Rules & Regulations
The rules at Lake Taghkanic State Park come from New York State Parks. The short version: the park is open 8 a.m. to sunset; dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and are not allowed on the beach, in playgrounds, picnic areas, cabins or cottages; every boat needs a park permit and gas motors are banned; you swim only at the West Beach when lifeguards are on duty; and it is a carry-in, carry-out park.
Key Rules at a Glance
Hours
Open year round, 8 a.m. to sunset. Registered campers and cabin and cottage guests stay overnight but keep to their areas outside general hours.
Dogs and Other Pets
State Parks' pet policy for Lake Taghkanic:
- Pets must be supervised and either crated or on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- No pets on the beach, in playgrounds or in picnic areas.
- No pets in cabins or cottages.
- Up to two pets at a campsite.
- Staff may ask for proof of rabies vaccination.
The park brochure says dogs are allowed in parking lots, along roadways, on marked trails and at campsites. Service animals are not pets under these rules.
Boating
- Every boat, including kayaks and canoes, needs a park permit ($30 a season, $10 a week).
- No gas-powered motors. Electric only.
- Stay clear of the swimming area.
More: boating.
Swimming
Swim only at the West Beach and only when lifeguards are on duty. The East Beach is closed. More: West Beach.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed during park hours. Anglers 16 and older need a New York State freshwater fishing licence, and NYSDEC Region 4 special regulations apply. Ice fishing only when the park says the ice is safe. More: fishing.
Camping, Cabins and Cottages
From the park's camping brochure:
- Register at the West Beach office on arrival and check in by 9 p.m.
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Small quiet generators only 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
- Fires only in fire rings; collect only down, dead wood; no chain saws.
- No nails or spikes in trees, platforms or buildings; hammocks and clotheslines only when padded.
- No one under 16 may carry sheath knives, hatchets, axes or saws without an adult.
- Cabin and cottage stays are limited to two weeks.
Staff may cancel a permit without refund for improper behavior. More: camping, cabins and cottages.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in designated areas in season. You need a New York State hunting licence and a park hunting permit (the application is on the State Parks website). State Parks' 2026 rules for the park: big game by bow and shotgun only, turkey by bow and shotgun only, waterfowl by shotgun only, all in designated areas, under DEC seasons and regulations. Weapons are otherwise prohibited. State Parks also posts a bird-flu notice for waterfowl hunters.
Vehicles
The Taconic Parkway entrance is cars only. Campers, trailers, RVs, buses and commercial vehicles use Route 82. Obey park speed limits and signs.
Trash
Lake Taghkanic is a carry-in, carry-out park. Take home everything you bring.
Emergencies
Call 911. New York State Park Police: (845) 889-8866. Park office: (518) 851-3631.
What This Page Does Not Cover
State Parks' page for Lake Taghkanic does not address alcohol or drones, so this page does not state a rule for either. Ask the park office before you bring them.
Rules & Regulations FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Lake Taghkanic State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, in parking lots, on roads, on marked trails and at campsites (two per site). Not on the beach, in playgrounds, picnic areas, cabins or cottages.
Are gas motors allowed on Lake Taghkanic?
No. Only electric motors, and every boat needs a park permit.
Is Lake Taghkanic a carry-in, carry-out park?
Yes. Take all your trash home.
Do you need a permit to hunt at Lake Taghkanic State Park?
Yes. A park hunting permit plus a New York State hunting licence, in designated areas only.