Lake Lincolndale Beach

Mahopac, New York · on Lake Lincolndale

Verified · 3 independent sources

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Local spot, unofficial
FEE: No fee found
SEASON: Best in summer

About Lake Lincolndale Beach

Lake Lincolndale Beach is a private, members-only sand beach on the 20-acre Lake Lincolndale in the Lincolndale section of the Town of Somers (mailing address Mahopac), Westchester County, NY. A true neighborhood swimming hole, it is owned and operated by the Lake Lincolndale Property Owners' Association (LLPOA) for residents and their guests, with a certified lifeguard on duty during the summer season.

Lake Lincolndale is a 20-acre impoundment created by a dam built in the early 1930s, set within a residential lake community in northern Westchester County that grew from a seasonal retreat into a year-round neighborhood by the 1960s. The beach sits along the shoreline near the community clubhouse and athletic field.

Swimming at Lake Lincolndale Beach

Swimming takes place in a roped-off bathing area off a sand beach, with a lifeguard chair and a floating swim dock. Access is restricted to LLPOA property owners and their guests rather than the general public. The Westchester County Health Department periodically monitors the designated swimming area for harmful algae blooms (HABs) and has, at times, closed and later reopened the beach based on bloom testing.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up community beach with an on-site parking lot located near the clubhouse and beach; no trail or hike is needed to reach the water.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

OK with supervision

A certified lifeguard is on duty during posted hours and swimming is confined to a roped-off area off a sand beach with a floating dock, which favors families. Caution: the Westchester County Health Department periodically closes the swim area for harmful algae blooms (HABs) until it tests clear for 24+ hours, and no depth, entry-slope, or drowning-hazard details were found to confirm shallow entry.

Parking

Lot

An on-site parking lot near the clubhouse/beach has existed since at least the 1980s (LLPOA history notes 'ongoing maintenance of the dam and parking lot'). No published fee schedule was found; access and any parking cost are tied to LLPOA membership/guest status rather than public daily pay parking.

Restrooms

Yes

Restrooms are at the community clubhouse adjacent to the beach; the LLPOA site describes 'modern, accessible bathrooms' added during the clubhouse's 2018 interior renovation. A dedicated beach-side restroom building was not separately confirmed.

Water clarity

Varies with season and flow

No direct visitor clarity reports were found. The Westchester County Health Department monitors the designated swimming area for harmful algae blooms and has closed it until it tested clear for at least 24 hours, indicating water quality and clarity can vary seasonally. Little public visitor commentary about this lake exists online, consistent with it being a small, private, members-only HOA lake.

Hours

Seasonal, Memorial Day through roughly Labor Day, weather permitting: Fridays 3-7pm and weekends 12-7pm before June 19; extended to weekdays 1-7pm and weekends 12-7pm after June 19 (per lakelincolndale.org/beach).

Swim smart

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) have periodically required the Westchester County Health Department to close the designated swimming area until water tests clear.

Rules: Access is limited to Lake Lincolndale Property Owners' Association (LLPOA) members/residents and their guests; not open to the general public. The beach is seasonal, opening Memorial Day, with posted hours (Fridays 3-7pm, weekends 12-7pm before June 19; extended weekday hours 1-7pm after), operating weather permitting. The Westchester County Health Department can close the swimming area when harmful algae blooms are detected until it tests clear for at least 24 hours.

This is an informational listing, not an invitation. Conditions and access change; verify locally before you go. Visiting any swimming hole is at your own risk. See our Terms of Use.

On the water

No LLPOA rules/bylaws page describing kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or motorboat policy could be located publicly (the site has no dedicated rules or boating page). Lake access itself is restricted to LLPOA members and their guests, so any watercraft policy is likely set internally by the association and not published online; left unconfirmed rather than guessed.

Backstory

The lake and surrounding community date to the early 1930s, when developers built the dam and an original clubhouse; the Lake Lincolndale Civic Association (predecessor to today's LLPOA) formed 1934-1936. The community's clubhouse was substantially renovated in 2018, and a lake aeration system was installed in 2014 to support water quality.

Lake Lincolndale Beach: FAQ

Is Lake Lincolndale Beach kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Lake Lincolndale Beach?

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

Where do I park for Lake Lincolndale Beach?

When is the best time to visit Lake Lincolndale Beach?

Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day), per official operating hours listed by LLPOA.

What are the rules at Lake Lincolndale Beach?

Access is limited to Lake Lincolndale Property Owners' Association (LLPOA) members/residents and their guests; not open to the general public. The beach is seasonal, opening Memorial Day, with posted hours (Fridays 3-7pm, weekends 12-7pm before June 19; extended weekday hours 1-7pm after), operating weather permitting. The Westchester County Health Department can close the swimming area when harmful algae blooms are detected until it tests clear for at least 24 hours.

What water body is Lake Lincolndale Beach on?

Lake Lincolndale Beach is on Lake Lincolndale, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.