Lake Taghkanic State Park —
Your Complete Guide
A 156-acre lake in the hills of Columbia County with a lifeguarded beach, boat rentals, 60 campsites, cabins, lakeside cottages and 13.3 miles of trails.
What is Lake Taghkanic State Park?
Lake Taghkanic State Park is a 1,568-acre New York state park in Columbia County, built round a 156-acre lake up to 42 feet deep. It is open 8 a.m. to sunset, year round, with a $10 vehicle fee in summer. You can swim at the lifeguarded West Beach, rent a rowboat, kayak or paddleboat on a lake where gas motors are banned, hike 13.3 miles of trails, and stay over in one of 60 campsites, a rustic cabin or a lakeside cottage.
The lake was once called Lake Charlotte. Dr. McRa Livingston gave it to New York State in 1929, and a Civilian Conservation Corps camp set up in 1933 built the first beach, the camping and cabin areas and the water tower. In 2024 State Parks added 152 acres at the northeast corner (history).
Two things to plan for: the Taconic State Parkway entrance is for cars only, so campers, RVs, trailers and buses must come in on Route 82 (directions); and only the West Beach is open for swimming, because the East Beach is closed (beach guide).
Lake Taghkanic State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Lake Taghkanic State Park
State Parks lists swimming, boating and rentals, fishing, hiking and biking, camping, cabins and cottages, picnicking, playgrounds, disc golf, hunting in season, and winter ice fishing, skating and snowmobiling.
West Beach
Lifeguarded swimming, a bathhouse with showers and a snack bar. The East Beach is closed.
Beach Hours →Camping
60 ground, platform and trailer sites, May 15 to October 25 (2026). Book on ReserveAmerica.
Sites & Rates →Cabins & Cottages
Rustic cabins in the woods ($412 to $700 a week) and cottages on the lake ($110 to $157 a night).
Cabins vs Cottages →Boating
Rent a rowboat, kayak or paddleboat, or bring your own with a $30 season permit. No gas motors.
Rentals & Permits →Fishing
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish. Ice fishing when the park says it is safe.
Species & Licences →Winter
Ice fishing and skating when conditions allow, snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing and sledding.
Ice & Snow →Trails at Lake Taghkanic
The 2025 State Parks map shows 12 trails, about 13.3 miles in all. These are the four longest.
The park's long walk, with a 0.49-mile extension.
Circles the camping area at the east end of the park.
The pick for a run.
A quieter walk, with the 0.15-mile red Wetland Spur.
How to Get to Lake Taghkanic State Park
Two entrances. Pick the right one for your vehicle.
Taconic Parkway
Cars only, one mile south of the Hudson/Ancram exit. Directions.
Route 82
1528 Route 82, Ancram, NY 12502. The only entrance for campers, RVs, trailers and buses.
Park Office
In the West Beach bathhouse. Phone (518) 851-3631. Reservations: 1-800-456-CAMP.
Nearby
State Parks lists three neighbours within about 45 minutes: Taconic State Park at Copake Falls, gateway to Bash Bish Falls and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail; Olana, Frederic Church's hilltop home in Hudson; and Clermont, the Livingston family estate in Germantown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Lake Taghkanic State Park?
$10 per vehicle when the fee is collected: weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 28, then daily from June 29 to September 7 in 2026. An Empire Pass covers it.
Where is Lake Taghkanic State Park?
In Columbia County, New York, off the Taconic State Parkway one mile south of the Hudson/Ancram exit. The address is 1528 Route 82, Ancram, NY 12502.
Can you swim at Lake Taghkanic?
Yes, at the West Beach when lifeguards are on duty: May 23 to June 28, weekends and holidays only, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., then June 29 to September 7, daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The East Beach is closed.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Taghkanic State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, on marked trails, roads and at campsites. Not on the beach, in playgrounds, picnic areas, cabins or cottages.
Can you camp at Lake Taghkanic?
Yes. There are 60 campsites, $17 to $24 a night in 2026, plus cabins and cottages. The season is May 15 to October 25 (2026); book on ReserveAmerica.
Are motorboats allowed on Lake Taghkanic?
No gas motors. Electric motors only, and every boat needs a park permit. The boat house rents rowboats, kayaks, paddleboats and canoes.
What are the hours at Lake Taghkanic State Park?
8 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year.