Lake Taghkanic State Park — Attraction in Town of Gallatin

I have been coming here for 40+ years ,and I have seen many changes. Back in the day ,some 40 years ago, it was very pristine. Then, Their was a time the beaches were filled with cigarette butts! That was 17 years ago. Honestly their was no place you could walk ,in the sand or on the grass near the beach ,that wasn’t completely covered. They were talking about a plan to clean it up. Then about 4 years ago I returned once again. No cigarette butts. I did see that They were spraying the edges of the forests for ticks that was a concern. It made no sense because it was cut short grass. Then,I learned that People /grownups actually use the lake as a bathroom! Yes! that’s right both for #1 ,and#2! They also use it to do other things more intimate. When I went to the bathrooms on at least one occasion some couple was in the stall having a very public private moment! Oh ,and by the way ..needles were a thing throughout the park. Their was also loud music, alcohol, as well as a occasional violent outburst. Finally many people thought it was ok to leave their trash behind. At last, I highly recommend Not eating at the food stand…best to bring your own food. There was a rumor going around about the fryer. I Recently decided to return to see if there were any improvements. I noticed water chairs with big wheels for the disabled to enter the water safely. I didn’t see a #2 this time but I did see a mother taking off a soiled diaper, and rinsing the baby,and clothes in the lake. I noticed that the park was Very overcrowded yet hardly anyone walked to the bathrooms. There was one person playing loud music. I didn’t see any needles, but I also didn’t walk around as much. At last, I didn’t see any fights. I did notice the lifeguards still use a motor boat. As well-I entered from the back gate -It’s a bit concerning that there is a transfer station nearby the other side of the lake though. I always wondered about that. It’s a beautiful place…a nice breeze comes off the water..the trees and scenery are amazing. The very worse time to go is a Holiday weekend or on weekends in general. Best time to go is during the week. Ideally I on a rainy day, but Never during a day it might thunder because they will not let you in the water, and I am aware of at least one incident…near it,so stay away. Wear shoes or Sandals, bring water, and food if your staying. I forgot to mention fish hooks! Do not swim outside of the ropes because these hooks are everywhere and sometimes make it into the swimming areas! I give the park and staff a 5 star rating they work hard to keep us safe and the park scenery is aesthetically pleasing considering. But because of all the problems It is a two or three-star overall. At last, if your coming with a senior, and they are driving then you/they get in free Monday to Friday except holidays! Photos:on the left is a weekend on the right is a...

This is a great place for family visits. Stayed at the campgrounds for a couple of nights and had an absolutely fun and memorable experience. The park office staff was very friendly even prior to the trip. Emailed a few inquiries before arriving and received prompt/detailed responses.

The bathrooms were VERY clean and the park staff cleaned/maintained them daily each morning. The campsites had their individual trash bins, which were picked up every morning by the park staff.

At 10pm (quiet hours from 10pm-7am), we'd see the park staff driving around ensuring that everyone was being respectful of the quiet hours, although the fellow campers nearby were not being noisy at all.

We'd have loved to stay at the cabins, but these get filled pretty quickly. Took a quick drive/visit to the cabin area and I'm looking forward to staying there hopefully sooner than later. Just need to reserve these upwards of a few months or a year! They're very popular.

The swimming area/beach was very nice. A bit packed but everyone respected each other's space and there was plenty of space in the swimming area & water to maintain your distance as needed. The sunfish were not at all spooked by people swimming in the water and would actually come up and by us frequently. One even bit my finger, which I was using to pretend it was a worm/bait. Great time.

If you're thinking of doing a quick visit or staying here for camping, even if just for a couple of nights, I'd strongly recommend it. Kudos to the park staff and park rangers for doing a great job in maintaining a safe, clean, and overall well-maintained campground. Looking forward to...

Park is beautiful and peaceful. My Family went camping for a few days. End of Sept 2024. We were able to book a campsite on- line.. Note: You dont check in at the camping area. You check in at the office by the lake. Campsites are nice, but a little cramped with neighbors - we had nice neighbors. The campsites have picnic table and fire ring. There are no campsites with electricity. I brought a extension cord and my inverter and ran it to our tent just to blow up the mattresses. I saved the battery pump just in case. We booked a site with a raised deck. It made easier to put up the tent and it was flat. We have a big 6 person tent and it fit. Note: you can't stake down the tent on platform. We weren't expecting bad weather so no issues. A mens and a womens bathroom nearby with showers. The bathroom did have an outlet, but I left my hair dryer at home so I couldn't test if it worked. No water a campsite but water is close by. Dont forget mesquito/tick spray and fly swatter We went to the campstore and bought wood. During the time we went the campstore it was only open on Frid 6-9 and Sat 6-9. We were disappointed the campstore was not open that Saturday. A sign on the door/window says closed and said there's a store a mile down the highway. We rented a rowboat at the lake and that was fun. So much fun we rented again the next day. We caught a few fish. Note: Ranger (Boat Ranger) was nice and helped us with boat. Also staff that helped us with rental paperwork were nice as well. Actually all of the staff was nice including the check in staff.

I'm looking forward to...