Columbia
Lake Taghkanic State Park
A Columbia County park on the lake, with a beach, campsites, cabins, and cottages. Open year-round, 8:00 am to sunset. Large trucks and RVs enter from Route 82.
Checked Tue, Oct 20, 2026 on parks.ny.gov.
What to do
The beach
West Beach is the swim. East Beach is closed. The 2026 season was weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 28, then daily from June 29 to September 7. That season is over.
The water
Boat rentals cover rowboats, paddleboats, and kayaks. A season boat permit is $30 and a week is $10. Ice skating and ice fishing are allowed when conditions are right. Call (518) 851-3631 about the ice.
Trails
The page lists hiking, biking, cross-country ski, and snowmobile trails, plus playing fields. Camping season printed for 2026 was May 15 through October 25.
A quieter time
The page does not say the lots fill. The vehicle fee is collected on weekends and holidays from May 23 to June 28, and daily from June 29 to September 7. Outside those dates the page does not say a fee is being taken.
Parking
Vehicle entrance is $10 during the dates above. Check parks.ny.gov on the day you go.
Dogs
Pets are not allowed on the beach, in playgrounds, or in picnic areas. Up to two pets in the campground, crated or on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Swimming
West Beach only. East Beach is closed. The 2026 hours on the page ended September 7.
Empire Pass
Lake Taghkanic is on the Empire Pass list. The pass does not waive swimming.
Nearby on Quiet Coordinates
- Hudson · town