Hours & Fees
Lake Taghkanic State Park is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to sunset. A $10 vehicle fee is collected in summer: in 2026, on weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 28, then daily from June 29 to September 7. The West Beach is lifeguarded from 10 a.m. on those same dates, and the campground runs May 15 to October 25.
Hours & Fees at a Glance
Park Hours
State Parks lists the park as open year round, 8 a.m. to sunset. Day visitors should be out by sunset. Registered campers and cabin and cottage guests stay overnight but, per the park brochure, must keep to the campground, cabin and cottage areas outside the general hours.
The Vehicle Fee
The day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. In 2026 State Parks collects it:
- May 23 to June 28: weekends and holidays only (Memorial Day and Juneteenth).
- June 29 to September 7: every day.
The Empire Pass ($80) gives unlimited day-use entry for the season at most parks run by State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation. It pays for itself in eight summer visits here. Buy it online or at a park.
West Beach Hours (2026)
Only the West Beach is open; the East Beach is closed.
- May 23 to June 28: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays only.
- June 29 to September 7: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day.
You swim only while lifeguards are on duty. The snack bar at the beach keeps the same schedule as swimming, weather permitting. Full details: West Beach.
Camping, Cabin and Cottage Season
The 2026 camping season runs May 15 to October 25 for campsites, cabins and cottages. Reservations go through ReserveAmerica, online or at 1-800-456-CAMP. See camping and cabins and cottages for rates.
Every Fee in One Place
From the State Parks page for Lake Taghkanic:
- Campsites: $17 to $24 a night. Platform sites $20 Sunday to Thursday, $24 Friday, Saturday and Sunday/holiday. Trailer sites (up to 20 feet) $17 and $21.
- Extra vehicles beyond two at a site: $10 a night.
- Cabins: $412 to $700 a week; the daily rate is a quarter of the weekly charge.
- Cottages: $110 to $157 a night, $440 to $630 a week. Full-service cottages $180 to $195 a night.
- Reservation fee $7.25; change or cancellation $7.25.
- Non-New York residents: $5 a night extra for camping; $7 a night or $28 a week for cabins.
- Boat permit $30 a season or $10 a week; boat storage $15 a season.
- Picnic pavilion $75 a day.
Winter
The park stays open in winter for ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling, when conditions allow. Call the office at (518) 851-3631 to check ice thickness before going out. See winter at Lake Taghkanic.
Before You Go
Hours and dates change with staffing and weather. The park office is (518) 851-3631, and State Parks posts beach water-quality results online.
Hours & Fees FAQ
What time does Lake Taghkanic State Park open?
8 a.m., every day of the year. It closes at sunset.
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 and daily from June 29 to September 7 in 2026. An Empire Pass covers entry.
Is Lake Taghkanic open in winter?
Yes. The park is open year round, and ice fishing and skating are allowed when conditions are right. Call (518) 851-3631 for ice thickness.
When does the beach open at Lake Taghkanic?
In 2026 the West Beach opened May 23 for weekends and holidays, then daily from June 29 to September 7.