Bear Mountain Pool
The Bear Mountain pool is the state park's outdoor public swimming pool, open in summer for $5 per person, cash only. In 2026 construction delayed the opening, and NYS Parks set the season at July 4 to September 7, with hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and you also pay the park's $10 vehicle fee.
The Pool at a Glance
Season and Hours
The pool runs a short summer season set each year by NYS Parks. For 2026:
- Season: July 4 to September 7, weekdays and weekends. NYS Parks posted that construction had delayed the opening.
- Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., last admission 5 p.m.
- Weekends: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., last admission 6 p.m.
- Holidays: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., last admission 6 p.m.
Search interest in the pool peaks in July, and dates for 2027 had not been announced when this page was written. Check the NYS Parks Bear Mountain page in late spring.
Price
Admission is $5 per person, and the pool takes cash only, so bring bills. That is on top of the $10 per vehicle park fee, which the Empire Pass covers. See hours and fees.
Where the Pool Is
The pool sits between Hessian Lake and the Hudson, on the far side of Route 9W from the Bear Mountain Inn. From the lots, follow the paved road past the lake and through the tunnel under 9W; the pool is on the way to the main entrance of Trailside Museums & Zoo. NYS Parks' own aerial photos show the pool with the Bear Mountain Bridge and the river behind it.
Can You Swim in Hessian Lake?
No. The park map marks Hessian Lake "No Swimming." The pool is the only place in the park to swim. You can rent a pedal boat on the lake instead.
Rules to Know
- No dogs. NYS Parks does not allow dogs in bathing areas, buildings, picnic areas or on walkways.
- Cash only at the gate.
- Arrive before last entry, 30 minutes before closing.
- Hot days fill the park. On peak summer weekends and holidays the lots can close once they are full, and roadside parking is towed. Come early. See parking.
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, cash for admission, and food or money for the Inn's Hiker's Café or the seasonal stand by the lake. A shaded picnic grove is nearby for lunch before or after a swim (no dogs in picnic areas).
Make a Day of It
A swim pairs well with the zoo in the morning, a walk round Hessian Lake and a ride on the merry-go-round. Or drive up Perkins Memorial Drive for the view before the park closes at dusk.
Good For / Maybe Skip If
- Good for: families on a hot summer day, a cheap swim within reach of New York City, visitors who want to swim without a beach drive.
- Maybe skip if: you are visiting outside July and August, when the pool is closed; or you want lake swimming, which the park does not allow.
Bear Mountain Pool FAQ
How much is the Bear Mountain pool?
$5 per person, cash only, plus the park's $10 per vehicle parking fee.
When does the Bear Mountain pool open?
In 2026 NYS Parks opened it on July 4 after a construction delay and set the season to end September 7. Dates are set each year.
What are the Bear Mountain pool hours?
In 2026: weekdays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., holidays 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Can you swim in Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain?
No. The park map marks Hessian Lake "No Swimming." The pool is the place to swim.