Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Moreau Lake State Park

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Western Ridge Trail Changes

Please be advised: There has been a trail routing change for the Western Ridge trail at Moreau Lake State Park. A reroute has been made from the Spring Overlook Trailhead to the first 2 overlooks on the southern end of the western ridge trail. New maps have been released online and posted at the trailhead. Please stay on the designated marked trails with official NYS Parks branded trail markers.

Address
605 Old Saratoga Road
Gansevoort, NY 12831
Latitude 43.226288
Longitude -73.708176

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Hunting season officially opens on Oct 1, 2024

Hunting is permitted in certain areas of the park. You can find hunting map on the "Maps" tab or stop into the park office when you arrive. Please use caution and wear bright colors when using the trails in permitted hunting areas. Call our office at 518-793-0511 for additional information.

Warming Hut

The Warming Hut is located across from the boat launch in the day-use area. Open daily 8:00am to 3:00pm. Stop in, get out of the cold and warm up next to a toasty fire.

Beach Access Gates

Beach area open 8:00am to Sunset. Gate closures occur due to inclement weather.  


Moreau Lake State Park's lake lies amid hardwood forests, pine stands, and rocky ridges. Shady groves of trees shelter picnic grounds and a pavilion overlooking the lake. Wooded campgrounds are quiet and secluded, offering facilities for group campers, as well as tent and trailer sites. Two pavilions, each with a 100-120 person capacity and a 20'x30' tent which can accommodate up to 50 people, may be reserved on a daily basis. The sandy beach, nature, hiking and cross-country ski trails, opportunities for boating, fishing and ice fishing, and proximity to the Saratoga Springs and Lake George areas make the park attractive to visitors. 

Please note:  We do not allow Campers, Motorhomes, Trailers or horse trailers down at the beach on weekends and holidays Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Located on the beach road is our vacation rental. The Lake Shore Cottage provides everything from a refrigerator, stove, dishes, and utensils to a screened porch, bathroom with shower, bedding, pillows, and a cozy fireplace.

See calendar of events for program information. Programs are weather permitting and are subject to change. Please call the park office to confirm event date, time and location.  There is a program fee of $5 per adult and $1 per child.

Big Bend Preserve

Big Bend Preserve, part of Moreau Lake State Park is an 860-acre preserve alongside the Hudson River in the Town of Moreau, NY. With a diverse mix of barrens, open forest, and wetlands, Big Bend Preserve is an ideal place to escape into nature and explore. Hike along 6 miles of gentle trails taking in the surrounding views of mountains, ponds, rivers, and local wildlife. Go birding and try to spot one of over 100 documented species of birds or take your trusty steed out for a horseback ride (Equestrian Permit Required). Currently this preserve is in the process of being restored to a more natural state. This includes invasive-species management and the re-introduction of native plants. Due to its mix of dry sandy areas and open woods, this preserve has been identified as an ideal location for the Karner Blue Butterfly. Please not that this an active process and patrons may encounter employees at work. 

Pavilion Information
Moreau Lake has three pavilions/tents. Prices range from $100 to $150 and can accommodate 50 to 120 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com.

Shelter and Tent Rental Information

Moreau Lake State Park has 7 accessible campsites intended for use by persons with disabilities. At least one member of a camping party must be in need of the accommodation. The sites will support power equipment for those with a legitimate medical need (documentation from a physician is required). Please contact the Park Manager for more information at 518-793-0511.

Current Water Quality - Beach Results

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

  • Open year round, sunrise to sunset

    Big Bend Preserve: Gates open at 7:00am and close at sunset.
  • State Park operates year-round. Park hours and facility operations (including swimming) are subject to change. Patrons are encouraged to contact the park directly to confirm operating hours before traveling.
    Vehicle access in the winter months is limited, weather permitting.
  • Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center: September 2, 2024-May 26, 2025 10:00am-3:00pm, Friday – Sunday (subject to change). The nature center is also open for school vacations and at patron requests.
  • 2024 Swimming Season

    May 25th through September 2nd

    10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., daily

  • Concession Stand: September 2- October 14, Saturdays and Sundays 10:00am-6:00pm
  • Boat/Kayak Rental: Closed for the season
  • Picnic Shelter: 5/1 - 10/10. Advance reservations available.

  • Pavilion & 20x30 Canvas Tent Rental: (reservations through Reserve America)

    Fernwood & Palmertown Pavilion: April 26th – October 14th

    20x30 Canvas Tent Rental: May 20th – September 2nd

  • 2024 Camping Season:(reservations through Reserve America)
    Loop A: May 3rd – November 23rd (Dump Station closed after October 14th, please plan accordingly)
    Loops B, C, D, E: May 3rd – October 13th
    Loops F, G: May 24th – September 1st
    Group Campsite: May 24th – September 1st

  • Sunset Cabin: May 3rd - October 17th
    Weekly Rental (Friday - Friday)
    Check In: 3:00 p.m. Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
    Pets not permitted / RV Campers & Tents not permitted

  • Campground Cottage/Lakeshore Cottage: May 5th - October 12th
    Weekly Rental (Friday - Friday)
    Check In: 3:00 p.m. Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
    Pets not permitted / RV Campers & Tent not permitted
  • White Birch Cabin Colony:
    Weekly Rental May 2th - October 16th (Thursday - Thursday)
    Weekend Rental from October 17th - November 23rd (Thursday - Sunday)
    Check In: 3:00 p.m. Check Out: 11:00 a.m.

  • RV Campers & Tents not permitted
    Pets not permitted in Deer, Pine Tree, Fisherman, Bear cabin.
    Pets permitted in Moose, Eagle cabin ONLY (requires proof of rabies vaccination).

    There is a 1.5 mile hike to the cabins along untreated surfaces of varying conditions starting October 12th. Please contact park office for more information.
  • Winter Hours of Operation
    Hours are weather permitting and subject to change
    Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset
    Office Hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (snowshoe rentals available during Office Hours)
    Snowshoe Rental: in season $5/half day $10/whole day. Ice skates free to use.
    Snowshoes available for rent at the office
    Lake Access Gates open 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (weather permitting and subject to change)
    Nature Center open Saturday – Monday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    Cross Country Skiing: Groomed trails during winter season, weather conditions permitting.
  • Generator Hours: 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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
  • 5/4 - 5/24 (collected weekends & holidays) - $6.00/car
    5/25 - 9/2 (collected daily) - $8.00/car
    9/3 - 10/14 (collected weekends & holidays) - $6.00/car

  • Camping
  • $18.00 per night weekday rate (Sun-Thurs)
    $22.00 per night weekend rate (Fri-Sat)
    $1.25 Walk-in Charge
    $7.25 Reservation Fee charged by Reserve America

    Additional $5.00/night for non-NYS residents  
    Each site allows a maximum of 2 Tents (or 1 Camper/RV, +1 Tent), 2 Vehicles, 6 People, and up to 2 household pets. Must bring proof of rabies vaccination for all pets (NOT TAGS)

  • Reservations
  • For Reservations Contact: Reserve America 1-800-456-CAMP(2267)
    www.reserveamerica.com 

     
    *Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays*

  • Cottages
  • Cottages: Rented on a weekly basis only - Friday to Friday

    Lakeshore Cottage: Sleeps 6 people, 2 cars, no pets/ no smoking/no tents or campers allowed
    5/03 - 5/23: $400 per week
    5/24 - 6/06: $575 per week
    6/07 - 7/11: $800 per week
    7/12 - 9/05: $1,000 per week
    9/06 - 10/17: $400 per week

    Campground Cottage
    : Sleeps 4 people, 2 cars, no pets/no smoking/no tents or campers allowed
    5/03 - 5/23: $400 per week
    5/24 - 7/11: $525 per week
    7/12 - 9/05: $650 per week
    9/06 - 10/17: $400 per week

  • Cabins
  • Sunset Cabin: Sleeps 4
    5/03 - 5/23 - $300 per week
    5/24 - 7/11: $425 per week
    7/12 - 9/05: $550 per week
    9/06 - 10/17: $300 per week

    No Pets/No Smoking/No Tents allowed

    Fishermen Cabin/Moose Cabin*/Pine Tree Cabin (Sleeps 4)

    5/02 - 5/22: $328 per week
    5/23 - 7/10: $453 per week
    7/11 - 9/04: $578 per week
    9/05 - 10/16: $328 per week

    *Moose Cabin is pet friendly.

    Bear Cabin/Eagle Cabin*/Deer Cabin (Sleeps 6)

    5/04 - 5/24: $403 per week
    5/25 - 7/12: $478 per week
    7/13 - 9/06: $603 per week
    9/07 - 10/11: $403 per week

    *Eagle Cabin is pet friendly.

  • Boat and Kayak Rental
  • To be determined
  • Environmental Education Program Fees
  • Adults: $5.00/person
    Children (under 12): $1.00/person
    Special Programs & School Groups: $3.00/person
    Guided Kayak Program: $15.00/person

    Friends Group Members: Free
    If you paid the Vehicle Entrance Fee: Programs are free (excluding cost for kayak rentals)
    Campers are charged for programs.
  • Equestrian Permits
  • Please see the following Application and Rules for an equestrian permit.
    $20.00 Seasonal permit (4/1/2024 - 3/31/2025)
    $10.00 daily permit
  • Seasonal Boat Storage Permits
  • $95.00 seasonal permit, April 1 - November 1
    Storage has been filled for this season. Please contact the Park Office for further information 518-793-0511
  • Group Campsite
  • (reserve through Reserve America)
    $75.00 per night (Sunday - Thursday)
    $95.00 per night (Friday - Saturday)
    Group Camping allows a maximum of 6 cars, 8 tents (No RV/Campers allowed), 35 people, pets allowed. Must bring proof of rabies vaccination for all pets (NOT TAGS).
  • Snowshoe Rental
  • $5.00 up to 4-hour rental
    $10.00 up to 8-hour rental
    Hours of operation 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Cabins
  • No Pets (unless otherwise noted)/No Smoking/No Tents allowed
    Additional $25/week on all cabin & cottage rentals for non-NYS residents

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.

Key BCA Criteria:

- Migratory concentration site

- Diverse species concentration site

- Species at risk site

The Moreau Lake BCA is within Moreau Lake State Park. Moreau Lake BCA is a stopover site for Neotropical migratory songbirds especially forest dwelling migrants during both spring and fall migrations. The site supports a diversity of birds associated with upland forest. It is also a significant wintering site for the state and federally threatened Bald Eagle and regularly supports state threatened Pied-billed Grebe (possible breeder) and Northern Harrier (spring and fall migration); and state species of special concern Cooper's Hawk (possible breeder) and Red-shouldered Hawk (probable breeder).

Download a copy of the BCA map.

Deer hunting is permitted in a limited area in season. Moreau Lake State Park follows the dates of the New York State hunting seasons.

Hunting is not permitted within 500 feet of any building, road, playground, or parking lot, and all trails are considered safety zones where hunting is not allowed.

Fri 13 Dec
Wiggly Wanderers
Friday, December 13, 2024 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Moreau Lake State Park
Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner's hike/wander series with not too much distance for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. Strollers will not work for these programs. We meet at the nature center parking lot. $1 per child. Registration is not required for this program.
Sat 14 Dec
Sustainable Fashion
Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511

Want to make your clothing consumption more eco-friendly but don't know where to start? Join a Nature Center educator for a lesson on the history and cost of fast fashion, and what you can do to slow it down. This program is for ages 13+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Sat 14 Dec
Visible Mending
Saturday, December 14, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511

Have some holey clothes that weren't intended to be that way? Join a Nature Center employee for a lesson on "sashiko" the Japanese stitching style of making visible mends to your clothes. This program is for ages 13+. Program is $5 per adult, $1 for under 18 (cash or check). Please reserve your spot 24-hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Sun 15 Dec
Ugly" Sweater DIY
Sunday, December 15, 2024 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511

Bring in an old sweater/sweatshirt OR a recently purchased one (check out local thrift shops) and join a nature center educator in making some festive clothing. Holiday adornments such as bells, felt snow and gingerbread people, and pompoms will be provided at the Nature Center. Open to All Ages. This program is $1 per child, $5 for 18+. Please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511.
Registration: Required
Sun 15 Dec
Full Moon Hike
Sunday, December 15, 2024 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Moreau Lake State Park
(518) 793-0511

Join a park educator on a beginner hike and if the clouds cooperate, we'll get to enjoy the splendor of the full "Cold" moon rising above the mountains! This hike is family friendly and well-behaved dogs on a 6 foot or shorter leash are welcome. $1 per child, $5 per adult is payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot call 518-793-0511- the earlier the better as this is a popular program and it fills up quickly.
Registration: Required

Amenities Information