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

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

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

Max V. Shaul State Park is a small, quiet camping area with 30 wooded tent and trailer sites. The group campsite is available to rent by calling the park office. The park has shady picnic grounds, a pavilion available for rent, a playground and hiking trails. Ball fields are available to use and equipment can be borrowed from the park office at no cost. Fishing access is available at the Schoharie Creek, a short walk from the parking lot through the ball fields.

In the winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing. Ice skates and snowshoes are available to borrow from the park office at no cost. Please call head or check our Facebook page to make sure the ice rink is open.

While there, also visit Mine Kill State Park, just 9 miles south, to enjoy the beautiful Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir, Mine Kill Falls, and miles of trails. Mine Kill State Park has an Olympic size pool, wading pool, and a diving pool available at no cost (courtesy of the New York Power Authority).

Pavilion Information
Max V. Shaul has one pavilion. The day use price is $75 and can accommodate up to 100 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com.

Pavilion Reservation Information

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).

Max V. Shaul 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

Located in the scenic Schoharie Valley, Mine Kill State Park overlooks the NY Power Authority's Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project. Providing good fishing opportunities, the lower reservoir is stocked with trout and walleye, and has several other species, including bass and is ideal for motor boating, kayaking and water skiing.

Mine Kill State Park has an Olympic size pool, wading pool and a diving pool available at no cost to anyone. Swim lessons are taught in the summer months--please contact the park office for details. Other warm weather activities include hiking and mountain biking on the parks 8 miles of trails. The park also hosts sessions of the Headwaters Soccer Camp in its regulation sized athletic fields. League play is also welcome.

Cascading 80 feet through a narrow gorge is the picturesque Mine Kill Falls for which the park is named. A separate parking area, 1/4 miles south of the parks' main entrance, provides access to the overlook viewing platforms, as well as the Long Path hiking trail to the lower falls and beyond. In winter, visitors enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

A boating permit is no longer needed to access the Blenheim-Gilboa Lower Reservoir at Mine Kill State Park. Every boater is required to wash their boat using the park's hot water boat wash station before and after entering the reservoir, and sign in at the park office or ticket booth. The boat launch is open from 7:30 am to 1 hour before the park closes. For more information, please contact the park office at (518) 827-8690.

In the fall bow hunting for deer is allowed by permit only. Hunting permits are issued by the New York Power Authority via a lottery system. Please call the Power Authority Visitor Center for more details.

Mine Kill 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).

Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park Maps

East Berne, NY

Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park Description

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