Lake Taghkanic Beach

Swimming at Lake Taghkanic State Park is at the West Beach, the park's only open beach; the East Beach is closed. In 2026 lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 28, then from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day from June 29 to September 7. You can swim only while lifeguards are on duty. There is no separate beach fee beyond the park's $10 summer vehicle fee.

West Beach Hours (2026)

State Parks posts the swimming calendar each year. For 2026:

• May 23 to June 28: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays only (Memorial Day and Juneteenth included).
• June 29 to September 7: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday and on weekends and holidays.

The park brochure says the beach is open when lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, weather and staffing permitting. Call the park office at (518) 851-3631 if the weather is doubtful.

Why Is the East Beach Closed?

State Parks and the park brochure both say only that the East Beach is closed. Neither gives a reason or a reopening date, so this site does not guess at one. The East Beach and its bathhouse were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s; see history.

Cost

The park charges a $10 vehicle fee in season: weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 28, then daily from June 29 to September 7 in 2026. There is no separate charge to swim. An Empire Pass ($80) covers the vehicle fee for the season. See hours and fees.

Facilities

The West Beach bathhouse holds showers, restrooms, changing areas and a first aid room, and it also houses the park office and the snack bar. State Parks lists the swimming beach as accessible, and a walkway leads across the sand to the water.

The beach snack bar, the Wood Lake Cafe in the park brochure, opens during swim season on the same schedule as swimming. It sells snack-bar food and drinks plus ice, firewood, charcoal, beach toys and camping supplies, and takes cash and credit cards.

Picnic tables sit by the beach, and there are playgrounds on both the west and east sides of the lake. The boat house nearby rents rowboats, kayaks and paddleboats; see boating.

Beach Rules

• Swim only when lifeguards are on duty, inside the swimming area.
• No pets on the beach, in playgrounds or in picnic areas. Service animals excepted.
• Carry in, carry out. Take your trash home.
• No gas motors on the lake, and boats keep clear of the swimming area.

Water Quality

State Parks posts beach water-quality results on its website. Check them before a long drive.

Getting to the Beach

Cars can use either entrance; buses and anything towing must use Route 82. Day-use lots A to F surround the west end of the lake. See parking and directions.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: families with small children who want a lifeguarded freshwater beach with a snack bar and bathhouse; campers in the park. Maybe skip if: you are bringing a dog to swim, or you want to swim outside the summer calendar. The Ore Pit at Taconic State Park is another lifeguarded swim in summer, but it is deep and requires a swim test for children.