Minnewaska State Park Preserve
State park
4.8 (5514)
5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Waterfalls, 3 sky lakes & 25 mi. of footpaths for hiking & biking, plus rock climbing.
Gender-neutral restroomPicnic tablesPublic restroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
LakeNY
Minnewaska State Park Swimming Destinations
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Check Minnewaska's lake-beach closure until the 2027 season, stream and waterfall restrictions, current entrance hours and hiking alternatives.
Swimming temporarily closed
Observe the current lake-beach closure and posted permitted areas. No stream or waterfall swimming, jumping, diving or unverified rope use.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Lake
Access
Swimming temporarily closed
Fee
Confirm the applicable vehicle-entry charge and any separate activity permit with the park; no blanket free-access claim.
Best season
Check current seasonal park hours and the chosen trail. Lake swimming remains closed until the 2027 season
Nearby towns
Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, Minnewaska
Water body
Lake Minnewaska And Lake Awosting Designated Seasonal Beach Areas
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, Minnewaska
Access location not verified
MINNEWASKA, NY
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Plan the park visit separately from a swim
Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting have designated seasonal swimming areas, but the manager currently lists both closed until the 2027 season. Plan an authorized hike or viewpoint visit now, and check the actual beach-opening announcement before arranging a future swim.
No substitute dip in a stream or waterfall
Park restrictions prohibit swimming in streams and waterfalls. The earlier Peterskill family-wading recommendation is withdrawn; a shallow-looking pool is not an alternative to a closed beach.
Choose the correct entrance and return time
The main park address is 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson. Use the manager's map for the particular access area. The posted October 13-31, 2026 operating window is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking can fill, and roadside shoulders are not overflow parking.
A practical dry-land outing
Choose a signed trail or permitted picnic area suited to your group, with time for the return. Keep cooking, alcohol and glass out of the plan, carry out waste and follow pet-area restrictions. Confirm fees and needed services directly; no current water-quality or accessible bathing-entry guarantee is offered.
Current manager information
NY State Parks: Minnewaska notices, maps and visitor rules. Contact the park at 845-255-0752 for the intended visit.
Getting There
Use the manager's main park address, 5281 Route 44-55 in Kerhonkson, and its current map for the intended access area. Do not navigate to a generic lake or an informal stream entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use designated parking and signed open routes. Adjacent road shoulders are not overflow parking.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Observe the current lake-beach closure and posted permitted areas. No stream or waterfall swimming, jumping, diving or unverified rope use. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Free Municipal Parking Lot
Parking lot
4.5 (32)
53 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY 12561
Town Parking
Parking lot
2.5 (2)
7 Plattekill Ave, New Paltz, NY 12561
Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road trailhead
Hiking area
4.9 (30)
5281 US-44 #55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Peterskill At Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Park
4.8 (197)
5080 Rte 44-55, Gardiner, NY 12525
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Jellystone Park™ Gardiner
Campground
4.3 (1652)
50 Bevier Rd, Gardiner, NY 12525
Family-friendly campground featuring RV & tent sites, plus cabins, a water park, a tiki bar & more.
Free Wi-Fi
New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday
Campground
4.1 (645)
119 Freetown Hwy, Wallkill, NY 12589
Free Wi-Fi
Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground
Campground
4.2 (137)
953 NY-299, Gardiner, NY 12525
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnewaska State Park Swimming Destinations
Can I swim at Minnewaska now?
The current park page lists the Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting swimming areas closed until the 2027 season. Confirm the actual reopening announcement.
Can I wade at Peterskill or swim below a waterfall instead?
Do not use those as substitute bathing areas. The manager prohibits swimming in park streams and waterfalls; the earlier family-wading recommendation is not retained.
Where is the main park entrance?
The manager lists 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson. Use its current map for the intended access area rather than a generic lake pin.
What can I plan without swimming?
Choose an authorized trail, viewpoint or picnic area and check the route, operating hours and your party's abilities before setting out.
Can I park on a nearby road if the lot fills?
No. The manager warns against parking on adjacent roadway shoulders when parking reaches capacity.
Can I bring a grill or cook at the picnic area?
No. Park picnic rules prohibit barbecuing and cooking. Bring a ready-to-eat picnic, carry out waste and observe the alcohol and glass restrictions.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not enter closed beaches, streams or waterfalls for bathing
- Avoid wet ledges, jumping and diving
- Clear-looking water is not a water-quality or depth assessment
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect the protected landscape and manager information; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph from permitted trails and viewpoints. Lake and waterfall scenery does not establish current bathing permission or water conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow designated routes and park restrictions, keep pets within permitted areas and carry out all waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current seasonal park hours and the chosen trail. Lake swimming remains closed until the 2027 season.
Difficulty Level
Choose a signed route appropriate to the party; no universally easy trail or accessible bathing descent established.
Fee
Confirm the applicable vehicle-entry charge and any separate activity permit with the park; no blanket free-access claim.
Facilities
No lifeguard, changing room, potable water or accessible bathing entrance is promised at an informal stream or waterfall.
Activities
Authorized hiking, scenery and designated picnicking; seasonal lake swimming only after actual reopening
Phone
845-255-0752
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Arrange overnight lodging separately; do not infer lakeside or waterfall camping permission.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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