Belmont Lake State Park in New York, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon, New York, is a Long Island day-use park for lake walks, picnics and informal recreation. Its trails connect the lake setting with the Carlls Creek corridor. Start with a walk if you want a visit that does not depend on the seasonal boat dock, and arrange permits separately for a larger gathering.

Lake paths and space for a picnic

• Multi-use trails: The park lists 7.6 miles for walking, biking and nature observation.
• Creek corridor: Carlls Creek extends south toward Great South Bay, adding a different direction from the lake paths.
• Play areas: Separate playgrounds serve ages 2–5 and 5–12.

Day-use planning

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Boat rules before a water outing

Rental users must wear the safety vests provided by staff. The renter must be at least 18. Capacity limits are four per pedal boat, five per rowboat and two per kayak, including children and infants. Children must be at least 6 to ride a kayak. Pets cannot ride in the boats. Treat these conditions as part of the outing, rather than deciding on a boat only after reaching the water.

Picnic rules that affect your plan

Picnic spaces operate first-come, first-served; do not rope off or reserve an unbooked spot. Dogs are prohibited in picnic areas and playgrounds. Use only the designated red containers for hot coals, and keep decorations off trees.

Groups, pavilions and organized activities

Groups of 50 or more require a permit. An organized event or activity also needs a park-use permit, with applications submitted at least 10 business days ahead. The park says bus permits are not being issued this season. Contact staff before planning a bus arrival, and arrange pavilion bookings separately; a vehicle charge does not grant event permission.

Arrival from the Southern State Parkway

The published address is Southern State Parkway Exit 38, North Babylon, NY 11703. Use the official trail map to plan the walking portion, and the park's current signs to select the entrance and parking area.

Other Long Island stops

Bethpage State Park is in Farmingdale at Quaker Meeting House Road. Heckscher State Park is in East Islip, with access from Heckscher Parkway. These are separate road destinations; check each park's own access and activity schedule before adding it to the day.

Choose an outing around the available season

Combine a trail walk with a picnic or playground stop for a land-based visit. For boating, contact the park first: only hard-bottomed kayaks and canoes may launch while the dock is operating. Motors, inflatables and paddleboards are not allowed. Do not use general park opening hours as the boat-launch schedule.

Playgrounds, courts and pavilions

The park lists grills, playing fields, game courts and four pavilions. It also has a dog run with separate areas for large and small dogs. Ask staff about the specific route or facility if you need accessibility details; an amenity listing does not describe every approach surface.

A lake park within developed Long Island

From equestrian farmland to public park

The park was established in 1926 on land formerly associated with August Belmont's equestrian activities. In 1935, Robert Moses selected it for the Long Island state parks regional headquarters.

Wetlands and waterbirds

The lake and wetland complex support resident and migrating waterfowl. Ospreys, herons and egrets are among the birds described by the park. Leave time to observe from the paths, with sightings dependent on the season and the day.

Contact Belmont Lake

Call 631-667-5055 about fees, dock operation, permits and accessibility. The official park page provides the visitor schedule and permit information.