Schodack Island State Park sits off the eastern shore of the Hudson River just south of Albany. Approximately seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline bound the 1,052-acre site. The park has been designated a State Estuary, and a portion of the park shelters a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees. Eight miles of multi-use trails wind through a variety of ecological communities. In addition, the park has 66 campsites for use, an improved bike trail, volleyball nets, horseshoe and a kayak/canoe launch site. Interpretive signage highlights the park's historic and environmental significance. Picnicking (tables and grills) are available to groups by reservation (fee - call park for details).

Please consult the tide chart when you are planning any trips on the Hudson River or Schodack Creek. If you have any questions about the challenges of boating in tidal water, please call the park office.

Schodack Island State Park

Accessible only by boat, Hudson River Islands State Park facilities are concentrated on the islands of Gay's Point and Stockport Middle Ground. These islands are fragile communities with many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Day-use facilities include picnic areas with grills and nature trail. Fishing is popular and transient camping is allowed. 

Please Note: There are no docks. Boats must be moored off the island or visitors can bring their kayaks/canoes on shore. It is a first come first serve park for camping. There is no entrance fee and no reservations are needed.

Hunting is NOT allowed.

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Hudson River Islands State Park

Thacher State Park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. Even as it safeguards six miles of limestone cliff-face, rock-strewn slopes, woodland and open fields, the park provides a marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The park has volleyball courts, playgrounds, ball fields and numerous picnic areas with nine reservable shelters. Interpretive programs are offered year-round, including guided tours of the famous Indian Ladder Trail. There are over 25 additional miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Learn more, watch WMHT's documentary: 'The Great Ledge: Exploring Thacher' 

The Visitor Center located at Thacher State Park has geological and historical exhibits showcasing the Helderberg Escarpment and its' importance on the region. The visitor center has activities for children and adults alike, along with two rentable spaces. There is a conference room for groups under 25, and the Helderberg Room which offers stunning views and a premiere space for weddings and larger celebrations or gatherings.

Sport climbing available with signed permit application. Please email digital applications to jbthacher@parks.ny.gov before you arrive at the Visitor Center for faster service when picking up your permit. Photo ID required on pick up. All climbers must receive a permit in person before entering the climbing area. Please see website for opening date of climbing.

Camping is available at this park at Thompson's Lake Campground, which features 140 campsites with options of private wooded sites and open, adjacent sites. Sites can accommodate tents or RVs and are all close to restroom and shower facilities. Take the virtual tour!

Wild Play Adventure Course: This new adventure course offers 15 zip lines, 60 aerial games, and a 40 ft jump. For hours and pricing visit www.wildplay.com/thacher/ or call: 1-800-668-7771

The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center is located two miles from the Overlook on Thompson's Lake. The center offers exhibits, interac

Thacher State Park

Thompson's Lake Campground, nestled in the mountains just four miles from the Helderberg Escarpment, is a popular camping ground and recreation area. Conveniently located within Thacher State Park, this campground offers 140 wooded campsites and is comprised of a sandy beach, mixed hardwood and conifer forests, limestone outcroppings and open fields. Recreational opportunities include a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a playing field, swingsets, carry-in boat access, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, fishing areas, and nature trails. Interpretive and recreational programs are offered for campers throughout the summer. During the winter, visitors can cross-country ski and ice fish.

The Emma Treadwell Thacher Center is located on Thompson's Lake next to the campground and is accessible to campers. The center opened in July 2001 and offers exhibits, interactive displays, trails for hiking and skiing, and educational programs.

A boat launch site is available and is carry in only.

Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

For all questions regarding pavilion rentals at Peebles Island State Park, please call the Saratoga Spa State Park office at 518-584-2000

Peebles Island State Park is at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. It offers spectacular river and rapids views for walkers and joggers who take advantage of the miles of paths through the gently rolling and wooded landscape. Picnickers and fishermen come to relax and winter visitors use the facilities to cross-country ski, hike and snowshoe

Peebles Island is also the headquarters of the Bureau of Historic Sites and Bureau of Historic Preservation Field Services. The staff provide technical services, such as record maintenance, analysis of artifacts, and preparation of publications, exhibits and audio visual programs for the 35 historic sites maintained by State Parks. The Field Services Bureau assists all New York's municipalities and citizens with National Register of Historic Place listings, investment tax credit and review of all state and federal projects.

Peebles Island State Park

Cherry Plain State Park has 175 acres and features a day use picnic area on Black River Pond, with a comfort station nearby. The park also has a boat launch, bridle paths and hiking, biking and nature trails that serve for cross-country skiing in the winter. Anglers fish for bass, bullheads and pickerel and may also ice fish in winter.

The park has 10 trailer sites, 10 lakeside tent sites as well as 10 "hike-in" tent sites available for overnight camping.

Cherry Plain State Park

Grafton Lakes State Park, on the forested plateau between the Taconic and Hudson Valleys, includes six ponds and nearly 2500 acres. Long Pond has a large, sandy beach, which is a popular summer attraction. Anglers can go after rainbow and brown trout in Long, Second and Shaver Pond. Pickerel, perch, and bass are abundant in all ponds including Mill Pond and walleye are found at the Martin-Durham Reservoir. All ponds have launch facilities for canoes, sailboats and rowboats, electric boat are allowed. Visitors also picnic, walk the nature trails, and hike, bike or ride horses along the 25 miles of park trails (No ATV use allowed).

In winter, the trails are groomed for snowmobilers, and visitors may also snowshoe, cross-country ski, ice skate or ice fish when conditions permit, call for details.

Pavilion Information
Grafton Lakes has six pavilions/tents available. Prices Range from $50 to $100 and can accommodate 40 to 150 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com.

CURRENT PARK SCHEDULE & UPDATES
Park Hours: 8 am – Dusk Daily
Welcome Center/Office: Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 3pm (closed Mondays)
*The Welcome Center will be closed on Thanksgiving (11/26/20), Christmas Eve (12/24/20), and Christmas Day (12/25/20)
Parking Fee: No parking fee at this time
Swimming: Closed for the season Comfort Stations:
Park comfort stations closed for season.
Welcome Center restrooms open during operating hours. Clevis mulching toilets available year round at end of main beach parking lot by playground and end of Long Pond Rd.
Pavilions: Closed at this time
Recreation areas: Closed at this time (including volleyball courts, basketball courts and softball field)
Playgrounds: Open
Concession: Closed
Boat Rentals: Closed

All visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines, maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet and wearing a mask when not able to do so. Masks must be worn at all times inside the restrooms and all buildings. Blankets and towels on the beach must be at least 10 feet apart. Please call the park office (518-279-1155) if you have any questions. 

Winter Use (weather permitting): Ice Skating/Ice Fishing/XC Skiing/Snowshoeing/Snowmobiling: Snowshoe rental available at Welcome Center during operating hours above.



Current Water Quality - Beach Results

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Schodack Island State Park Maps

Schodack Landing, NY

Schodack Island State Park Description

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