Lake Taghkanic State Park

Category: Park

Address: 1528 New York 82, Ancram, NY 12502, USA

Phone: +15188513631

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–7PM

Monday: 8AM–6PM

Tuesday: 8AM–6PM

Wednesday: 8AM–6PM

Thursday: 8AM–6PM

Friday: 8AM–6PM

Saturday: 8AM–7PM

Reviews

running bear

Sep 27, 2022

I have been coming here for 40+ years ,and I have seen many changes. Back in the day ,some 40 years ago, it was very pristine. Then, Their was a time the beaches were filled with cigarette butts! That was 17 years ago. Honestly their was no place you could walk ,in the sand or on the grass near the beach ,that wasn’t completely covered. They were talking about a plan to clean it up. Then about 4 years ago I returned once again. No cigarette butts. I did see that They were spraying the edges of the forests for ticks that was a concern. It made no sense because it was cut short grass. Then,I learned that People /grownups actually use the lake as a bathroom! Yes! that’s right both for #1 ,and#2! They also use it to do other things more intimate. When I went to the bathrooms on at least one occasion some couple was in the stall having a very public private moment! Oh ,and by the way ..needles were a thing throughout the park. Their was also loud music, alcohol, as well as a occasional violent outburst. Finally many people thought it was ok to leave their trash behind. At last, I highly recommend Not eating at the food stand…best to bring your own food. There was a rumor going around about the fryer. I Recently decided to return to see if there were any improvements. I noticed water chairs with big wheels for the disabled to enter the water safely. I didn’t see a #2 this time but I did see a mother taking off a soiled diaper, and rinsing the baby,and clothes in the lake. I noticed that the park was Very overcrowded yet hardly anyone walked to the bathrooms. There was one person playing loud music. I didn’t see any needles, but I also didn’t walk around as much. At last, I didn’t see any fights. I did notice the lifeguards still use a motor boat. As well-I entered from the back gate -It’s a bit concerning that there is a transfer station nearby the other side of the lake though. I always wondered about that. It’s a beautiful place…a nice breeze comes off the water..the trees and scenery are amazing. The very worse time to go is a Holiday weekend or on weekends in general. Best time to go is during the week. Ideally I on a rainy day, but Never during a day it might thunder because they will not let you in the water, and I am aware of at least one incident…near it,so stay away. Wear shoes or Sandals, bring water, and food if your staying. I forgot to mention fish hooks! Do not swim outside of the ropes because these hooks are everywhere and sometimes make it into the swimming areas! I give the park and staff a 5 star rating they work hard to keep us safe and the park scenery is aesthetically pleasing considering. But because of all the problems It is a two or three-star overall. At last, if your coming with a senior, and they are driving then you/they get in free Monday to Friday except holidays! Photos:on the left is a weekend on the right is a rainy weekday

cynthia De

Sep 14, 2022

So peaceful here!!

family fun

Sep 4, 2022

The place is beautiful! Great place to relax and enjoy the water. Excellent camping, great place to bring the family!

Monica Barrett

Sep 3, 2022

I honestly wish I came here sooner! This place is a little gem. Come later in the day for less people. We find this lake beautiful with grills to use and a good amount of parking spots. The water is nice and clear. It's not rocky and there's a little park store and bathrooms. I just wish they gave discounted prices if you come later in the day (maybe 2 or 3 hours prior to closing) but if you purchase the state park pass instead it is well worth it!

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Questions & Answers

Can I rent a cabin for a weekend at Lake Taghconic

Brian Gélinas | Oct 14, 2019
Räiñ _Størm | Oct 14, 2019

Yes its a great location

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Can we reserve a pavilion?

Sandra Lovell | Oct 14, 2018
Joe Bott | Oct 14, 2018

They have large covered area with grilling and tables that can be reserved. It's very nice but parking fee when it gets nice outside.

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are you allowed to bring beer there

David McGill | Oct 13, 2020
Anthony Lopez | Oct 13, 2020

It is a State Park, you are not allowed to bring Alchoholic beverages into the park. You can enjoy liquor products from the concession stand. Its just beers though. I advise against bringing Alchohol but it hasn't stopped others, and me from enjoying by hiding it in containers that are not see through. Hope this helps David McGill

Can I have a catered event at the pavillion? Like a mobile pig roast?

Julianne Propst | Oct 14, 2018
George Bigaouette | Oct 14, 2018

You sure can. I went to a wedding that was catered there

Can we bring our small, well behaved dog to the individual picnic areas situated along the paths lakeside? We want to spend the day( bringing lunch and then cooking dinner). We often walk him there on the paths in the off season.

Jane Moore | Oct 14, 2018
Joe Bott | Oct 14, 2018

I walk my dogs about everyday at the park and nobody has ever said a word about the dogs. My dogs are some what big. I think that if you do not go to the beach area or play grounds keep the dogs on a leash and control of them then no problem. I would go to parking lot F walk down dirt road and enjoy yourself. Answer is yes.

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Does the picnic area near the lake have grills?

Felix Jusino | Oct 14, 2018
Joe Bott | Oct 14, 2018

Yes. I was there yesterday and its beautiful not crowded.

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Can i take my puppy

Edwin Pichardo | Aug 14, 2022
Selena Mercer | Aug 14, 2022

It depends on which area you mean, but there are a lot of trails that myself and the dogs enjoy. Dogs are not allowed in the picnic area or on the beach and a few other areas. If you mean for camping they require vaccination records for you to bring them camping with you.

Can you bring pets? I can bring??? It is allowed

Analis.esther CALIX (ANITA) | Aug 14, 2022
Andre Tchen | Sep 13, 2022

Yes, but they must be kept at the campground area Not allowed on the beaches.

what time does the boat house open

Dani Arcure | Aug 14, 2022
regina hayden | Aug 14, 2022

I'm not sure, sorry

Are dogs allowed at the beach? I have a service dog who is with me 24/7 and he loves to go swimming with his mommy.

Erica Silva | Jul 15, 2022
Danny Waite | Jul 15, 2022

No dogs on beach

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so me and my family want to go swimming today but it is cloudy but it says it is not going to rain on the news it only says 1% chans of rain so pleas help me what should i do

Milani Anderson | Jul 15, 2022
Don DePew | Jul 15, 2022

You should go.. It's beautiful on the lake even if you just go for the scenery.

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are there bears around lake taghanic

Staci Silliman | Oct 13, 2021
Timothy Spath | Oct 13, 2021

The few times I have been there I never saw any or heard of any. Mostly deer around.

How much just to go swim? Four people in one car.

Donna Brandon | Oct 13, 2021
Justin | Oct 13, 2021

$10 vehicle fee only.

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Are there snakes in the water

Pam | Oct 13, 2021
Pam | Oct 13, 2021

Haven't seen any doesn't mean for sure there are none. Does anyone know for sure

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Do I need 2 campsites for 2 tents or should 1 site be enough?

Luigi Rozon | Oct 13, 2021
Elizabeth Cortez | Oct 13, 2021

Depending on the size of ur tents. But if they r not big u can put 2 tents in one campsite.

Does it cost money to just drive in and go to the beach for the day?

Rove Plant Eater | Oct 13, 2021
Samantha Calenda | Oct 13, 2021

Yes but only for parking your car, i believe it’s $10 for parking

Can you fish in the pond ?

Nick Petro | Oct 13, 2020
Asia Nicole | Oct 13, 2020

Im not sure. Just call the park and ask

Never been glamping .. do u bring ur tent or do they rent it to u ... assembled?

Sylvia Q | Oct 13, 2020
COOL BROS CORP | Oct 13, 2020

If you planning on camping 🏕 you have to bring ur own tent and make a reservation. Or you may want to rent a cabin there, also have to look for a reservation.

Can I bring my grill?

Damian Thomas | Oct 13, 2020
COOL BROS CORP | Oct 13, 2020

I guess you can but is plenty if them there.

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I have been there several times with my family.Where is the bish bash falls ?

Robert Hodge | Oct 13, 2020
Anthony Lopez | Oct 13, 2020

Google it for exact location. It is about 1/2 a mile away from Taconic State Park. Off route 22. From the lake its about a 20 minute ride. Also I misspelled it. Its Bash Bish falls.

can you rent cabins now

Cindy Butts | Oct 13, 2020
David Smith | Oct 13, 2020

Yes

How much is it to go here??

Caroline L | Oct 13, 2020
Anthony Lopez | Oct 13, 2020

This year it went up to $10. It was $8 last year. Still well worth it. It includes entrance to the lake, also Taconic State Park Campground Area, and BishBash falls down the road from camping.

Is it open for the public?

Chaparra Chaparra | Oct 13, 2020
Sean Cash | Oct 13, 2020

Its closed

How do u rent a cabin here and how much for a week?

Susan Mazariego | Oct 13, 2020
Anthony Lopez | Oct 13, 2020

Google Lake Taghkanic, once the result comes up, click on the website link. Once on the page you can see their prices and availability. Each cabin is different as each one has different amounts of rooms to sleep in. Whatever price is listed will become worth it. You stay at Lake Tagkanic, but can also visit Taconic state park, and Bish Bash waterfalls with the same price. The permit they give you once your there allows entry to these places. Check em out on goggle. The waterfalls are beautiful, behind the waterfalls is a mountain trail to climb the mountain, no gear required. They also have different hiking trails, the staff in all parks are beautiful. Its like something out of a fantasy. Like I said before I've been coming here for 30 years and still have not done everything this place has to offer. Hope this helps.

It is open already for barbecue picnic?

Ana Noemi | Oct 13, 2020
Hassan M | Oct 13, 2020

picnic area is open, id assume you can bbq, since campfires are happening.

How many people in a cabin?

A Google User | Oct 13, 2020
V Rolon | Oct 13, 2020

Hi, Is no cabin

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The lake is open now?

Mi Guerrero de castillo | Oct 13, 2020
Jane Buckley | Oct 13, 2020

Yes.

Is the fishing good

Pedro Vazquez | Oct 13, 2020
Mark Anderson | Oct 13, 2020

I didn't bring my tackle last time but I know others have had success.

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How much is it for kids and adults

Megan Delaney | Oct 14, 2019
Eric Roman | Oct 14, 2019

10 dollars a car 40$ if you decide to paddle the lake in a canoe a paddle boat for 4 they return a balance after 2hours they return 20$its a beautiful place enjoy with family,,also there are cottages and a grill area

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Do they have kayak rentals?

Brenna Miller | Oct 14, 2019
Damaris Mendez | Oct 14, 2019

Yes they do

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Is there fishing at the lake

paul hall | Oct 14, 2019
Kristen Witham | Oct 14, 2019

Yes there is. They also periodically have classes.

Are leashed dogs allowed on the beach itself? For example, I want to swim and sit in the sand while my boyfriend sits in the sand and shade with the dog.

Megan Weir | Oct 14, 2019
Betty Cosgrove | Oct 14, 2019

Dogs are allowed in general vicinity but not on cement walkways , common areas, concessions or beach area. Yes in your campground, remote.areas and hiking, etc. And always must be on leash.

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Do they have a concession stand by the beach?

Debra Hyer | Oct 14, 2019
Helen Warren | Oct 14, 2019

Yes a stand is there. Very nice place. Bathrooms and showers as well.

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Are jet ski allow?

Ambiorix Luna | Oct 14, 2019
Tim Sigler | Oct 14, 2019

no, no motorized boats or the like allowed

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Can u camp there?

jenifer_ JJ | Oct 14, 2019
Graham M (Brain Crumbs) | Oct 14, 2019

Yes

Please tell me that type of geology at the park -- limestone/dolomite?

Steven Covacci | Oct 14, 2019
George Bigaouette | Oct 14, 2019

Call and ask.

Does the full service cabin have AC

A Google User | Oct 14, 2019
W Wheeler | Oct 14, 2019

This is the way to get an answer... Why go to the website and look it up... Why call and ask the organization this . No... You choose to ignore these options which are right there when you looked up this park and posted your question. I found the answer very quickly. Now you go find it.

Is it OK to light a campfire in the park

David Nissanian | Oct 14, 2019
Graham M (Brain Crumbs) | Oct 14, 2019

At the campsites, yes

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UNTIL WHEN IS IT OPEN ??

Juan Lozada | Oct 14, 2018
Alison Bray | Oct 14, 2018

8 am-6pm

Any cell/data service here?

Ethan Miller | Oct 14, 2018
Publius II | Oct 14, 2018

Yes, but not entire park.

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How far away is it

Mariah | Oct 14, 2018
W Wheeler | Oct 14, 2018

Well... You do realize, that Google Maps TELLS YOU directions and distance to locations. And from your limited question, not stating your starting point, how is anyone going to be able to tell you how far away it is. You make me sad.

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Does the beach area have a concession stand

Heather Betz | Oct 14, 2018
Jackie Leonforte | Oct 14, 2018

Yes they sure do

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Can you grill there?

stephanie crane | Oct 14, 2018
Guillermo Alfonso | Oct 14, 2018

Yes there are..

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can we bring our own kayaks

Eileen Engel | Oct 14, 2018
George Bigaouette | Oct 14, 2018

Yes

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How much fee for parking

Tita | Oct 14, 2018
Gregg Pugliese | Oct 14, 2018

$8. A car to get in

How far is the picnic area from the beach

Luz Bermudez | Oct 14, 2018
Joe Bott | Oct 14, 2018

It could be a ways depending which picnic area. There is one very close to the beach with alot of grills and tables and one (picinic area ) by the playground at the beach.

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Can you use a trolling motor for the boat

Jack Lunsford | Oct 14, 2018
Jackie Leonforte | Oct 14, 2018

No

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Is swimming permitted anywhere other than the roped in areas? Is there a " swim at will" policy like some other state parks?

paul benoit | Oct 14, 2018
Betty Cosgrove | Oct 14, 2019

Officially no swimming other than roped areas. But hey if you are canoeing anywhere else and happen to "fall in", I mean whats a person to do?

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