Picnic Areas & Pavilion

Lake Taghkanic State Park has picnic tables spread round the west end of the lake, by the beach and near the playgrounds, plus one rentable picnic pavilion in parking lot E, close to the water. The pavilion holds up to 60 people and costs $75 a day, booked through ReserveAmerica. The park brochure lists picnic tables, charcoal grills, lights, electrical outlets and accessible restrooms at the pavilion. Pets are not allowed in picnic areas.

The Lot E Pavilion

State Parks lists one pavilion at Lake Taghkanic. It sits in parking lot E near the lake.

• Price: $75 for the day (the 2020 brochure adds the ReserveAmerica reservation fee).
• Capacity: up to 60 people, according to the State Parks page. An older brochure said 75; the current page is used here.
• What's there: picnic tables, charcoal grills, lights, electrical outlets and accessible restrooms.
• How to book: check availability and reserve on ReserveAmerica.

The vehicle fee still applies in season to everyone arriving by car. For a large group, tell guests to use the Route 82 entrance if anyone is coming by bus. See parking and directions.

Picnic Tables and Grills

Single picnic tables are spread throughout the park, by the beach and near the playground areas, according to the park brochure. State Parks lists grills among the amenities. Day-use parking lots A to F serve the picnic areas.

Playgrounds and Fields

State Parks says there are playgrounds on both the west and east sides of the lake, and lists playing fields among the park's amenities. The park map shows a ball field. The recreation hall is in the camping area.

Disc Golf

State Parks lists disc golf as a park amenity and publishes a disc golf course map on its website. It does not give the number of holes, so this site does not either.

Weddings and Events

The park brochure invites lakeside weddings, with applications available at the park office. Call (518) 851-3631 to ask about dates and what is allowed. State Parks also lists event rentals among its amenities.

Food at the Park

The snack bar at the West Beach bathhouse serves food and drinks during swim season, and sells ice, charcoal and lighter fluid. The camp store in the campground sells the same basics. See West Beach.

Picnic Rules

• No pets in picnic areas, playgrounds or on the beach.
• Carry in, carry out. The park asks you to take everything you bring.
• Fires and charcoal only in grills and designated areas.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: a family reunion or birthday for up to 60; a beach day with lunch at a table; a disc golf round. Maybe skip if: your dog is coming. Dogs are not allowed in picnic areas; picnic at your campsite instead, where pets are allowed.