Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Kerhonkson, NY
A cliff-top lake on the Shawangunk Ridge, circled by carriage roads with long views and white conglomerate rock. Vehicle fee; the lot closes when full on autumn weekends, sometimes by mid-morning.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve sits on the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County, New York, on Route 44/55 near Kerhonkson, about an hour and a half from New York City. The preserve covers more than 24,000 acres of dense hardwood forest, cliffs, streams, waterfalls and three clear “Sky Lakes”, including Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting.
The trail network consists of about 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths for hiking and biking. Lake Minnewaska lies at the center and, according to Lonely Planet, is often very cold or frozen. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. Sam’s Point is the highest and southernmost part of the preserve.
Practical notes: on nice days the parking lots at Lake Minnewaska and Sam’s Point fill up and are closed intermittently; do not park on the roadside. There are no trash cans, so carry your trash out. The swimming areas are closed until the 2027 season, according to the park (as of October 2026). For tents there is the Shawangunk Gateway Campground about five minutes away (tents only, season mid-May to mid-November per the park, weather permitting); check opening in advance.
- Nearest town
- Kerhonkson, NY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.7290, -74.2370
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Minnewaska State Park Preserve
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Lazy RiverCampsite5 mi from Minnewaska State Park PreserveTents
- Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Minnewaska State Park PreserveWaste disposal
- Kenneth L. Wilson CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Minnewaska State Park Preserve
- Woodland Valley CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Minnewaska State Park Preserve
- Phoenicia Black Bear CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Minnewaska State Park Preserve
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is in Kerhonkson, NY, at GPS 41.7290, -74.2370. It is about 8 mi from New Paltz.
Can you camp near Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: West of the Hudson: Palisades, Bear Mountain and the Shawangunks.
What is there to see near Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: Historic Huguenot Street (8 mi), Walkway Over the Hudson (15 mi), Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt (16 mi) and Storm King Art Center (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)