6 Best Picnic Spots Near Carmel, NY

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time of year to pack up your picnic basket, grab a blanket, and head out to your favorite picnic spot. Here in Carmel, New York, we are surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a variety of parks, so there are plenty of picnic locations to choose from. To help you out, we at Meadowland of Carmel have put together this list of our six favorite picnic spots near Carmel.

Paul A. Camarda Park

Picnic by Chloe Lim is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Paul A. Camarda Park is one of the many beautiful parks in or near Carmel where you can settle down for a picnic. This one features 36 acres of natural and human-crafted beauty, including a nature trail for walking and hiking and a playground for the kids, featuring swings, slides, and climbing structures. There’s even a dedicated picnic area with room for up to 200 guests.

The picnic area includes picnic tables and a pavilion, so you can enjoy an outdoor meal come rain or shine. Paul A. Camarda Park also offers a soccer field, two basketball courts, and 60-foot and 90-foot baseball diamonds. So, bring your favorite workout gear and build up an appetite on the sports field before settling in for your picnic. Ready to visit? You’ll find this park at 226 Seminary Hill Road, Carmel.

Lake Gleneida

Located in Carmel proper, the 168-acre Lake Gleneida offers the perfect backdrop for any picnic. You can choose a spot along the 2.2 miles of shoreline to spread your picnic blanket. The surrounding fields, trees, and rolling hills only add to the serene beauty of this destination.

Are you looking for an even more memorable picnic experience? Why not take a rowboat out on the lake? You can snack on sandwiches and sip on sodas as you float around the peaceful waters. Just be sure to register your rowboat with the NYC DEP before you begin. If you also enjoy fishing, you’ll be delighted to know Lake Gleneida is the ideal spot. It contains an abundance of trout, pickerel, bass, crappie, perch, and sunfish. All in all, the picnic experience at this beautiful lake has a lot to offer.

Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary

In the heart of Carmel, beside the Carmel High School, you’ll find a jewel of a picnic location at the Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 2004, this wildlife sanctuary and outdoor education center were named after its founder—the businessman and philanthropist Fred Dill. It’s the perfect spot to reconnect with nature while snacking on your favorite picnic foods.

It has a walking and hiking trail that takes about two and a half hours from one end to the other, so if you’re interested in a stroll with the family or a private run before you spread out the picnic blanket, you’ll enjoy the Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for birds, as this is an excellent birding location. There are also ponds, wildlife, trees, flowers, and benches throughout the area, so you have a lot of ways to find the perfect spot for your lunch.

Sycamore Bark Park

If you have a furry friend who you’d like to include in your picnic plans, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of play areas for dogs at Sycamore Bark Park. This serene dog park is located at 790 Long Pond Road in Mahopac, New York, and covers about half an acre. A number of trees provide ample shade for your picnic. In fact, you can enjoy separate play areas for large and small dogs, play bridges, play tubes, and even a dog water fountain.

The park is only accessible to members, so if you’d like to enjoy your picnic here, you can call 845-628-7888. All members are responsible for maintaining a friendly atmosphere and a clean park together.

Stonecrop Gardens

Stonecrop Gardens offer a beautiful picnic location in Cold Spring, New York, just 20 minutes west of Carmel. What began as a private garden in 1958 is home to ornamental grasses, perennials, bulbs, woodlands, wildflowers, shrubs, vines, alpines, and a beautiful rock garden.

These picturesque gardens are open to the public on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A self-guided tour costs $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. You can also make a reservation to visit on other days, which can be an excellent way to ensure a quiet and peaceful picnic.

Croton Gorge Park

Croton Gorge Park is located about 30 minutes from Carmel and offers 97 acres of natural beauty. Significant features include the Croton River, a spillway, and the Old Croton Dam, each making a great background for a picnic. Over the dam, you’ll find a gorgeous bridge that offers terrific views of the surrounding area. There are plenty of beautiful trails and paths to explore, as well as benches and grassy spots that are picnic perfect.

Amenities include parking, picnic tables, swings, and restrooms. You can also enjoy activities like golfing, fishing, and hiking, so there are plenty of exciting things to do before and after you eat your picnic meal. Admission to the park is free, but expect to pay between $5 and $10 for parking. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and all service animals are welcome.

We hope your new favorite picnic spot is on this list. Will you need some help getting there? We at Meadowland of Carmel have your back. You can check out our wide array of new and available pre-owned cars and snag your favorite for a great price. If you have any questions or picnicking tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or by phone at 855-815-6623, or swing by our dealership for a visit at 1952 E U.S. 6, Carmel Hamlet, NY. We look forward to your visit.