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    Lake Welch

    3.3 (71 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Glenn V.

    There had to be parking for five hundred cars in the first lot and as our walk and chase revealed, there's another parking lot further up the way, also mammoth in parking lot proportions. And with tall life guard chairs (currently unmanned) and with panaramic views of sloping green treed mountains, fine sand and clean looking water - I had full faith that I'd certainly enjoy myself and the wheels of a return trip were already turning in a positive motion. Then we walked around a bit and the wheels came to a screeching halt in my head with metal sparked shards flying all around me due to the (gotta say it) kinda ghetto people populating the initial portion of the park. Music so loud I is sounded like 115th and Amsterdam Ave at 3:00am on a summer Saturday night. The lawn wackers screamed and trimmings, dust, rock shrapnel and pollen covered most points of entryway, something a basic mower was far better suited for in many ways. About fifty young children crying and screaming and nobody seemed all that interested in attending to them - so those two noises continued indefinitely and combined. Smoke billowing out from public grills like the towering inferno, random hot coals smouldering in the green grass well away from the designated hot coals deposit area. And much if this was against all posted signs of rule and although there was enforcement, they seemed to be bopping along to the tunes and catching some raps. Now I can't blame the park on the flying teeth, but they were in full flight and in your nose, ears and made life without a beekeeping suit rather uncomfortable.

    Michaela P.

    We really like it here. Have been coming for the past several summers but only on week days. Thanks to friends and fellow yelpers I know to stay away on a weekend unless I want to be jam-packed like a bunch of sardines. Unlike other reviews I've never found the lake to be dirty. Maybe I've just been lucky but people definitely throw their trash in the garbage cans and I don't find random off putting things floating around. The water is murky so don't expect to be able to see everything around you. When entering in they list the quality of water so you always know what you're getting in terms of algae etc. I haven't used the grilling facilities but there is a park area before entering the lake where you can grill with lots of park benches etc. it's usually packed with people, music going and friends and family hanging out. We just usually jet right to the lake find a spot and jump in the water. $10 to park your car and it's super easy to get to the beach just a 1-2 min walk if that. They allow coolers - soft and hard which is nice so you can pack drinks, snacks and lunch. During Covid they are only allowing 60% capacity of cars entering. So first come first serve. This past week when we went 90% of people were wearing masks until they plopped down and found their spot to chill. Masks required at the snack and grill bar. People were more than 6ft apart on the beach so totally comfortable. Also the lake was wide enough that you could find your spot in the water and we did not feel crowded at all. Great times!

    Aiden M.

    Don't let racist reviews discourage you from coming here. Like any beach you should get here early and ideally on weekdays to avoid large crowds. Grassy Bbq area is kinda cramped but the sandy beach is big enough and more lifeguards came on after 1pm today which opened up the swimming area some more. Water is nice, not salty. Lifeguards on duty until 6pm. Only con really is the loud music from some beach goers but you'd deal with that any any other beach too‍

    Herman the chef
    John M.

    Had a huge group of friends come out and didn't take much pics but all of the videos posted through Instagram, we decided to bring out the tent, beach chairs, grill, ribs, hot dogs, burgers you name it we possibly had it. Lol the good thing about the lake we had our small speaker playing , everyone practice social distancing and had a great time. Lake was clean and we all had a great time and the staff of the lake were super friendly.

    Vandana P.

    Just over an hour and 30 minutes away from queens, this lake is worth every mile. We came here on a Sunday morning, left around 8AM and got there around 10AM. If you're planning to come here and get a good spot on the grassy areas, you neeeed to leave way earlier. At 10 am almost the whole grassy area close to the water was filled. The sand area leading to the water was also quite a bit filled up but we managed to get a spot. The only thing I regret was not brining and umbrella or tent or some short of shade. The sun was a killer and there was zero trees or breeze to ease it up. I got like 4 shades darker after this trip. However, the water is to die for and the views once in the water... amazing! It water is so clear and clean and it was so crisp, felt really nice! If you came swim, and you swim out to the blocked off area, the view there is amazing. I didn't want to come out of the water!! Tips: 1) bring an umbrella, tent, some sort of shade. 2) No water does needed, there are no rocky areas in the water 3) park rangers actively circle the sand area and if they see your alcohol, they will ask you to pour it out. So package your alcohol appropriately 4) COME HERE! The water is beautiful

    Rachel C.

    Came during the week with my 2 year old. Really not as bad as I expected! I read that it gets kinda gross and all of NYC comes up. The guy at the booth said yea for holidays, a little bit on weekends. The sand is clean and the water is clear. People playing their music annoys me but they do it at Jones beach and Robert Moses beach too so I can deal. Yea, it would be nice if they had a few more lifeguards on staff but the ones they do have seem to really be on their game. Definitely will be back!

    This is a beautiful place but the quality of human being that comes here is so very low. I have been coming here for a few weeks on week days trying to avoid crowds. I have been observing a family of ducks with several ducklings, they are my favorite thing at the park and today I saw three children throwing rocks at the ducklings and when I told them to leave the ducks alone their father, a grown man in the presence of two other grown men, got up and cursed me out, a single female alone. What a low life excuse for a man, curse out a woman so his savage children can continue to bully baby animals, a rock to the head of a duckling would kill it. Why aren't park employees paying attention to this? So upsetting.

    Not bad for $8
    Jeff M.

    After reading other reviews, I learned that there are two very different groups with two very different opinions on this. People coming from NYC seem to like it. The local folks believe it's ruined by the city slickers, and it looks like many of them hate families, especially the kids. I have some roots in both groups. I'm from a rural area, but I now live in Manhattan. I also have a child. I think Lake Welch is great, but it does have some faults. I've never seen all of the life guard stations open. Not even during busy weekends. I really wish they'd fix that. How much does it cost to get a 16 year old to sit on a big chair with a whistle? Come on. There are also a lot of idiots there, but it's a public park. People are stupid and I hate them. They are in fewer numbers during the week. All in all, I gave this Lake Welch four stars because there isn't an option for 3.5 so I rounded up, and because it's cheap, conveniently located, relatively clean compared to city options, and the staff is also much friendlier than their city dwelling counterparts. It's not perfect, but it's a nice for a day trip.

    Mildred R.

    I've been here before and it tends to get over crowded on the weekends. This was the first time that I've ever come during the week and it was perfect. There were just enough people, the weather was nice, and the best part was that there was no waiting on long lines to use the restrooms or to purchase something at the snack bar. All in all, my boyfriend and I had a nice and relaxing day and it was well worth the drive up from the City. If you've never been here before I recommend visiting at least once and judging for yourself. You might be pleasantly surprised. I gave it a three star rating because I took into consideration the cleanliness of the lake.

    Carla A.

    Restrooms are available. The children loved swimming here. There were lifeguards on duty. Parking was $10.00. The beach had some garbage. But overall, it was a fun time at Lake Welch Beach!

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    7 years ago

    First time here and I'm definitely not coming back here. Super dirty and crowded with loud music everywhere.

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    Lake Welch Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Lake Welch

    Can I bring my puppy?

    Hello Jennifer. Dogs are allowed at Lake Welch only after labor day weekend to before memorial day weekend. Your dog needs to remain on a leash at all times and they're not allowed on the sand/in the water.

    Is it a smoke free zone?

    Unfortunately not. However, Lake Tiorati's beach is able to maintain a smoke free zone if you'd prefer to go there. You can give them a call at 845-429-8257 for more info. Be advised the beach is only accessible between Memorial Day weekend to Labor… Read more

    Can you stay overnight?

    Hello Helen. You can't stay overnight at Lake Welch, but you can rent a campsite at the adjoining campground, Beaver Pond Campground. They're open from the end of April to Columbus Day Weekend for walk ins and reservations. They remain open through… Read more

    I like to take our little baby there with us. Is the water clean enough for 6 m baby? Thank you!

    I'd say it's pretty clean. Only occasionally will you find seaweed and the water tastes very salty. Other then that the waters fine.

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes. I've seen many dogs here.

    Are there grills there that can be used?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Lake Welch

    The only thing I regret was not brining and umbrella or tent or some short of shade.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Oscawana Island Nature Preserve - This park is pretty over grown once you go off the wide trails to the river. Nice quiet place sit on the rocks along the river

    Oscawana Island Nature Preserve

    5.0(1 review)
    8.0 mi

    I seriously adore this island…read more Small parking area off the main road and its legit in such a random spot that it gets very little traffic which i really appreciate. You walk along the inlet and up a hill, eventually you will on top of the 'mountain' that is also the metro north train tunnel. You can go around one of the fences and sit directly above the tunnel but we aware-- there is no additional fence before the drop. And if you drop..well, um. You dead. But otherwise its super cool to watch the train approach and feel it rumble underneath you. Going along a little further up the trail you will come to an outcropping of an old foundation and what is left of a fireplace and chimney. I believe this was one of the guest houses or the daughter homes belonging to the McAndrew's estate that is directly opposite the island. (That is another great hike with lots of ruins including an old race track, ice house and some old foundations.) Eventually you will start downhill and get to the waterfront which is gorgeous and has a great view of Haverstraw. It's a rocky area but can be traversed with slight caution, in order to skip rocks or fish or even hang out in the water. There's a beat up picnic table or two and some benches around in case you feel like packing a picnic. Please be sure to pick up after yourself though and keep the preserve clean for all! Cans are usually by the exit. No bathrooms either so be one with the call of nature.

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    Boat launch for small boats

    Oscawana Island Nature Preserve - Old brick fire place, original house must have been massive

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    Old brick fire place, original house must have been massive

    Lake Welch - parks - Updated May 2026

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