Putnam · Dutchess

Clarence Fahnestock State Park

A 15,000-acre park with land in Putnam and Dutchess counties. The office is at 1498 Route 301 in Carmel. Hiking, Canopus Lake, and a winter park with groomed ski trails.

Checked Tue, Oct 20, 2026 on parks.ny.gov.

What to do

The woods
Open dawn to dusk, except the areas with their own hours. A piece of the Appalachian Trail crosses the park. Fishing from a boat is allowed at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes with a state freshwater fishing license.
Canopus Lake beach
The 2026 beach schedule was weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 15, then daily from June 23 through Labor Day. Swimming hours were 10:00 am to 5:45 pm. That season is over. Swimming stays inside the lifeguard area.
Winter
Fahnestock Winter Park, at 1570 Route 301, lists 20 kilometers of groomed ski trails plus snowshoeing and sledding. Hours are weather-dependent, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed December 25. Read that page for the day's snow.

A quieter time

The only vehicle fee the page prints is at Canopus Lake Beach, and only from late May through Labor Day. The main campground is closed for the 2026 season for a new bathhouse. The page does not say the trail lots fill.

Parking

Canopus Lake Beach was $10 per vehicle on the dates above, and $35 per bus. No buses on weekends. Outside that beach, the page does not print a vehicle fee. Check parks.ny.gov.

Dogs

Up to two pets in campsites and day-use areas, crated or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Not on guarded beaches, or in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools, or spray-grounds.