FDR State Park

New Yorkers, are you craving an escape to nature that feels a world away from the city bustle, yet is remarkably close to home? Look no further than Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, a sprawling 960-acre gem nestled in Yorktown Heights, NY. Often simply referred to as FDR State Park by locals, this expansive park is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Westchester County, offering a diverse array of activities that cater to every interest and age group. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the urban grind and reconnect with the tranquility of the great outdoors, all within an hour's drive of Manhattan.

As one delighted visitor put it, it's a "Delightful park — lake you can fish and go out on, some trails, disc golf course." This review perfectly captures the essence of FDR State Park's appeal: it's a versatile playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The mention of "beautiful old hiking bridges, some restored by Eagle Scouts" speaks to the thoughtful maintenance and community involvement that keeps the park in pristine condition, enhancing the experience for all who visit. Its capacity to host "local running events" further cements its role as a vibrant community hub, encouraging healthy lifestyles and active participation.

Another local succinctly summarized the park's allure, stating, "Not far from Manhattan but you feel like you are a world away. Great parking and lots of trails. If you have kids, lots of playgrounds for them." This highlights a key benefit for urban dwellers: the park's ability to provide a complete change of scenery and atmosphere without requiring a long journey. The abundance of parking, trails, and playgrounds underscores its family-friendly nature, ensuring there's always something to keep everyone entertained. While one review noted that "The pool was closed. The bathrooms by the pool were locked - not good especially if you paid a fee to use the park, you expect the facilities to be available," it's important to remember that facility availability can vary by season, and it's always wise to check current conditions. However, the sheer breadth of activities and the overall feeling of being "a world away" truly make FDR State Park a must-visit destination for New Yorkers seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a dose of nature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is conveniently located at 2957 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA. This prime Westchester County address makes it easily accessible for residents across the greater New York metropolitan area, including New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley.

Accessibility to FDR State Park is primarily by car, with direct access from NY-35 (Crompond Road), a major thoroughfare. The park boasts extensive parking facilities, ensuring ample space for visitors even on busy weekends. There is a vehicle use fee to enter the facility, typically $10 per vehicle, which is collected seasonally, usually from mid-May through Columbus Day weekend. This fee supports the park's maintenance and facilities, providing a valuable investment in this beloved public space. Visitors can find parking in various lots, including Lot #1, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset year-round, with extended hours for commuters on weekdays.

While a personal vehicle offers the most direct access, public transportation options to the vicinity of Yorktown Heights are available. The Metro-North Railroad (Harlem Line) serves nearby towns like Katonah or Goldens Bridge, from which a taxi or ride-sharing service would be necessary to reach the park. For those relying on public transit, it's advisable to plan your trip in advance and confirm schedules, as direct bus routes to the park's entrance are limited.

The park's location approximately 40 miles north of New York City means it offers a genuine feeling of being "a world away" without an arduous journey. This proximity makes it an ideal day-trip destination for urban dwellers seeking a quick and refreshing escape to nature. Its placement within Westchester County also means it's part of a network of beautiful parks and natural areas, allowing for combined outings to explore the region's diverse offerings.

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers an impressive array of services and amenities, ensuring that there's an activity for virtually every type of outdoor enthusiast. This comprehensive offering is what makes it such a popular destination for New York locals.

• Swimming Pool Access: The park features a colossal swimming pool, twice the size of an Olympic-sized pool, capable of accommodating up to 3,500 bathers. It's a major draw during the summer months, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. The pool is typically open daily from late June through Labor Day. While swimming is free once inside the park, specific operating hours and last entry times should be confirmed with the park office.
• Boating and Fishing: FDR State Park encompasses two beautiful bodies of water, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond. Both offer excellent freshwater fishing opportunities, with popular catches including bass, perch, and sunfish. Boating is also a major attraction, with rowboat and pedal boat rentals available seasonally. Visitors with a regional boating permit can also launch their own rowboats, canoes, or kayaks.
• Disc Golf Course: For fans of disc golf, the park boasts a well-regarded 18-hole disc golf course. It's designed and maintained by the Westchester Disc Golf Enthusiasts (WeDGE), offering layouts for various skill levels. Loaner frisbees are often available from the park office, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Extensive Picnic Areas and BBQ Facilities: The park is renowned for its spacious picnic areas, many equipped with BBQ grills. These areas can accommodate both individual families and large groups, with some pavilions available for advance reservation. This makes it an ideal spot for family reunions, birthday parties, or casual outdoor dining.
• Playgrounds: Families with children will appreciate the multiple, newly renovated playgrounds throughout the park. These modern play areas feature climbing walls, swings, and other engaging equipment, providing safe and fun environments for kids to burn energy.
• Hiking and Jogging Trails: A network of trails winds through the park, offering scenic routes for hiking and jogging. These trails vary in length and difficulty, providing opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more vigorous workouts. Some trails feature "beautiful old hiking bridges," adding to the scenic appeal.
• Sports Fields: The park offers a variety of playing fields, including softball fields, two NCAA regulation basketball courts with spectator seating, and a soccer field. These are available for recreational use or league play.
• Food Concessions: Two food and beverage concession stands are located within the park, one by the pool and another near the basketball courts, providing convenient options for refreshments and snacks.
• Winter Activities: During the winter months, when conditions allow, the lakes provide a picturesque setting for ice fishing, and some trails may be suitable for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
• Restroom Facilities: Accessible restroom facilities are available throughout the park, ensuring comfort and convenience for all visitors.

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is packed with features and highlights that consistently draw New Yorkers seeking quality outdoor experiences. These elements combine to create a dynamic and appealing environment for recreation and relaxation.

• Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond: These two beautiful bodies of water are central to the park's appeal. They offer picturesque views and are hubs for fishing and boating. The serene presence of the lakes truly makes you "feel like you are a world away" from city life.
• Massive Swimming Pool: The park's immense swimming pool is a highlight, especially during the summer. Its sheer size allows it to accommodate thousands of bathers, providing ample space for everyone to cool off and enjoy the water. It’s a major draw for families and groups.
• Challenging Disc Golf Course: For disc golf enthusiasts, the 18-hole course is a significant draw. Designed to be both fun and challenging, it attracts players from across the region and is a testament to the park's diverse recreational offerings.
• Abundant Picnic and BBQ Areas: The sheer number and spaciousness of the picnic areas, many with BBQ grills, are a huge plus. This makes the park exceptionally convenient for family gatherings, team parties, and large community events, providing essential facilities for outdoor dining and socializing.
• Well-Maintained and Scenic Trails: The park's trails are highly praised for their beauty and accessibility. Featuring "beautiful old hiking bridges" and winding through diverse natural settings, they offer ideal opportunities for hiking, jogging, and enjoying the natural landscape. The presence of "excellent historical signs" along the trails adds an educational dimension.
• Variety of Playgrounds: With multiple playgrounds available, children of various ages have dedicated spaces to play safely and creatively. These playgrounds are modern and well-equipped, making the park a true family-friendly destination.
• Versatile Sports Facilities: The availability of softball fields, NCAA regulation basketball courts, and a soccer field provides excellent venues for organized sports leagues and casual games alike, promoting active lifestyles and community engagement.
• Year-Round Accessibility: While some facilities are seasonal, the park's trails and general grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. This allows New Yorkers to enjoy the park's beauty in all seasons, from summer swims to winter hikes and ice fishing.
• Community Event Host: The park frequently hosts local running events and other community gatherings, showcasing its importance as a central meeting point for active and engaged New Yorkers.

As a New York State Park, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers various opportunities that can be considered "promotions" in the sense of providing value and access to the public. While it's not a commercial entity running sales, its services and offerings are designed to maximize public benefit.

• Affordable Entrance Fee: The standard vehicle use fee of $10 per vehicle is a highly affordable entry point for a full day of recreational activities. Compared to many private attractions, this offers significant value for access to such extensive facilities.
• Free Swimming Pool Access (once vehicle fee paid): Once inside the park, access to the enormous swimming pool is typically free. This is a considerable "offer" for families, allowing for hours of aquatic fun during the summer without additional per-person charges for swimming.
• Boat Rentals: The park offers a convenient "promotion" of activity through its boat rentals (rowboats, pedal boats). While there is a fee for these rentals (e.g., $20 for 2 hours), it provides an accessible way for visitors to enjoy boating on the lakes without owning their own equipment.
• Loaning of Disc Golf Frisbees: For disc golf enthusiasts, the availability of loaner frisbees from the park office is a fantastic "promotion," allowing casual players or beginners to try the sport without the upfront cost of purchasing discs.
• Seasonal Special Events: The park frequently hosts and "promotes" various special events throughout the year, such as local running races (like the Run for Recovery 5K), nature walks, or family-focused programs. These events often have separate registration fees but provide unique experiences that enhance the park's offerings. Information about these can be found on the New York State Parks website.
• Permits for Large Group Picnics: For those planning larger gatherings, the availability of rentable pavilions and large picnic areas, though requiring a permit fee (e.g., $30-$50 for special events permits), is a promotional service that facilitates community events and family reunions.
• Accessibility of Information: The park provides maps and information about its trails, disc golf course rules, and other amenities, which are "promotions" for self-guided exploration and enjoyment of the park's features.

To stay informed about specific dates for pool openings, boat rental availability, special events, or any changes to fees, New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to visit the official New York State Parks website for Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park or call the park office directly.

For any inquiries, information, or to learn more about Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, visitors can easily get in touch using the following contact details:

Address:2957 Crompond RdYorktown Heights, NY 10598USA

This is the physical address for the park, which you can use for GPS navigation or mailing purposes.

Phone:(914) 245-4434

Mobile Phone:+1 914-245-4434

Both phone numbers connect directly to the park's main office. This is the best contact for specific questions regarding current operating hours, pool status, boat rental availability, trail conditions, picnic area reservations, or any special events. The park office typically has seasonal hours (e.g., summer: 8 am - 6 pm; off-season/winter: 8 am - 4 pm), so it's advisable to call during these times.

Official Website:For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, including detailed maps, facility schedules, a full list of activities, and information on fees and permits, New Yorkers should visit the official New York State Parks website. You can find the page specifically for Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park by navigating to parks.ny.gov and searching for "Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park" or directly using search engines.

In-Person Assistance:Upon arrival at the park, visitors can also seek assistance or information at the park office, which is usually located near the main entrance or designated visitor areas. Staff members are typically available during operating hours to answer questions and provide guidance.

Social Media:New York State Parks often maintain active social media presences. Searching for "NY State Parks" or "FDR State Park" on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can provide real-time updates, beautiful visuals, and community engagement opportunities.

It is always recommended to verify operating hours and specific facility availability directly with the park before planning your visit, especially during off-peak seasons or in changing weather conditions.

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is truly a quintessential New York State Park, making it exceptionally suitable for locals across the region, especially those in Westchester County and beyond. Its diverse offerings and convenient location combine to provide an unparalleled recreational experience right in our backyard.

Firstly, the park's sheer size and variety of amenities cater to virtually every outdoor interest. Whether you're an avid angler, a seasoned hiker, a disc golf enthusiast, a family looking for a refreshing swim, or simply someone seeking a tranquil spot for a picnic, FDR State Park has it all. The expansive Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond offer excellent opportunities for fishing and boating, providing a serene escape. The trails, with their "beautiful old hiking bridges," invite exploration and exercise, while the giant pool is a summer magnet for thousands of bathers. This comprehensive range ensures that locals can find multiple ways to enjoy the park, keeping visits fresh and engaging throughout the year.

Secondly, its accessibility is a major draw for New Yorkers. Located just 40 miles from Manhattan, the park offers a genuine sense of being "a world away" without the need for extensive travel. The ample parking facilities, even if a nominal fee applies, make it incredibly convenient for day trips. This ease of access encourages spontaneous outings and allows families to maximize their time enjoying nature rather than commuting. For urban dwellers, it's a vital green lung that provides a much-needed respite from city life.

Furthermore, FDR State Park plays a significant role in fostering community well-being and engagement. It hosts various local running events, encouraging physical activity and community participation. The numerous picnic areas and BBQ facilities are perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, and team celebrations, allowing residents to come together in a beautiful outdoor setting. The presence of multiple, well-equipped playgrounds makes it a top choice for families with children, ensuring safe and fun outdoor play.

In conclusion, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is an indispensable asset for New York locals. Its combination of vast natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, family-friendly amenities, and convenient accessibility makes it an ideal destination for outdoor adventure, relaxation, and community connection. It truly embodies the spirit of New York's State Parks, providing a valuable public resource that enhances the quality of life for all who visit.

FDR State Park

2957 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA