Boating & Rentals
You can boat on Lake Taghkanic in a rented boat or your own. The park's boat house rents rowboats, kayaks, paddleboats and canoes from early May to mid-October. To bring your own boat or kayak you need a park permit, $30 for the season or $10 for a week, sold at the park office from April 1. Gas motors are not allowed; NYSDEC lists the lake as electric motors only.
Boating at a Glance
Renting a Boat
State Parks lists rowboat, paddleboat and kayak rentals at the park's Boat Shop, the boat house marked BH on the park map near the West Beach. The 2020 park brochure adds canoes and gives the rental season as early May through mid-October. In 2020 every boat cost the same: a $40 cash deposit, with $10 an hour deducted, or $40 for the day. Those are the most recent prices State Parks has published, so call the park office at (518) 851-3631 to confirm this year's rates.
Bringing Your Own Boat
Every boat on the lake needs a park permit, kayaks and canoes included. State Parks sells weekly permits ($10) and season permits ($30) from April 1 at the park office. Seasonal boat storage at the park costs $15.
Motor Rules
No gas-powered motors. The park brochure says so plainly, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation lists Lake Taghkanic as electric motors only. That keeps the lake quiet for paddlers and anglers.
Where to Launch
NYSDEC describes two launches:
- Hand launch, west shore, by the beach. Carry kayaks, canoes and small boats to the water.
- Trailer ramp, east shore, off Lake Taghkanic Road, 0.6 miles west of Route 82. Parking for about 10 cars with trailers and 50 cars.
The park map marks the west boat launch (BL) and the boat storage and east boat launch (BS). Anything towing must come in by the Route 82 entrance; the Taconic Parkway entrance is for cars only. In season the $10 vehicle fee applies. See parking and directions.
Paddling the Lake
State Parks puts the lake at 156 acres; NYSDEC measures it at 1.5 miles long with 3.7 miles of shoreline. Keep well clear of the swimming area at the West Beach while lifeguards are on duty.
Events on the Water
State Parks scheduled a free Halloween Light Paddle at the park on October 24, 2026, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., open to non-motorized boats, kayaks and canoes (no paddleboards), with boats decorated in lights. Check the State Parks events page for this year's date.
Fishing From a Boat
A boat gets you to the deeper water. The lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish. Anglers 16 and older need a New York fishing licence. See fishing.
Good For / Maybe Skip If
Good for: first-time kayakers and families on a calm, motor-free lake; anglers with an electric trolling motor; campers who want to store a boat for the season. Maybe skip if: you want to run a gas outboard or tow a tube. Gas motors are not allowed here.
Boating & Rentals FAQ
Can you rent kayaks at Lake Taghkanic State Park?
Yes. The boat house rents kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats and canoes, from early May to mid-October according to the park brochure.
Are motorboats allowed on Lake Taghkanic?
No gas motors. Electric motors only, per NYSDEC and the park brochure.
Do you need a permit to kayak on Lake Taghkanic?
Yes, if you bring your own. Every boat needs a park permit: $10 a week or $30 a season, from the park office.
Where is the boat launch at Lake Taghkanic?
There is a hand launch on the west shore by the beach and a trailer ramp on the east shore off Lake Taghkanic Road, 0.6 miles west of Route 82.