Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake

Wynantskill, New York · on Snyders Lake · Snyders Lake Beach

Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: Yes, see below
SEASON: Varies by conditions

About Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake

Dedrick Recreational Facility is the Town of North Greenbush's official public bathing beach on Snyder's Lake, a 108-acre freshwater lake in Rensselaer County near Wynantskill, NY. More organized beach than backwoods swimming hole, it operates as a permitted, lifeguard-supervised swimming facility under Rensselaer County's bathing beach program, restricted to North Greenbush and Rensselaer County residents with a paid seasonal beach pass, which makes it a dependable local lake to swim in for those who qualify.

Snyder's Lake is a 108-acre freshwater lake at about 148 feet elevation in North Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York, reached via I-90 exit 8, then east on Route 43 and Geiser Road. The lake averages about 18 feet deep with a maximum depth near 40 feet at its center, and supports boating, water skiing, kayaking, fishing (bluegill, catfish, bass, crappie, perch, walleye, pickerel), and bird watching (great blue herons, mergansers, sandpipers, bald eagles).

Swimming at Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake

Swimming takes place at a town-operated, lifeguard-supervised sandy bathing beach on the lake shore rather than in open, undeveloped water; swimming is only allowed while lifeguards are on duty. The lake itself is a fairly deep, boat-active freshwater lake, so the designated swim area is a defined, monitored section rather than the whole shoreline.

How to get to this swimming hole

From I-90, take exit 8, head east on Route 43, then to Geiser Road to reach the Snyder's Lake area in North Greenbush.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up town beach -- parking lot at the Dedrick Recreational Facility is adjacent to the sand, no hike needed. No specific walk time from lot to water was published, but it is a short, flat walk (beach facilities like the pavilion sit right at the shoreline).

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

Good for kids

Designated, lifeguard-supervised sandy bathing beach with a grassy lawn (basketball/volleyball courts nearby per a visitor report); swimming is only allowed while lifeguards are on duty, which supports younger kids. That said, Snyder's Lake itself is a natural glacial lake averaging ~18 ft deep (max ~40 ft), so depth increases quickly outside the roped-off shallow swim area -- keep young kids within the marked zone.

Parking

Paid

Onsite parking lot at the Dedrick Recreational Facility (the boat ramp at the end of Troy Avenue nearby has no parking of its own, per NYS DEC notes, so the Dedrick lot is the parking option for the lake). A day-use/entry fee applies in season and is charged per car; the exact current dollar amount is published in the town's 2026 Beach Pass flyer. A visitor in 2024 reported the beach is free for North Greenbush residents and a 'reasonable' per-car fee for non-residents.

Restrooms

Yes

Onsite restrooms at the beach facility; a 2025 visitor photo/comment describes recently improved 'huge male/female bathrooms' alongside new kayak launch improvements and swim-race starting blocks.

On the water

KayaksCanoesPaddleboards

Restrictions: Car-top-only launch, open year-round -- no trailers, meaning no larger motorboats can be launched here. A 2025 visitor photo noted newly added kayak launch improvements at the facility. The lake association page also mentions boating and water skiing occur on the lake generally (likely from other access points/private docks), but the town facility's own launch is car-top only.

Boaters are asked to inspect equipment for invasive milfoil before launching, per the town's regulations.

What regulars say

Visitors describe Snyder's Lake beach as: free entry for North Greenbush residents, with a 'reasonable' per-car fee for outside visitors; a 'beautiful' sandy beach with a grassy lawn, shade trees, and basketball and volleyball courts; located on Geiser Road near West Sand Lake; and as of 2025 the town had added kayak launch improvements, marked swim-race starting spots, and large, updated male and female bathrooms.

Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake: FAQ

Does Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake charge a fee?

A beach pass is required for entry; the facility is restricted to North Greenbush and Rensselaer County residents (details and current pricing are in the town's annual 'Town Beach Schedule, Hours & Passes' flyer, not fully captured on the web pages reviewed).

Is Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake?

Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake?

Boaters are asked to inspect equipment for invasive milfoil before launching, per the town's regulations.

What are the rules at Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake?

Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty. The beach operates under an annual permit from Rensselaer County's Environmental Health Division per the NYS Sanitary Code, requiring certified lifeguards and monthly operation reports. The lake's boat launch is car-top only (no trailers) and boaters are urged to inspect for milfoil to prevent spreading invasive species.

What water body is Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake on?

Dedrick Recreational Facility at Snyders Lake is on Snyders Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.