The park was developed on land once owned by August Belmont, a prominent 19th-century financier and sportsman who used the area for his private estate.
The lake itself is an artificial impoundment created by the damming of Carlls River.
It serves as a primary hub for the regional 'First Day Hike' tradition held across New York State parks every January 1st.
The park contains the site of the former Belmont Mansion, which was demolished in the early 20th century.
The lake is actively stocked with brown, brook, and rainbow trout by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Portions of the park serve as a trailhead for the Long Island Greenbelt, a system of trails spanning the island from the North Shore to the South Shore.
Belmont Lake State Park is a 463-acre recreational facility centered around the 18-acre Belmont Lake in West Babylon, New York. The park serves as the regional headquarters for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on Long Island. Visitors utilize the park for non-motorized boating, featuring seasonal rowboat, canoe, and pedal boat rentals. Extensive trail systems accommodate hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, connecting to the neighboring Southern State Parkway corridor. Anglers frequently target the lake for trout, largemouth bass, and perch populations. The grounds include picnic areas equipped with charcoal grills and reservable picnic shelters. During winter months, the park provides dedicated space for ice skating when conditions permit. The park is integrated into the Long Island Greenbelt Trail, offering a multi-use path stretching north toward Heckscher State Park.
The wooden footbridge crossing the lake, offering views of the water and the surrounding forested shoreline.
Bring a portable grill cover if you plan to use the onsite charcoal grills.
Wear insect repellent during the summer months due to the park's proximity to wetlands and the lake.
Arrive early on summer weekends as the parking lots can reach capacity by mid-morning.
Attempting to swim in the lake, which is strictly prohibited for safety and water quality reasons.
Boat rentals operate seasonally from late spring through early autumn; the park remains open year-round with varying facility availability.
Carry-in, carry-out trash policy applies; keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
