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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.
  • 2025 Camping Season: A Loop opens 5/2 - 10/13 and B Loop will open 5/23 - 9/1

  • 2025 Swimming:

    6/21 - 9/1, Daily, 10:00am - 6:00pm

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

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.

Fri 25 Jul
Learn to Fish on Thompson’s Lake
Friday, July 25, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Nature Center, Best suited for ages 10+. Join us and learn how to identify common fish, how to cast a spin-casting rod, bait a hook and fishing safety. After the fishing education portion of the program, everyone will be able to use a fishing rod and test out the skills they learned to try to catch some fish. Participants will not need a fishing license to participate in this program. Registration is required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Fri 25 Jul
Learn to Fish on Thompson’s Lake
Friday, July 25, 2025 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Nature Center, Best suited for ages 10+. Join us and learn how to identify common fish, how to cast a spin-casting rod, bait a hook and fishing safety. After the fishing education portion of the program, everyone will be able to use a fishing rod and test out the skills they learned to try to catch some fish. Participants will not need a fishing license to participate in this program. Registration is required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Fri 25 Jul
Paddle board Yoga at the Thompson's Lake Campground
Friday, July 25, 2025 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
No experience necessary. Participants must know how to swim. Board capacity is 225 lbs. All classes are weather dependent. Cost: $55-bring your own board, $75 includes class and paddle board rental. Ages 16+ Register here: https://jaiyogaschool.com/events-workshops.
Registration: Required
Sun 27 Jul
Paddle board Yoga at the Thompson's Lake Campground
Sunday, July 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
No experience necessary. Participants must know how to swim. Board capacity is 225 lbs. All classes are weather dependent. Cost: $55-bring your own board, $75 includes class and paddle board rental. Ages 16+ Register here: https://jaiyogaschool.com/events-workshops.
Registration: Required
Thu 31 Jul
Kayak Thompson’s Lake
Thursday, July 31, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the campground beach. Ages 12+ Join us for a beginner's kayak course on Thompson's Lake! Learn the basics of kayaking while paddling around the lake. Sturdy shoes or sandals are preferred. Kayaks, paddles, and PFD's will be provided for all participants. Registration is 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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