Clarence Fahnestock State Park is a 14,086-acre park located in Putnam and Dutchess counties of New York. Named in 2005 as one of Reserve America's top outdoor locations, the Park is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding.
The original land, a donation of about 2,400 acres, was donated in 1929 by Dr. Ernest Fahnestock as a memorial to his brother Clarence.
The large sandy beach at Canopus Lake is a popular attraction at the Park. In addition to swimming, campers can tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout. The Park also has seasonal turkey and deer hunting. The scenic campground, formed along the park's natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. The campground's nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming. Fahnestock Winter Park has includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.
The park offers a beach, picnic tables with pavilions, a playground, recreation programs, a nature trail, a bridle path, fishing and ice fishing, a campground with tent and trailer sites , a boat launch with boat rentals, and a food concession. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. Although there are no hookups available or dump station, restroom and shower facilities are centrally located to all RV and tent sites.
Park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. Canopus Beach – Open weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend. Open daily the fourth week of June through Labor Day weekend. Campground - Open daily from the third Friday in April through the second Sunday in December.
Hunting - In season both deer (bow only) and spring turkey (shotgun only) hunting are permitted in designated areas. NYS hunting permits, as well as a Park Permit, are required. Please call the Park Office for more details.
All freshwater fishing requires a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This permit can be obtained from town halls and many sporting good stores. Pets are not permitted on beach or picnic areas. Pets are allowed in campsites 70- 81. Dogs are permitted on trails on a leash of not more than 10 feet.
Most of the park is in northern Putnam County between the Taconic State Parkway and US Route 9. Taconic State Parkway: Exit at Putnam County Route 301 west. Proceed approximately ¼ mile. Park areas are located on both sides of the roadway.
NYS Route 9: Take Putnam County Route 301 east. Proceed for approximately 5 miles. Park areas are located on both sides of the roadway.
Metro-North: Commuter train to Cold Spring Station. Please arrange for taxi service prior to arrival. The park is located approximately 8 miles from the train station and the cost for taxi service is approximately $20.00. Contact Information: 1498 Route 301 Carmel, NY 10512 Phone: (845) 225-7207 Reservations: (800) 456-2267
