Growing up in Long Island there’s not much I did, I just looked at it like an island that was far away from the city lights and all the action-packed fun. And even when I made my way to New York City I still never really saw what it had to offer. Living where you grow up you take advantage it and don’t experience all the gems that are hidden. We’re fishers– alright my Boytoy is, I fish for about 10 minutes and I feel like I’ve completed a lot! We decided to make it a family fishing day and also decided to pick a place local– thus we ended up at Hempstead State Park.
Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi use facility. Included are 20 tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, bridle trails for horse back riding, biking and hiking trails, shaded picnic areas and a historic hand carved wooden carousel. There is a picnic pavilion available for large parties.
Although we kept it simple and only did the fishing part we had a fantastic time. Before arriving we made a pit stop to LI Outdoorsman to get the bait which was the closet spot to Hempstead State Park. The fishing area was not at all crowded for a Sunday morning and never got and we stayed until 4PM. Bring your chairs because blankets (unless you don’t mind getting it dirty on the dirt) won’t work. There wasn’t any grass when fishing and as for shaded areas there were plenty if you chose the right spot. The water felt amazing we dipped our feet in and the kids loved being one with whatever was down there! Unfortunately, there was no swimming, but some people didn’t care and kept swimming in the lake.
I suggest bringing lunch; either eat while you fish or walk across to the picnic area. Bring water shoes and a swimsuit. Although, you can’t swim you’ll want to stand in the water to catch some fish. Definitely foldable chairs for comfort, sunblock, and fun people!
For more information check out the Hempstead State Park website.
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