A little-know gem of a beautiful white-sand beach has existed for the last decade at the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park on Rt. 301, a few miles east of Rt. 9. The entrance is discreet, on the left-hand side just past the park's office and a ½mile past the large Canopus Lake.

Built in the late 1970's and opened in the early 80's, the beach complex is reminiscent of the facilities built by Robert Moses along the shores of Long Island. In fact, the sand for the beach was trucked in from Long Island!

A wide expanse of beach is bordered by the woods, making the experience unique for beach-goers used to the open spaces of an ocean beach. With facilities including a concession stand serving hot and cold foods, grills, changing rooms and showers, the proverbial “day at the beach” is just minutes away for residents and visitors to Western Putnam County.

The cost of visiting is $6 per car. Picnic Hours are from 9am to 7pm, swimming from 10 to 5:45pm. The beach is open through Labor Day.

In addition to the swimming, the Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including camping in designated areas, hiking and row boat rentals are available. Boat rentals are usually from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

Fahnestock Memorial Park consists of almost 10,000 acres. It is administered by the Taconic Region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. 

Click the map for a larger view

Call the park manager's office, (845) 225-7207, for more detailed information.