Rules & Regulations

The rules at Minnewaska State Park Preserve are strict because it is a preserve: dogs must stay on a leash of six feet or less, and smoking, vaping, drones, alcohol, glass, amplified music, fires and cooking are all banned. There are no trash cans, so you carry out everything. Bikes ride only on carriage roads, and the only e-bikes allowed are Class 1. Swimming is allowed only at the two designated lake beaches when lifeguards are on duty, never in a waterfall or stream.

Dogs

• Dogs only (no other pets), on a leash no longer than six feet, at all times.
• Not allowed in buildings, camping, picnic or bathing areas, or on walkways.
• Not allowed at beaches, or on cross-country ski trails while they are groomed and open for skiing.
• Clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly.

Smoking, Vaping and Cannabis

NY State Parks posted an alert in April 2026: smoking is not permitted anywhere in the preserve. That includes vaping and cannabis, at Sam's Point as well as the main preserve.

Drones and Amplified Music

Drones are not permitted in the preserve, including the Sam's Point Area. Amplified music is prohibited; use headphones or earbuds.

Alcohol and Glass

Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are not permitted.

Fires, Cooking and Camping

The preserve is day use only. Camping, barbecuing, cooking and fires are not permitted. Picnic tables near the lots are first come, first served. See camping for the campground nearby.

Trash

There are no trash cans anywhere in the preserve. Carry in, carry out.

Swimming

Swim only at the designated areas on Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting, and only when lifeguards are on duty. NY State Parks says both are closed until the 2027 season. No swimming in any stream or waterfall, and none at all in the Sam's Point Area. Ice fishing is not permitted on any park lake. See swimming.

Bikes, E-Bikes and Wheels

• Bikes on designated carriage roads only; helmets required; 15 mph maximum.
• Class 1 e-bikes only. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited.
• No motorized scooters, skateboards or one-wheels.
• No biking when roads are snowy, icy or soft from freeze-thaw.

See carriage roads and biking.

Horses

A horseback permit from Minnewaska is required ($5 a day, $20 a season). Horses are allowed only on non-holiday weekdays, and not at all in the Sam's Point Area.

Climbing

Rock climbing is allowed only at the Peter's Kill Area, with a pass and a signed annual acknowledgement of risk. See rock climbing.

Wildlife and Plants

All plants and animals are protected. Do not feed or approach wildlife. Stay on designated trails.

Hunting

Deer hunting only, in specific areas during the state seasons, with a free Minnewaska hunting permit and a valid state licence. Wear bright colours on the trails in fall.

Groups and Buses

Groups larger than 25 must call the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center before arriving; at Sam's Point, groups of 15 or more need a permit in advance. Buses are allowed only on non-holiday weekdays, by permit.

Parking

Do not park on road shoulders outside the preserve. At Sam's Point, NY State Parks says cars on the shoulder will be ticketed or towed. See parking.

Safety

• Keep away from cliff edges: falls can cause serious injury or death.
• Watch for park and landowner vehicles on the carriage roads.
• Call 911 in an emergency.

NY State Parks says violations can lead to loss of access or legal action. When in doubt, ask at the visitor center, (845) 255-0752.