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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.

Tue 16 Apr
Drop-in Feeder Watch
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
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, bird feeders, and FeederWatch—a citizen science initiative that allows you to contribute to real-life research projects. No registration required. Meet at the Nature Center.
Sat 20 Apr
Back From the Brink: Bald Eagles
Saturday, April 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
How did America's national symbol almost disappear? Learn about the history of Bald Eagles on an easy 1-mile hike through prime eagle habitat. We'll observe an active eagle nest and, if we're lucky, see young bald eagles with their parents! Registration required. Call 518-872-0800. Meet at the Nature Center. Ages 8 and up.
Registration: Required
Sun 21 Apr
Drop-in Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 21, 2024 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
Celebrate Earth Day by stopping by the Nature Center between 9am and 3pm to pick up an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt. Bring the completed scavenger hunt back to the Nature Center for a prize! Note: trails are often muddy in the spring; dress for the weather. Registration required. Call 518-872-0800. Meet at the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center.
Registration: Required
Thu 25 Apr
Drop-in Play Time
Thursday, April 25, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center offers many self-guided opportunities for little hands to explore! Dig for fossils in the kinetic sand table, build a beaver dam in the stream table, or roast a pretend marshmallow on the plush campfire with some new friends. The Nature Center is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. No registration is required. For children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
Sat 27 Apr
Vernal Pool Exploration
Saturday, April 27, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
Come explore this temporary wetland brimming with life – a vernal pool! We'll examine amphibians and encounter egg masses as we dip our toes into the diversity of this important habitat. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet! Registration required. Call 518-872-0800. Meet at Hop Field.
Registration: Required

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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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