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New York City / Long Island Region
Hempstead Lake State Park
Hempstead Lake State Park © Jimmy Schmitt
I live close by, am retired and come here often. Taken the last official day of summer at early morning
Bluebird © stateparks.com
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HEMPSTEAD LAKE STATE PARK
HEMPSTEAD LAKE STATE PARK
Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi use facility. Included are 20 tennis courts, children's playgrounds, basketball courts, bridle trails for horse back riding, biking and hiking trails, shaded picnic areas and a historic hand carved wooden carousel. There is a picnic pavilion available for large parties.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Rowboats are available to rent from spring through fall, and personal rowboat owners can purchase permits for usage on the lake. Additionally, there is also an option to fish from these boats as well. However, it's important to note that no private boats or gas-powered engines are allowed in order not to disturb the natural environment.
Fishing
The park offers freshwater fishing with species like largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill. Fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 years or older.

Three ponds within the area provide ample opportunities to catch carp, perch and sunfish as well.

Fishing gear is not provided so visitors must bring their own equipment.

Ice-fishing is also an option during winter months when conditions permit it.



Picnicking
Hempstead Lake State Park offers numerous picnic tables, grills for barbecuing and large open spaces perfect for family picnics.
Bicycling
Biking is permitted on designated paths only. Be aware, off-road biking and mountain biking are not allowed.

The park offers paved bike trails suitable for all skill levels. However, always wear a helmet for safety reasons.

Cyclists should be cautious of pedestrians sharing the path to avoid accidents or collisions while enjoying their ride.

While exploring by bicycle can be enjoyable, remember that riding after dark isn't recommended due to limited visibility conditions in some areas.

Remember also that bicycles must yield right-of-way to horses and hikers at trail intersections within this location's boundaries.

Always follow posted signs regarding speed limits as well as other rules designed specifically with cyclist's safety in mind.

Lastly but importantly: keep your surroundings clean; do not litter along the cycling routes - respect nature!
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species around the three ponds, especially during migration seasons. Guided bird walks are offered regularly.
Area Attractions
Hempstead Lake State Park has three ponds that are accessible for fishing. On Hempstead Lake, the largest lake in Nassau County, visitors are permitted to use car top boats with an annual permit issued from the Park. Fishing in Hempstead Lake is by catch and release only. McDonald Pond and South Pond are stocked with trout in the fall and visitors may target trout throughout the winter months. Other species present include large mouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappe, perch, tiger muskies, carp and sunfish.

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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Flynn's Li Rodcrafting Inc
3329 Park Ave
Wantagh, NY
(516) 785-2328
Capt Lou's Fleet in Freeport
28 Woodcleft Ave # A
Freeport, NY
(516) 623-5823
Captain Jim II Charter Boat Fishing & Cruising
540 Guy Lombardo Ave
Freeport, NY
(516) 867-2214
Capt Pete Charter Boats
540 Guy Lombardo Ave
Freeport, NY
(516) 223-1158
Lady Sheryll Charter Boat
770 Miller Ave
Freeport, NY
(516) 223-7909
Atlantic Charter Boat Fishing
20 Saint Regis Pl
Hempstead, NY
(631) 786-3979
Old Harbour Marina
2479 Adler Ct
Seaford, NY
(516) 785-0358
Sonny's Fishing Sta
3640 Ocean Ave
Seaford, NY
(516) 785-8058
Causeway Bait & Tackle
3031 Merrick Rd
Wantagh, NY
(516) 785-3223
Kwaks Tackle Shop
2949 Merrick Rd
Bellmore, NY
(516) 221-6913
Freeport Bait & Tackle
315 S Main St # A
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(516) 378-4988
Ted's Fishing Sta
143 Bayside Dr
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Captain Bischoffs Fishing Sta
66 New St
Oceanside, NY
(516) 766-9678
Fantasy Charter Boat-Freeport
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(516) 771-9011
Dolphin Charters & Cruises
2082 Jefferson St
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(516) 379-5450
Rocket Charters
5823 196th Pl
Flushing, NY
(212) 529-6910
East Coast Fishing Supply
25422 Northern Blvd
Flushing, NY
(718) 631-2196
Duffy's Bait & Tackle
58 Shore Rd
Glenwood Landing, NY
(516) 676-9543
Outlure Fishing Products
100 Hudson St
Mineola, NY
(516) 248-0421
Albright Tackle
300 Jericho Quadrangle
Jericho, NY
(516) 683-0775
West End Fishing Tackle Inc
34 Quarry LN
Levittown, NY
(516) 796-6304
Atlantic Bait & Tackle
154 Atlantic Ave
Freeport, NY
(516) 223-4406
West End Bait Shop
952 W Beech St
Long Beach, NY
(516) 897-9378
Ralph's Tackle & Sporting Good
4195 Austin Blvd
Island Park, NY
(516) 432-9179
Donart Custom Fishing Rods
302 Guy Lombardo Ave # A
Freeport, NY
(516) 378-8992
Sea Isle Sports Center Inc
495 Guy Lombardo Ave
Freeport, NY
(516) 868-8855
Sports Authority The
1230 Old Country Rd
Westbury, NY
(516) 683-8600
Rockaway Hunting Club
615 Ocean Ave
Lawrence, NY
(516) 569-0600
True Blue Tackle
9151 113th St
Jamaica, NY
(718) 805-7710
Rohan Fishing Enterprises
11317 Liberty Ave
South Richmond Hill, NY
(718) 925-0100
Rohan Fishing Enterprise
11407 Atlantic Ave
Jamaica, NY
(718) 441-9123
Captain's Al's Sport Fishing Fleet
182 Miller Ave
Freeport, NY
(516) 623-2248
Area Cabins and Lodges
Vistana Resort Inc
400 Garden City plz
Garden City, NY
(516) 294-9100
Leonardo Da Vinci Lodge
202 Wanser Ave
Inwood, NY
(516) 239-9350
Medlow William T Architecture
21 Sullivan Dr
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(516) 938-9662
Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Long Island Marriott
101 James Doolittle Blvd
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(516) 794-3800
Courtyard by Marriott
14511 N Conduit Ave
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(718) 848-2121
Ski Time Tours Inc
4602 193RD St
Flushing, NY
(718) 357-3514
Nearby Hotels
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New York
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New York State Parks

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