Launch type 
Water type 
Parking 
GPS coordinates 
Beginner friendliness 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.
