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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park

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Address
68 Thompsons Lake Road
East Berne, NY 12059
  Saratoga/Capital District Region
Latitude 42.651337
Longitude -74.050598
  Directions

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


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.
  • 2024 Camping Season: A Loop opens 5/3 and B Loop will open 5/24

  • 2024 Swimming:
    5/25 - 6/16, Weekends Only, 10:00am - 5:45pm
    6/22 - 9/2, Daily, 10:00am - 5:45pm

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

  • $15-19/night NY resident fee

    Additional $5 non-resident fee
    $2.75 Walk-in fee (for reservations at the campground office on the day of reservation
    $9.00 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

Digital 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.

Sat 25 Jan
Fireside Story Series: Mary Murphy
Saturday, January 25, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
Gather at the Hop Field warming hut for some hot chocolate and storytelling by Mary Murphy. Also a writer, Mary Murphy has performed at the National Storytelling Festival and was recently featured on PBS's Stories From the Stage! This is a great way to warm up and relax after enjoying the trails at Hop Field! No registration required.
Sat 01 Feb
Chasing Frozen Water - Snowshoe Hike
Saturday, February 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Hop Field Warming Hut, Learn how water shapes the landscape of Thacher Park, how our wetland habitats adapt to frigid temperatures, and try to catch a glimpse of glittering icicles on this 1.8-mile guided hike. We will snowshoe if the weather permits. Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Tue 04 Feb
Spring Amphibian Migration Volunteer Training
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Nature Center or join virtually, The amphibians who call Thacher Park home need your help! This training will go over data collection procedures for DEC data sheets and the basics for assisting amphibians on their journey to their spring breeding grounds. Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat 08 Feb
Thompson’s Lake Ice Fishing Competition
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-1674

Join us for our annual Ice Fishing Contest on Thompson's Lake (weather dependent- 8 inches of ice required)! Registration is from 6:00am to 9:00am at Thompson's Lake Campground. Fishing and measurements continue until 1 pm. Cash prizes for the longest fish in trout, pickerel, and perch categories. $10.00 registration fee, kids under 12 years fish for free. Call the campground office at (518) 872-1674 for additional information and to check on weather conditions for the event.
Registration: Required
Sun 09 Feb
A Day to Play with Paint
Sunday, February 9, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Thacher Nature Center, Ages 16+. Join artist Diane Steele for an afternoon of abstract acrylic painting using mediums, gelli plates, and metallic paints. This is a fun chance to try something different and share your results. All supplies will be provided. $20.00 per person cash due upon arrival. Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required

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

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