How much does camping cost at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

Camping fees at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park range from $20-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park before I book?

Yes! Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park is open Peak camping season aligns with summer and early fall. Swimming is staffed with lifeguards during peak times.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

Yes, Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park have?

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

Popular activities at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

Fire policies at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park: Fire pits available at campsites. Firewood sold at the entrance for $6 per bag.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

299 reviews

68 Thompson's Lake Rd, EAST BERNE, New York, 12059, United States

Top 6% in NYSummer

B-Report Card

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping New York#3 Group Camping New York Family-Friendly Campgrounds New York +10 more

Quick Facts

1,273 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

2026 Camping Season:...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,273 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

2026 Camping Season:...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit Official Website

Get Directions

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite 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...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

5188721674

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

68 Thompson's Lake Rd, EAST BERNE, New York, 12059, United States

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

68 Thompson's Lake Rd, EAST BERNE, New York, 12059, United States

Nearby places

Albany (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Colonie (approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Firewood ($6/bag) and ice ($2/bag) available at the campground entrance. Fuel and additional supplies accessible at Stewart’s, approximately 8 minutes away by car.

Driving directionsThe park is located on Route 157, 18 miles southwest of Albany. "If driving from Albany area, you might pass through the picturesque villages of Altamont or New Scotland." A scenic winding one-lane highway leads to the campground.

Accessible year-round via paved Route 157 southwest of Albany, with scenic but winding one-lane highway sections. Winter conditions may occasionally affect access.

Weather at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

Best Time to Camp at Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

Summer is the clear draw here. Highs in the 75-85°F range, lows in the mid-50s to low-60s, and warm enough lake temperatures to actually enjoy swimming and paddleboarding. Trails dry out completely, making hiking and biking straightforward. Expect the campground packed on weekends and holiday weeks. Reserve ahead if you want specific sites. Fall brings color to the hardwood canopy and cooler air for hiking, though the lake gets cold fast. Winter opens up cross-country skiing and ice fishing if you're into that. Spring can be muddy but mild.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in NY

Summer is peak: warm lake temps, lifeguarded swimming, rentals and full facility use draw crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak camping season aligns with summer and early fall. Swimming is staffed with lifeguards during peak times.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: 2026 Camping Season: A Loop open 5/1 - 10/12. B Loop open 5/22 - 9/7.

About Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

Thompson's Lake Campground sits within Thacher State Park on the Helderberg Escarpment, about 100 sites scattered across numbered loops with no electrical hookups. The sandy beach and clear lake water draw families during summer weekends, while clean restrooms and on-site firewood keep practical details covered. Nightly fees run $20-60 depending on site size and season. Fair warning: reviews consistently mention noise during quiet hours and nonexistent cell service.

Thompson's Lake Campground offers traditional campsites suitable for tents and RVs, but there are no electricity, water, or sewer hookups. It is family-friendly, with options catering to both small and large groups.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the clear draw here. Highs in the 75-85°F range, lows in the mid-50s to low-60s, and warm enough lake temperatures to actually enjoy swimming and paddleboarding. Trails dry out completely, making hiking and biking straightforward. Expect the campground packed on weekends and holiday weeks. Reserve ahead if you want specific sites. Fall brings color to the hardwood canopy and cooler air for hiking, though the lake gets cold fast. Winter opens up cross-country skiing and ice fishing if you're into that. Spring can be muddy but mild.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position along the Helderberg Escarpment promises varied terrain and scenic vantage points that enhance every outdoor adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake itself is the main attraction. Clean, swimmable water bordered by mixed hardwood and conifer forest. The Helderberg Escarpment's limestone cliffs and outcroppings rise nearby, their fossil-bearing layers visible from certain vantage points. The campground sits at 1,273 feet elevation, surrounded by forest that provides variable shade depending on your loop. Some sites back up to open meadow areas. The shoreline has a maintained sandy beach section and quieter wooded stretches where you can walk without crowds.

Geological RegionThe dramatic Helderberg Escarpment defines this landscape with its ancient limestone cliffs and outcroppings that rise like natural monuments from the earth. This geological marvel creates a diverse ecosystem where mixed hardwood and conifer forests thrive alongside open meadows, offering campers a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's history. The varied terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration, from fossil hunting along limestone formations to discovering hidden groves where sunlight filters through towering trees.

Scenic Views"Marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondack and Green Mountains." Some campsites offer paths to the water, but only a few have direct lake views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available. The campground provides traditional campsites without electricity or water hookups.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nature center offers educational programs and exhibits on the area's geology and biology.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Campers arriving after 9 PM risk losing reservations.

Check-out

Quiet hours end at 7 AM, suggesting departure should occur after this time.

Stay Limit

Amaximum of 14 continuous nights allowed per reservation. After staying 14 nights, campers must leave for 48 hours before re-registering.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests per campsite. Additional vehicles incur fees.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNumbered loops with uneven spacing between sites. Some areas cluster tightly, others spread out with more buffer. Terrain varies from wooded and shaded to more open field edges. Distance to the lake, restrooms, and beach changes depending on your loop assignment.

Reservation PlatformsReserve America for online reservations (pre-registration available two days prior to arrival).

Walk-in AvailabilityCampers arriving after 9 PM are asked to call the park or risk losing the reservation." No specific details on walk-up site availability provided.

Cancellation PolicyAny reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month maximum window cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after the reservation was made.

AccessibilityThe campground includes handicap access, and the nature center and trails appear to be accessible.

Site SizeCampsites are described as generously sized, with some specifically noted as extra-large by reviewers.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites varies; some sites are secluded, while others are close together. One review stated, "Some sites are pretty close, others are a nice distance apart.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesBooking online was worthwhile to find a site that matched our preferences." Some campsites are closer to amenities like restrooms or the beach.

Best CampsitesSite 93 gets mentioned in reviews for proximity to water fill stations and bathrooms. Beyond that, campers recommend scouting the loops in advance if privacy matters. Some sites sit close together while others have decent spacing. Extra-large sites exist but aren't numbered in the available data.

Need help booking Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No electric is available at Thompson's Lake

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers numerous recreational activities suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts. These include water-based activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There are also ample opportunities for hiking and biking, with access to over 25 miles of trails. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice fishing. A nature center provides educational programs and interactive exhibits.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters including ticks. "Be careful folks if you want to bring kids there." Swimming safety depends on water quality and lifeguard presence.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire pits available at campsites. Firewood sold at the entrance for $6 per bag.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM

Emergency ServicesState-run ranger station at the campground with direct contact available via phone (518-872-1674). Nearby Albany provides access to hospitals, police stations, and other emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available throughout the campground. Several reviews noted the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, which likely extends to these facilities.

Water FeaturesLocated on Thompson's Lake with carry-in boat access. "Perfect for kayaking, fishing, and camping."

Camp HostPark staff reportedly helpful but enforcement of rules during quiet hours inconsistent.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

299 reviews

Recommended

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Thompson's Lake Campground are mixed but generally positive. Highlights include the cleanliness of facilities, family-friendly atmosphere, and diverse recreational activities. However, some users raised concerns about the lack of enforcement of quiet hours and poor cell phone reception.

Review Summaries

Based on 299 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention clean bathrooms and showers, the well-maintained beach, and the nature center. Many users appreciated the availability of firewood and ice on-site, as well as the...

Based on 299 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise issues due to inadequate enforcement of quiet hours, crowded beach areas during peak times, and the absence of cell phone service.

Based on 299 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 93 received positive mention for being near water fill stations and bathrooms. Another reviewer appreciated the privacy of their site compared to open fields across from it.

Based on 299 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early for beach access, especially on hot summer days. Planning campsite selection in advance is also advised for those looking for more privacy or proximity to specific...

Based on 299 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with activities like swimming and boating drawing large crowds. However, winter offers unique activities such as skiing and ice fishing. Noise complaints and...

Based on 299 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms are super clean with showers at every one," noted one reviewer. Another remarked, "The lake isn't huge but the water is very clean and perfect for swimming and small boats." A user also...

Based on 299 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews indicate that the campground is accommodating for families and has handicap access, but no specific details on accessibility features were provided.

Based on 299 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, with leash rules and a limit of two pets per site. Multiple reviewers praised the pet accommodations, calling it 'dog-friendly' and 'suitable for furry friends.'

Based on 299 reviews

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Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite 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...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

5188721674

Go if

Families who want a staffed sandy beach, kayak rentals, and a nature center close to home. Site 93 is worth requesting for easy bathroom and water access. Midweek stays largely sidestep the crowd and noise issues reviewers flag on weekends.

Skip if

Light sleepers will struggle here. Quiet hours enforcement is widely reported as inconsistent, and one review described rap and partying until 1 AM. No cell service and no electric hookups compound the frustration if the vibe next door is wrong.

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Campgrounds

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 52% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 91 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Safety
Grade A-.Value
Grade B+.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Crowds & noise
Grade C.Scenery
Grade C+.Staff & hosts

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how New York grades overall

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