Plan Your Visit
Lake Taghkanic State Park is a lake park in Columbia County, New York, off the Taconic State Parkway, open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. Plan for a $10 vehicle fee in summer, a lifeguarded West Beach from late May to early September, rentals at the boat house, and 13 miles of trails. If you are staying over, book a campsite, cabin or cottage on ReserveAmerica well ahead for summer weekends.
Planning at a Glance
Pick Your Season
- Summer (late May to early September): beach, boat rentals, snack bar and full campground. The vehicle fee is collected; see hours and fees.
- Fall (September to late October): the campground and lodging run to October 25 in 2026; hunting begins in designated areas, so wear orange on the trails.
- Winter: ice fishing and skating when the park allows, snowmobiling, skiing and sledding. See winter.
- Spring: boat permits go on sale April 1 and the campground opens May 15 (2026).
Getting There
Cars can use the Taconic Parkway entrance; anything towing, and any bus, uses Route 82. Full details: parking and directions.
Day Trip Checklist
- $10 cash or card for the vehicle fee in summer, or an Empire Pass.
- Swimsuits and towels for the West Beach; swimming only when lifeguards are on duty.
- A boat permit if you bring a kayak; or rent at the boat house. See boating.
- A fishing licence for anyone 16 and older. See fishing.
- Trash bags: this is a carry-in, carry-out park.
- A downloaded trail map.
Staying Overnight
Choose a campsite (60 ground, platform and trailer sites), a rustic cabin in the woods at the east end, or a cottage on the lake at the west end. Book on ReserveAmerica or at 1-800-456-CAMP. A coin laundry and the camp store serve overnight guests.
Food and Supplies
The snack bar at the West Beach bathhouse runs on the swimming schedule. The camp store off Parking Lot 1 sells firewood, ice, worms, snacks and supplies in the camping season. Both take cash and credit cards. Grills and picnic tables are spread round the day-use areas; see picnic areas.
With Kids
Playgrounds stand on both sides of the lake, the West Beach is lifeguarded and has a bathhouse, and the boat house rents paddleboats. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.
With Dogs
Leashed dogs (6 feet or shorter) can walk the marked trails and roads and stay at campsites. They cannot go on the beach, into picnic areas, playgrounds, cabins or cottages. Read the rules before you bring one.
Accessibility
State Parks lists an accessible swimming beach, boat launches, boat rentals, campsites, cabins, food, grills, pavilion, playground, playing fields and showers at Lake Taghkanic. The camping brochure marks platform site P-15 and cottage 155 as wheelchair accessible. For details, call the park at (518) 851-3631.
Events
State Parks lists park events on its website. In 2026 they included a Halloween Light Paddle on October 24 and monthly star parties hosted by the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association in the West Beach parking lot.
Nearby
Within about 45 minutes, State Parks points visitors to Taconic State Park (Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, with Bash Bish Falls just over the Massachusetts line), Olana in Hudson and Clermont in Germantown. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail starts at Copake Falls.
Plan Your Visit FAQ
Is Lake Taghkanic State Park worth visiting?
For a lake day, yes: it has a lifeguarded beach, boat rentals on a motor-free lake, trails, camping, cabins and cottages, all in one park in Columbia County.
How far is Lake Taghkanic from New York City?
State Parks does not publish a drive time. The park is off the Taconic State Parkway in Columbia County, one mile south of the Hudson/Ancram exit.
What should I bring to Lake Taghkanic?
The vehicle fee or an Empire Pass in summer, swim gear, a boat permit if you bring a kayak, a fishing licence if you are 16 or older, and bags to carry your trash out.