Launch type 
Water type 
Parking 
GPS coordinates 
Beginner friendliness Quick Verdict
Onteora Lake is a small, quiet, carry-in lake near Kingston that suits a low-pressure paddle, a first lesson on a settled day, or some SUP practice. It is a 16.5-acre DEC lake in the Bluestone Wild Forest, with an undeveloped shoreline and electric motors only, so there are no gas-boat wakes to manage. There are also no rentals and almost no facilities, so you bring and carry your own boat. It sits over in Ulster County, so we list it as a nearby option rather than a local launch, and we have not field-visited it yet, so treat parking, the carry, and access details as desk-researched until we confirm them in person.
Where It Is
Onteora Lake is in the Town of Kingston, in Ulster County, inside the Bluestone Wild Forest. The hand launch is off Route 28, about 4 miles north of Kingston, with a parking area that holds roughly ten cars. From the Catskill side of Greene County it is about 40 to 45 minutes away, which makes it an easy southern day trip rather than a local launch.
Launch, Parking, and Rentals Notes
This is a carry-in lake. There is a hand launch off Route 28 with parking for about ten cars, and you carry your own boat from the lot to the water. There are no rentals here, so come with everything you need. Facilities are minimal: a portable toilet is the only one reported, and there is no developed ramp, dock, or beach. We have not confirmed the parking capacity, the carry distance, or the launch surface in person, so treat those as desk-researched for now and have a backup plan if the small lot is full.
What the Paddle Is Like
Onteora is small, about 16.5 acres, with an undeveloped, wooded shoreline and electric motors only, which makes for a calm, quiet paddle on most settled days. The scenery and the wildlife are the draw, not distance. There is no current or tide to plan around, which is part of what makes a small lake a friendlier place to build confidence. As with any open water, wind is the main variable to watch, and wind exposure here still needs verification, so check the forecast and keep a first trip short if it is breezy.
Would I Bring a Beginner Here?
Short answer: Likely yes, on a calm day, pending a field visit.
A small, no-gas lake with calm water is a friendly setup for a first paddle. The honest caveats are that there are no rentals, so a beginner needs their own boat, and there are no real facilities, so plan as if there are none. The usual cold-water caution applies early and late in the season. We still want to confirm the carry, parking, and wind exposure in person before calling it a high-confidence beginner pick.
Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Notes
Kayaks
A natural fit. Calm, motor-free water suits recreational kayaks well for a relaxed loop.
Canoes
Also a good fit for a quiet lake like this, especially on a low-wind day. You will need to carry it in from the lot.
Paddleboards
A small, no-gas lake is a friendly place to practice SUP, which is reflected in our paddleboard rating. Bring a leash and PFD and watch for wind picking up across the open water.
Fishing Kayaks
The quiet, electric-only setting suits a calm fishing paddle. Confirm current DEC fishing regulations and any access rules before you go.
Family Notes
A small calm lake can make a pleasant, low-key family paddle, but this is carry-in with no facilities beyond a portable toilet, so plan accordingly: bring water, snacks, sun protection, and anything else you need. Keep outings short for younger kids, stay near shore, and make sure everyone wears a properly fitted PFD.
What to Check Before You Go
- Weather and wind forecast
- Water temperature, especially in spring and early summer
- Whether the small lot has space (have a backup plan)
- That you have your own boat and gear, since there are no rentals
- Current DEC access rules and any seasonal status
- See Before You Paddle for the full checklist
Nearby Launches and Alternatives
- Colgate Lake, a quiet no-motor lake option in Greene County
- C.D. Lane Park, a small calm lake with seasonal rentals
- Lake Taghkanic State Park, another electric-only lake with rentals just over the county line
Field Review Notes
Current status: Desk-researched
Still Need to Verify
- Parking capacity and crowding at the small lot
- Carry distance and launch surface
- Wind exposure in practice
- Whether the portable toilet is seasonal
- Current DEC access rules and fees
- Photos
Bottom Line
For a small, quiet, no-gas lake within an easy drive south of Greene County, Onteora Lake is a pleasant carry-in option. Bring your own boat, since there are no rentals, plan for no facilities, watch the wind, wear your PFD, and keep a first trip short. We will update this guide with parking and carry details after a field visit.
