Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi use facility. Included are 20 tennis courts, children's playgrounds, basketball courts, bridle trails for horse back riding, biking and hiking trails, shaded picnic areas and a historic hand carved wooden carousel. There is a picnic pavilion available for large parties. There are three ponds that are accessible for fishing. On Hempstead Lake, the largest lake in Nassau County, you are permitted to use car top boats with an annual permit issued from the Park. Fishing in Hempstead Lake is by catch and release only. McDonald Pond and South Pond are stocked with trout in the fall and you may target trout throughout the winter months. Other species present include large mouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappe, perch, tiger muskies, carp and sunfish.