Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead: Photos, Reviews & Location

Tranquil park with playgrounds, equestrian, biking & hiking trails & an old-school wooden carousel.

At a glance

Rating breakdown

5 ★72%
4 ★19%
3 ★6%
2 ★1%
1 ★2%

Eagle Ave, West Hempstead, NY 11552

parks.ny.gov

(516) 766-1029

Photos of Hempstead Lake State Park (65)

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Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 1

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 2

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 3

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 4

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 5

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 6

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 7

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 8

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 9

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 10

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 11

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Hempstead Lake State Park?: Hempstead Lake State Park is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 3,465 reviews.
Where is Hempstead Lake State Park located?: Eagle Ave, West Hempstead, NY 11552
How can I contact Hempstead Lake State Park?: Phone: (516) 766-1029 · Website: parks.ny.gov

Reviews (12)

Jose Sanchez 2024 May 22

I went to do what I love, jogging, first time,
I saw good kids park, since my wife babysit my grand daughter,
Next time they be with me,if GOD permits,,I love nature♥️❤️

Lisa S 2024 May 19

Ok, so how many times have I driven past the park saying, "I really should go there". I finally did and I'm glad I did. Very nice park, I love the observation tower. Loads of birds were out(I guess they have known something that I didn't until today). Beautiful view of the lake. I'll be going back soon for more bird watching and photos

Anwar Hossain 2024 May 13

Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi-faceted state park located in West Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. This park is a hub of activity and relaxation, featuring 20 tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, and bridle trails for horseback riding. It also offers biking and hiking trails, shaded picnic areas, and a historic hand-carved wooden carousel. For fishing enthusiasts, the park includes three bodies of freshwater—Hempstead Lake, McDonald Pond, and South Pond—stocked with trout and home to other species like largemouth bass and sunfish. The park’s Environmental Education and Resiliency Center provides educational programming and outreach, connecting the community with the environment. Whether you’re looking to engage in sports, enjoy a family picnic, or simply immerse yourself in nature, Hempstead Lake State Park is an ideal destination for a day out.

Akila Iyer 2024 Apr 12

SCENIC VIEWS!
We were in Rockville for our son’s appointments. We had a break in between the meetings. We used to come here and have lunch. The place had many walking trails. The park offers many lake trails, picnic tables, playground, lawn tennis court and clean washrooms in the front office. This is the perfect park for long walks and family gatherings. The park is pet friendly and beautiful.

Karan Singhal 2023 Nov 24

Nice loop around a lake. The path is a walk like CMP and adjacent to cars at times but the lake is very pretty and clean. Would be great to go kayaking here if they have rentals

Melissa Ramsahai 2023 Nov 03

My favorite local park. Beautiful view and always has an ice cream truck in the summer!

Mace L. M. 2023 Nov 02

Absolutely a lovely place to visit and hang out. It's a little getaway special during the fall season. If you live in the neighborhood, you don't have to go far away for beautiful foliage.

Li NY 2023 Sep 05

Great prices ! Very nice carousel, friendly people and great atmosphere. $2 per ride . $8 per car entrance to the park . We also love gift shop there .

R Z 2023 Aug 07

Great spot for kayaking especially for beginners. One can rent kayaks there as well.

moshe yosef blond 2023 Jul 28

Cost money to park here during the season. This playground is decent. For some reason there are a lot of flying bugs here (maybe they’re from the water). Depends on the weather. We r here Aug 25 with cloudy weather and no bugs in sight. They have two free level 2 chargers here from charge point, which produces 6 kilowatts. Nice path next to the water. It seems that there is a side entrance to this state park which is always free to park at. It is located next to paddle ball courts and smaller playground. Very unknown and underrated. Why pay when u don't need to? Also people are very friendly here.

A C 2023 Jun 13

Nice park with lake views and hiking trails around the lake. Stay on the red trail for stroller friendly walks or step to the inner trail closer to the lake for more hiking feel but still easy enough that you can enjoy with your toddlers. There are tables and BBQ grills and even a playground and carousel to enjoy. Restrooms are clean. Entry to park is $8. Carousel ride is $2.

G Roes 2022 Jan 14

Since my last visit, the state has done some construction and made the park better. There is a new information and education center, they built some nice stairways to make climbing down to the water’s edge easier. They built a multi level structure adjacent to a boat launch area. We walked 4.2 miles around the lake and it didn’t seem like 4+ miles. During the week there are many people enjoying the walk or jog on the trails. There are horse trails as well so don’t be surprised to see some horses along the way. As a reminder, there are areas that are rather secluded, so be aware of your surroundings..