Parking & Directions

Lake Taghkanic State Park has two entrances. Cars can use the Taconic State Parkway entrance, about a mile south of the Hudson/Ancram exit, or the Route 82 entrance at 1528 Route 82, Ancram. Campers, RVs, trailers, buses and commercial vehicles must use Route 82, because the parkway entrance is cars only. In summer the park collects a $10 vehicle fee at the gate.

The Two Entrances

State Parks lists them separately on its official page, and the difference matters.

• Taconic State Parkway entrance. Cars only. No campers, buses or commercial vehicles. This is the main entrance and contact station on the park map, and it leads to the day-use lots, the West Beach and the cottages.
• Route 82 entrance. Open to everything, and the only way in for campers, trailers, RVs, buses and trucks. The park brochure places it about 2 miles south of West Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic Road runs from here past the east shore.

If you are towing a boat or a camper, set your map app to the Route 82 address, not the parkway.

Getting There

The park brochure says the park is off the Taconic State Parkway, one mile south of the Hudson/Ancram exit at Route 82. Follow the parkway signs for the park, or leave at Route 82 and follow it south to the second entrance. The mailing address is 1528 Route 82, Ancram, NY 12502.

Where to Park

The park map labels the day-use lots A through F. They serve the picnic areas round the west end of the lake and the West Beach. Lot E holds the rentable picnic pavilion. The East Area has lots 1 and 2; Lot 1 is the campground lot beside the camp store. Campers and cabin guests park at their sites.

Boaters with trailers use the east-shore ramp. The state Department of Environmental Conservation describes a trailer ramp on the east shore off Lake Taghkanic Road, 0.6 miles west of Route 82, with room for about 10 cars with trailers and 50 cars. A hand launch for kayaks and canoes sits on the west shore by the beach. See boating.

The Vehicle Fee

State Parks charges $10 per vehicle in summer. In 2026 it is collected on weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 28, then every day from June 29 to September 7. An Empire Pass ($80) covers day-use entry at most state parks for a full season. Details on the hours and fees page.

Arriving to Camp or Stay

All campers register at the West Beach office before setting up, according to the park's camping brochure, and must check in by 9 p.m. Cabin and cottage stays begin at 3 p.m. See camping and cabins and cottages.

Getting There Without a Car

State Parks does not list public transit to the park, and this site has found no bus route that serves it. Plan on driving.