling.

BoatingBoating is allowed on Hempstead Lake, with kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and inflatable boats certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. However, trailers are not permitted.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with frequent sightings of swans, mallards, Canadian geese, and other small animals. A user noted: 'Plenty small wildlife and plenty of Swans, Mallards, Canadian Geese seen!'

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Environmental Education and Resiliency Center offers hands-on learning programs focused on environmental management and storm resiliency. Public programs can be registered online, while school and scout programs are available by email.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNull

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

Weather at Hempstead Lake State Park

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hempstead Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Cleanliness of the park and bathrooms, ample parking, scenic and well-maintained trails, wildlife viewing, and the addition of inclusivity features like wheelchair ramps were frequently praised.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

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

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend exploring the trails, fishing, bringing a dog for a walk, and utilizing the park's boating facilities. For large gatherings, renting the Philip Scott Pavilion is suggested.

Based on 4 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 4 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 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

Based on 4 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 4 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 4 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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