Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

Home / State Parks / Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

Address
68 Thompsons Lake Road
East Berne, NY 12059

Saratoga/Capital District Region

Latitude 42.651337

Longitude -74.050598

Directions

General Information: (518) 872-1674

Donate

Camping Reservation Friends Group Weather

Know Before You Go...

More Info

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).

Fishing

Fishing is prohibited at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center. Patrons can access fishing down the road at the DEC boat launch located on Thompsons Lake Road

2024 Geocache challenge

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.

Current Water Quality - Beach Results

PLEASE NOTE: Generators may be used from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. If a generator is deemed unreasonably loud by staff, use may be limited or prohibited.

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).

Hours of Operation

Park is open for day use year round.
2025 Camping Season: A Loop opens 5/2 - 10/13 and B Loop will open 5/23 - 9/1
2025 Swimming:
5/23 - 6/19, 10:00am - 5:45pm, Weekends Only
6/23 - 9/1, Daily, 10:00am - 5:45pm, daily

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

Vehicle Entrance Fee
$7 per car
Boat Rental
Kayak/Tandem Kayak- $20
Canoe- $20
Stand-up Paddleboard- $20
Minimum 2-hr rental
$10 for each additional hour

Boat rentals are available when beach is open and lifeguards are present, and might be subject to closures, call ahead for information
Camping Fees
$17-21/night NY resident fee
Additional $5 non-resident fee
$1.25 Walk-in fee (for reservations at the campground office on the day of reservation
$7.25 Reservation fee charged by Reserve America
$7.00 3rd car pass (required for optional 3rd vehicle on site)

No electric is available at Thompson's Lake

Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.

Firewood Source Map (pdf)

Sun 23 Mar

Drop-in Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, March 23, 2025 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

Meet at the Nature Center. All ages. Celebrate the first weekend of spring by stopping by between 9am and 3pm to pick up a Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt. Note: trails are often muddy in the spring; dress for the weather. No registration required.

Sun 23 Mar

Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor
Sunday, March 23, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Nature Center. Accessible program. Ages 16+. Join artist Diane Steele in this introduction to watercolor techniques and painting. All supplies will be provided. $20.00 per person cash due upon arrival. Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.

Registration: Required

Tue 25 Mar

Drop-in Play Time
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

Meet at the Nature Center. Accessible. For children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. The Nature Center offers many self-guided opportunities for little hands to explore! We are open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00am-4:00pm. No registration is required.

Wed 26 Mar

Let's Bird Together!
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

Meet at the Nature Center. All ages. Accessible program. Stop by to see which birds are enjoying our feeders! An educator will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about native birds and FeederWatch—a citizen science initiative that allows you to contribute to real-life research projects. No registration required.

Thu 27 Mar

Knee-High Naturalists
Thursday, March 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

(518) 872-0800

Meets at the Nature Center. Explore the outdoors with our Knee-High Naturalists series! Best suited for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Each session will explore a different theme - activities may include crafts, games, storybook readings, or a kid-friendly nature walk. Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.

Registration: Required

View all events for Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

Amenities Information

Amenities
Boat Launches
Boat Rentals
Camper Assistance Program
Campsites, Cabins & Lodging * Campsites only
Fishing
Hiking
Ice Fishing
Playgrounds
Playing Fields
Showers (Accessible)
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Swimming Beach

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation