Here’s Where to Go Swimming in the Hudson Valley

Cool off at our public pools and beaches.

Looking for the latest list of beaches and swimming holes in the Hudson Valley? Find out where to swim a lap here.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend calling ahead to confirm whether each location is open. Some parks and beaches have reduced capacity or are only available to local residents.

State Parks

State park beaches are operating under their normal seasonal schedule at 50-percent capacity or less, with heightened precautions. Social distancing is required, and pools remain closed.

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Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain, Rockland

The pool, zoo, and paddleboat rentals are closed until further notice.

The pool is in a beautiful wooded setting, just before the zoo entrance. A large play field and picnic groves allow for a full day of sun and surf. Other water activities at the park include paddleboat and rowboat rentals on Hessian Lake.

845.786.2701, ext. 242

Cherry Plain State Park

Petersburg, Rensselaer

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All activities, including fishing, swimming, boat launching, and hiking are available in limited capacities.

This 175-acre park features a sandy beach on Black River Pond, with picnic grounds and a boat launch adjacent to the beach. The surrounding area is home to countless hiking, biking, and nature trails. The pond cultivates a large ecosystem of marine life, and fishing is permitted.

518.733.5400

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

Carmel, Putnam

The beach is open, but rowboat rentals are closed for the time being.

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The beach at Canopus Lake is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking for both day visitors and campers. The park covers land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, providing ample opportunity for hunting, fishing, birding, and moreYou can also tour the lake on a rented rowboat.

845.225.7207

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park

Yorktown Heights, Westchester

Pool and sports fields are open.

They don’t do things small in Westchester: this pool is twice the size of an Olympic-sized pool. For fishing and boating, visit the park’s Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond. Fields for volleyball, soccer, basketball, and more are available at the parks spacious picnic areas.

914.245.4434

Grafton Lakes State Park

Cropseyville, Rensselaer

Lake swimming is available, and the trails are open for hiking. Concessions and boat rentals are closed for the time being.

Long Pond, one of the six ponds at this 2500-acre park, is the place to go for swimming and a large beach. Other water activities at the park include canoeing, sailing, row boating, and fishing at any of the ponds. Electric boats are allowed, and visitors can traverse the 25 miles of park trails freely.

518.279.1155

High Tor State Park

New City, Rockland

The pool is closed until further notice.

The park includes a public swimming pool and offers miles of trails for hiking that provide gorgeous views of the Hudson River. Follow the Long Path into the Catskills, or simply enjoy the day at the pool before hitting the shower.

845.634.8074

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Kerhonkson, Ulster

Parking capacity is reduced and activities like boating, scuba diving, and bouldering are suspended indefinitely. Lake swimming and beach access are available at reduced capacity.

Surrounded by jagged cliffs sprouting from lush forests, Lake Minnewaska features an unspoiled beach and swimming experience backdropped by the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge. Aside from the usual park amenities, the Preserve also offers plentiful opportunities to rock climb, scuba dive, and boulder on the many lakes, waterfalls, and rock faces in the park. 

845.255.0752

Lake Superior State Park

Bethel, Sullivan

The beach is closed and swimming is prohibited. Rowboat rentals are suspended, but boat launch is open for those with personal boats.

In addition to swimming, rowboats and paddleboats are available to rent at the park. Dogs are also allowed on the beach as long as they are placed on a leash less than six feet long.

845.807.0287

Lake Taghkanic State Park

Ancram, Columbia

The park is open for swimming, but boat rentals, recreation fields, and grills are not.

As you enjoy the serenity of the park’s two beaches, let the kids enjoy the nearby playgrounds. A rentable pavilion, sports fields, and a newly renovated recreation hall creates a fun and entertaining environment for groups of all kinds. The boat shop in the park includes boat, paddleboat, and kayak rentals.

518.851.3631

Harriman State Park

Stony Point, Rockland

The park is operating at half capacity with limited swimming.

You’ll find swimming beaches at Tiorati and Welchtwo of this park’s lakes. The park itself has 31 lakes and reservoirs in total as well as 200 miles of hiking trails, making it the second largest in New York’s park system. Public camping areas, tons of wildlife vantage points, and comprehensive waterfront facilities make this park a must-see.

845.947.2444

Rockland Lake State Park

Valley Cottage, Rockland

The swimming pool and tennis courts are closed until further notice.

This park features a 25,000 sq ft zero-entrance swimming pool with diving boards, a spray ground, and two large water slides. There is also a picnic area with tables, grills, and a playground. Six tennis courts and two 18-hole golf courses are also available.

845.268.3020

Taconic State Park

Copake Falls, Columbia

The park is open for swimming. Parking is limited and boating rentals are suspended.

Located along the Taconic Mountain Range, this park offers two main waterfronts: Rudd Pond and Copake Falls. The extensive surrounding trail system has a myriad of footpaths that vary in difficulty. Copake Falls has a well-maintained campground, and Rudd Pond is a 64acre getaway with tent sites, rowboat and kayak rentals, and a beautiful view of the surrounding ridge and countryside.

518.329.3993

Tallman Mountain State Park

Sparkill, Rockland

Pool open beginning July 4

The Tallman Beach and Pool Club located inside the park is open seven days a week and requires a club day pass or a season pass. The Club offers a sandy beach area, summer concerts and events, poolside service, and an unbeatable view. 

845.359.0544

All state parks can be found at https://parks.ny.gov/parks.

swimming
Tibbetts Brook Park / Photo courtesy of Tibbets Brook Park

More Public Pools & Beaches

Albany County

Pools

Lower Lincoln Park Pool, Albany
Open at limited capacity to Albany residents only

Elm Avenue Park Pool Complex, Delmar
Splash pads open beginning July 13 to Albany residents only

Columbia County

Beaches

Crellin Community Park, Chatham
Closed until further notice

Dutchess County

Pools

Spratt Park Pool, Poughkeepsie
Closed until further notice

Pulaski Park Pool, Poughkeepsie
Closed until further notice

City of Beacon Recreation Department Pool at University Settlement, Beacon
Closed for 2020

Orange County

Beaches

Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park, Greenwood Lake
Open only to Town of Warwick residents beginning June 6, with applications required and 125 max capacity

Pools

Maple Hill Swimming Pool, Middletown
Open beginning July 1

War Veterans Memorial Pool, Middletown
Open beginning July 1

Rockland County

Pools

Germonds Park Pool, West Nyack
Opens the week of July 6 at half-capacity

Lake Nanuet Pool, Nanuet
Closed until further notice

Congers Pool, Congers
Closed until further notice

Ulster County

Beaches

Kingston Point Beach, Kingston
Open beginning June 20

Saugerties Village Beach, Saugerties
Opening July 1 to September 1

Pools

Ulster County Pool Complex, New Paltz
Open July 4 – September 7

Neversink Swimming Pool, Grahamsville
Closed until further notice

Westchester County

Beaches

Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson
Open Wednesday-Sunday beginning June 26

Glen Island Beach, New Rochelle
Open Wednesday-Sunday beginning June 26

Playland Beach, Rye
Open Tuesday-Sunday beginning June 26

Pools

Playland, Rye
Closed until further notice

Saxon Woods, White Plains
Open beginning June 26

Sprain Ridge, Yonkers
Open beginning June 26

The Brook at Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers
Open beginning July 3

Willson’s Woods, Mount Vernon
Open beginning July 3

swimming and rafting
Wild Waters Outdoor Center / Photo by Jim Swedberg

Rafting in the Region

The Town Tinker Tube Rental, Phoenicia

Closed for 2020 season

This local company has been offering rides on the Esopus Creek for more than 30 years. They describe the waters in this stretch as “not a lazy river” — there’s often some challenging whitewater, depending on season and weather, with 1- to 3-foot waves and rapids. Trips on more placid areas of the creek are available, too.

845.688.5553

Silver Canoe & Whitewater Rafting, Port Jervis

Open beginning June 6

Family owned and operated, they offer rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Delaware River near the Poconos on the Pennsylvania side and the Catskills on the New York side. Do some fishing, or enjoy birdwatching, photography, and more. The 5-hour day trip heads about 10 miles along the river. Overnight trips can be booked for one to three nights.

800.233.7238

Delaware River Tubing, Milford, NJ

Open weekends; visit website for weekly schedule. River Hot Dog Man is closed for the time being.

A multiple-hour tube ride will take you three miles on the Delaware; or opt for rafting, kayaking, or an eco-jet boat tour. Just guide your raft or tube right up to the River Hot Dog Man — it’s a floating food stand — and have a bite at a picnic table in shallow water at the tubing company’s private island in the river.

908.996.5386

Wild Waters Outdoor Center, Lake Luzerne and Warrensburg

Open beginning June 27

This family-run operation near Lake George features 17-mile, guided daylong raft trips on the Hudson River Gorge, with some class III–V rapids. Other options include a two-hour, 3.5-mile trip on the Sacandaga River, or a 7-mile river adventure. They also provide kayaking, a rafting/lodging package, and overnight rafting trips, complete with a guide to help set up camp.

800.867.2335

Berkshire Whitewater, Charlemont, MA

Open for summer

Take a ride on the Deerfield River starting from the base area of Berkshire East Mountain Resort. Options include everything from challenging rapids trips to easy 5-mile guided family floats – ideal for groups with kids ages 5 and up. Then head to the resort for mountain biking, zipline canopy touring, and other land-based fun.

413.339.6617

Kittatinny Canoes, Barryville

Open for river trips and paint ball; ziplining opens July 1

Seven family-run riverfront locations along the Delaware River in New York and Pennsylvania provide water rides and camping. Try a two-day canoe trip, kayaking, whitewater adventures, or rafts that carry up to six riders. They also offer the only dual zipline on the Delaware, plus paintball games on seven mountaintop playing fields.

800.356.2852

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