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Destination Guide

C.D. Lane Park Kayaking Guide (Windham/Maplecrest, NY)

C.D. Lane Park · Maplecrest, Greene County, NY

Desk-researched Confidence: Medium Updated July 27, 2026

Best for

  • first-time and nervous paddlers
  • families and kids
  • rentals (no gear needed)

Not ideal for

  • people wanting a long-distance paddle
  • anyone needing a hard ramp or trailer parking
Launch & Water
Launch type
beach / bank hand-carry launch
Water type
lake
Skill level
Beginner
Access & Amenities
Parking
40 single-car spaces (no trailer parking)
Restrooms
restrooms on site (seasonal)
Fees or permits
town park; seasonal fees may apply
Rentals nearby
seasonal kayak rentals on site
Water Conditions
Motorboat traffic
none (no motors)
Wind exposure
low, small sheltered lake
Current or tide
none
More Info
Family-friendly
yes, excellent
Dog-friendly
check town park rules
GPS coordinates
42.28690, -74.17040
Rating Snapshot
Beginner friendliness
Launch ease
Parking convenience
Scenery
Family suitability
SUP suitability
Safety confidence

Rating basis: desk research

Ratings may change after future reviews.

On-site amenities

  • Seasonal kayak rentals on-site
  • Pavilion and restrooms
  • Swimming beach
  • Disc golf course

Where it is

Quick Verdict

C.D. Lane Park, a town park in the Windham/Maplecrest area, is about as easy and beginner-friendly as paddling gets in Greene County. The water is a small, calm, man-made 7-acre lake with no motors, a sandy launch, seasonal kayak rentals, and a swimming beach. If you are brand new, paddling with kids, or want to try a boat without owning one, start here.

Where It Is

The park sits up in the mountains near Maplecrest, in the Town of Windham. The lake is small and contained, which is exactly why it is so forgiving: you are never far from shore, and there is no current, tide, or motorboat traffic to manage. See the map below for the park and beach launch.

Launch and Parking Notes

The verified essentials:

  • Parking: 40 single-car spaces (no trailer parking, and none needed for hand-carry boats)
  • Launch: easy beach/bank hand-carry from the shore
  • Rentals: seasonal kayak rentals on site, so you do not need your own boat
  • Amenities: pavilion, restrooms, a swimming beach, and a disc golf course

It is a true grab-and-go launch: park, carry a short distance, and you are on the water.

What the Paddle Is Like

Calm, small, and low-stress. The 7-acre lake is ideal for a relaxed loop, a first lesson, or letting kids try paddling in a calm, low-pressure setting. With no motors and a sheltered shoreline, conditions stay gentle unless it is unusually windy. It is a short paddle by design, not a distance outing.

Would I Bring a Beginner Here?

Short answer: Absolutely, this is a top beginner pick.

Easy parking, on-site rentals, a beach launch, calm water, and a swimming beach and restrooms right there make C.D. Lane Park one of the most comfortable places in the county to learn.

Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Notes

Kayaks

Perfect for beginners; rentals on site mean you can show up empty-handed.

Canoes

Easy and stable on calm water; a nice family option.

Paddleboards

A good calm-water SUP spot. Use a leash and PFD, and pick a low-wind window.

Family Notes

This is one of the most family-friendly spots around: a swimming beach, pavilion, restrooms, disc golf, and gentle water all in one town park. Kids can paddle, swim, and play in the same visit. PFDs for everyone on the water.

What to Check Before You Go

  • Park hours and seasonal rental availability
  • Any town park or seasonal fees
  • Wind on the day (it is small, but open water still catches gusts)
  • Water temperature early and late in the season
  • See Before You Paddle for the full checklist

Bottom Line

C.D. Lane Park is a standout beginner and family paddle: a calm, no-motor lake with a beach launch, on-site rentals, easy parking, and a swimming beach and restrooms on hand. For a first paddle or a low-key family afternoon in the northern Catskills, it is hard to beat.

Before you launch

Conditions change fast. Paddle Greene gives planning notes, not a promise that any spot is safe today. You are responsible for checking wind, weather, tide, current, water temperature, and your own skill before you launch. Wear a properly fitted life jacket, tell someone your plan, and turn back early when in doubt.

Lake and pond

  • Wind can still build chop on open lakes. Check the forecast and stay near shore if it picks up.
  • "Calm" does not mean "supervised." There may be no lifeguard, ranger, or cell service.

Source notes

  • Launch type, parking, seasonal rentals, and amenities verified via the Great Northern Catskills directory.

Frequently asked questions

Are there kayak rentals at C.D. Lane Park?
Yes, seasonal kayak rentals are reported on site, so you can paddle without your own boat. Confirm the current season and hours before you go.
Is it good for beginners and families?
It is one of the most beginner- and family-friendly spots in the county: a small, calm, no-motor 7-acre lake with a beach launch, a swimming beach, restrooms, and a pavilion. PFDs for everyone on the water.
Is there parking?
There are 40 single-car spaces (no trailer parking, and none needed for hand-carry boats).
Is there a fee?
It is a town park and seasonal fees may apply. Confirm before you go.
Can I paddleboard there?
Yes, it is a good calm-water SUP spot. Use a leash and PFD and pick a low-wind window.

Know a launch? Help improve the guide.

Paddle Greene gets better when local paddlers share what they know. If you recently visited a launch, noticed a change, took photos, or have safety or access notes, send an update.

Helpful updates include:

  • Parking details
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  • Water conditions
  • Crowding
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