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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.

Thu 13 Feb
Knee High Naturalists
Thursday, February 13, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet 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
Sat 15 Feb
Caves & Karst
Saturday, February 15, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center. Discover the development of Thacher Park's unique landscapes as we observe limestone layers, resurging underground streams, and an active sinkhole! Each participant will follow the group leader in their own vehicle as we caravan to different sites. Registration Encouraged. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat 15 Feb
Observe the Planets & Stars
Saturday, February 15, 2025 06:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center, Join Dudley Observatory astronomer Dr. Mindy Townsend from 6:30-7 for a brief presentation in the Helderberg Room. Then head outside for a night of stargazing and planet observations. Use binoculars to see Venus, and the Pleiades and observe Mars, the Orion Nebula, and Jupiter through telescopes. Stop by the Helderberg Room from 7-9pm for hot chocolate and hands-on astronomy activities. No registration required. Drop-ins welcome.
Sun 16 Feb
La Hora del Cuento Bilingüe
Sunday, February 16, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
(518) 872-0800

For children ages 0-8 with their families. Understanding of Spanish or English not necessary. Learn what words mean in either language, and read some new books with Project Growing Minds! Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat 22 Feb
Snow Much Fun! Play Day
Saturday, February 22, 2025 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Thompson's Lake Campground - Thacher State Park
Meet at the Nature Center, Stop by anytime from 11am-2pm for some snowy winter fun activities like snowshoeing, an outdoor scavenger hunt, snow painting, s'mores, storytelling and more! Then, come inside and warm up with some hot chocolate. No registration is required. Drop-ins welcome.

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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