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The best camping near Thacher State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Thacher adventure.

63% (4 reviews)
63% (4 reviews)

Tread well when you visit this beautiful countryside filled with history in eastern New York.  

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Community favorites near Thacher State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Thacher State Park

96%
(671)

Magic Forest Farm

11 sites ¡ RVs, Tents225 acres ¡ Coeymans Hollow, NY
Our slice of paradise consists of 225 acres of forested land nestled in the foothills of the Catskills near Albany. We are a homestead and small campground devoted to the principles of organic farming and self reliance. Modern agriculture and big business are unsustainable, destroying farmland at a accelerating pace. It is important for us to teach the next generation, there is a alternative. We produce much of our own food. It is a great place to forage many types of wild mushrooms, and are willing to teach those interested. We own a sawmill, and have many natural building projects started. We have friendly goats, chickens, ducks, white peacocks, donkeys and horses the guests can pet and feed. There are many waterfalls and swimming spots within a short drive. A quick 5 minute drive will get you to one of the best disc golf courses in the north east. Don't have any gear? A fully stocked campsite with a tent can be arranged for an additional fee.
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$40
 / night
94%
(88)

Sacred Waterfall & Quiet Camping

60 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents25 acres ¡ NY
NOTE: THIS IS A QUIET CAMPING AREA for reconnecting with nature. Not suitable for parties or loud groups. Kahonrakén:ra, The White Spout Waterfall, is a world unto itself. For generations, the majestic waterfall has been revered for its spectacular beauty and powerful energies. It is considered a sacred site that has been central to local land rematriation work with the Kanienkeha:ka, also known as the Mohawks, the original inhabitants of Skóhare, the Schoharie Valley. Surrounded by 25 acres of both private wooded land and wide-open fields of wildflowers and fireflies, the Waterfall Cabin and Campsite are easily accessible, just off a country back road. From the campsites, it's about a 10 minute hike down the gorge to the waterfall. We do not allow partying the campsites. There is a profound healing process happening at the waterfall. At the request of the Kaneinekehaka caretakers we ask that you to respect the sacredness of this land. Thank you! There are two campsites on the property, not far from each other in the forest. One campsite is in a grass circle clearing and the other has a rustic cabin and three small flat terraces for extra tents. They are both accessed by separate footpaths through the forest, below an old red barn, surrounded by ash and walnut trees, singing birds, deer, wildflowers, and wild medicines. The campsites are not within view of each other. Each campsite has a private path down to the waterfall, where you can spend the day swimming, exploring the clay beds and looking for fossils in the 280 million year old gorge. Make a campfire at your fire pit and fall asleep under the stars listening to a 150' waterfall and the river below. Coursing between two outcroppings in a deep ravine, Kahonrakén:ra Waterfall crashes down over mossy rock shelves into a hidden pool, which then empties again into the river, running into emerald swimming holes and through dramatic clay beds. The effect is transporting. Truly, it is one of those extraordinarily beautiful spots on earth that makes you feel like you are in another world. The waterfall is amazing but the hike is steep, so please wear appropriate footwear. All hiking is at your own risk. Although your path to the waterfall is private and the waterfall is on private property, there may be other guests or locals that access the waterfall further down the road. There is no glass or alcohol allowed at the falls. Please be aware that you may hear your camping neighbors in the woods. For this reason, we ask that you don’t play amplified music and to keep noise down after 10pm so that your camping and local neighbors can chillax and enjoy the evening sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and night songs of the countryside that makes Schoharie so special. In the big red barn at the entrance to the campsites there is a community room with a charging station, cold water sink, mini fridge, coffee maker, grills, and a port-a-potty for your use. There are also 5 gallon solar shower bags that you can use at your campsite. You are responsible for filling them and putting them in the sun to heat the water. :) This is a leave no trace campsite. Please take all your trash with you when you leave. And please bring your own biodegradable soap for dishes and toilet paper for the port-a-potty! Firewood is available onsite for $1 per log. Instructions for payment are in the community room next to the red silo at the barn. The wood is stacked at next to the red shed just uphill from the barn. You can also buy your own fire wood en route. We recommend that you buy kindling. The Schoharie Valley is said to be the most fertile valley east of the Mississippi. It is still wild, unspoiled country and there are many local farms with fresh produce and organic meat within 5 miles of the house. There are several farm stands and a general store a few miles away, Scrumpy Ewe Cidery, Panther Creek Arts, and the Sap Bush Country Store and Café just up the hill in West Fulton. Mustang Valley, a wild mustang sanctuary and rescue center, is just down the road. Nearby hikes include Looking Glass Pond and Vroman's Nose, among many others.
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$65
 / night
Booked 2 times

Locust Grove Waterfall

1 site ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Oak Hill, NY
Fall asleep to the sounds of the waterfall on the Catskill creek! Escape the chaos - find peace and solace among the Catskill mountains. Located directly on the Catskill creek in the hamlet of Oak Hill, you'll be sleeping to the sounds of the waterfall just steps from the site. At the foot of the waterfall is your own personal swimming hole. Take advantage of the multiple hammock relaxation stations throughout the property and swimming in the creek. If you're up for a walk, the infamous Yellow Deli is just a mile down the road. We're just a few minutes away from Windham Mountain and various trails if you're the hiking type. Check out our "Must See" book in the tent for suggestions on places to enjoy during your stay. This campsite features a queen size bed for two. Site guidelines Bring loads of extra blankets and warm clothing. Boots are a must. Although the driveway is kept clear, car should ideally be AWD or 4WD depending on weather conditions. Consult your campkeeper. Let your campkeeper know when you are arriving so we can light up entry for you. Cleanup all common spaces when you leave. But, make yourself at home. Video Footage of the site - Instagram - @locustgroveny ***We have added a second full size glamping tent, the same size as the main tent with a queen size bed. This is only available to you when you book this site with a capacity of more than 2 people, it will never be rented to anyone else when you are there.
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$100
 / night
95%
(61)

Dharma Bums Eco Lodge

9 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres ¡ Castleton On Hudson, NY
We have three different sites to choose from: Tiny House, Glamping, and Camp Site. Each is unique and private from each other!The bathroom is shared with the other sites, but it is covered and well maintained. Enjoy our private outdoor shower and toilet!Extras are available to purchase: firewood bundle, wine tasting and a seasonal fresh vegetarian breakfast. Note: the vegetarian breakfast is only available May - OctoberAll of our sites are animal friendly! Let your dog roam here!Our property sits on the foothills of the Adirondack's on 45 beautiful acres just 15 minutes east of Albany. Choose to explore our vineyard and winery on site and opt into our wine tasting Extra! Trails and walking paths are throughout the property and you may even catch our horses and honey bees that roam our beautiful community!Across the street is the Empire Foot Trails which is special for walking and biking. Local landmarks nearby and easy access to HWYs. Waterfalls and nice parks nearby Just a short distance away, our special community area that hosts yoga classes, and gathering sites: picnic tables, fire pits, gardens etc! We are just a short distance away from Troy and Albany!
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$45
 / night
96%
(14)

Rumble Acres Farm

6 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Scotia, NY
Rumble Acres Farm is a five acre mix of fields and mature deciduous forest. It has direct access to a state road and is close to town yet has plenty of wildlife, privacy, and a beautiful stream and waterfall to view. There are several lean-to’s with southern exposure and a fire pit. There is access to a large barn for basic shelter with a wood stove, electricity, wi-fi, and running (cold) water. There are no bathroom facilities so we can only host RV’s at this time.
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$35
 / night
Booked 1 time

Mapletree Farm

2 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents19 acres ¡ Altamont, NY
We love the land, forest and streams around Altamont. We are working to build our vegetable and flower gardens, and create a small orchard. Our campsite is located near the fields, orchard and a quiet brook. Learn more about this land: Private, beautiful sweet camping site on almost 20 acres near charming, historic Altamont Village. The campground is in a flat, secluded grove with privacy. You can wake up in the morning with views of the Helderberg Escarpment! We are minutes from Altamont Orchards and Thatcher State Park, Indian Ladder Orchard, and all that this area has to offer. Walk to the village.  Less than 25 minutes to downtown Albany, University of Albany, lots of great restaurants and cafes. Don't miss the nearby Bozenkill Preserve and a visit to Thatcher State Park for 25 miles of great hiking and panoramic views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondacks,  Berkshires and Green Mountains. Climbing, hiking, apple orchards. Then come back for dinner at the Farmhouse Tap and Tavern, Allied Brewing Co, Cider House or Village Pizza and Paisano's Pizza followed by a peaceful night at this private campsite at our farm and forest property.
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$49
 / night
100%
(128)

Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

6 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres ¡ Hillsdale, NY
The Upper Shire Private Campsites in the Hudson Valley are on a gorgeous hill with a small pond surrounded by 22 acres of an old horse ranch. Located in Columbia County near the border of Massachusetts and New York. There are currently 5 unique camping areas located here. Each one is special due to its location on the hill. Check out our map and enjoy our spacious yet secluded campsites. This place comes with a relaxed atmosphere and is located near Catamount Ski Resort, Bash Bish Falls, Taconic State Park, Hudson NY, and Great Barrington, MA.
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$80
 / night
100%
(63)

Mariaville Goat Farm Yurt

2 sites ¡ Lodging8 acres ¡ Pattersonville, NY
We are a small, funky, peaceful, off-grid goat farm!
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$115
 / night
100%
(25)

Tent camping next to private pond

1 site ¡ RV, Tent10 acres ¡ Ballston Lake, NY
Learn more about this land:The campsite is next to a private pond with fishing allowed. Outhouse on site. There are short trails around the property that connect to a bike path that runs the length of Ballston lake which has public boat launch, 2 popular restaurants and a fishing pier. Popular kayak destination. Saratoga race track 20 min. drive. Questions call (518)817-2410
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$59
 / night
97%
(712)

Wyomanock Farm

31 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres ¡ NY
Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first white settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond! Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.
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$30
 / night
99%
(91)

A Promise to Gaia/Garden Of One

6 sites ¡ Lodging107 acres ¡ Rensselaerville, NY
Our focus and purpose on this land is to provide stewardship and sanctuary for the Natural world to maintain it’s own balance with minimal interference from humans. To remain wild and free. We are a plant, wildlife and butterfly sanctuary. We rent the lodgings (Chalet, Cabin & Glampsite) to support and fund the maintenance and expansion of native and pollinating species of plants, expanding the area that we steward, providing habitat and refuge for animals, insects, birds and more. We wish to share our sacred land with people that love and respect the Earth, who wish to contribute to a conservation project through their own presence and mindfulness. Once a RV camping park called "Thunder Hill Campground" in the late 1960's early 1970's, the land sat mostly unused for 15 years before Rachel came to steward it 20 years ago. We are 107 acres of forest, a 9 acre lake, ponds, creeks, labyrinth, a Holistic Retreat Center & Organic Permaculture Farm at a 2000 foot elevation in the Heldeberg Mountains. 500 million years ago during the Devonian Period this was a sea, so we live in shale based mountains with lots of fossils! The Heldebergs are one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth, these mountains have been worn down to 2000 feet over time. Native Americans lived in the area many years ago and we are quite sure this was Native American sacred ceremony land. Hiking, canoeing, swimming and fishing (catch & release only) are available on site. There are many places to hike in the area, an Eagle Trail and in winter, 2 miles away, is a Nature Preserve that rents snowshoes and has trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, Very rural and private, even though we are only 25 miles SW of Albany, NY the capital of NYS, here it is quiet and peaceful. We do have 3 very friendly dogs that will want to be your best friends. Also farm animals that you can meet. There will be farm noises, roosters greeting the morning and various grunts and snorts... far less noise than any modern city. Albany, along with the surrounding areas, have many events etc going on. There's hiking, biking, nature parks, horse racing, concerts, festivals and events and so much more. Links and information can be provided to campers that stay with us that are looking for entertainment & excursions. We are near Albany, Berne, Catskill, Cairo, Cobleskill, East Durham, Greenville, Hunter, Knox, Medusa, Oak Hill, Middleburgh, Schoharie, Westerlo, Windham.
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$120
 / night
100%
(20)

Birch Star Farm in historic Charlton, NY

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents47 acres ¡ Charlton, NY
Our historic and peaceful property is yours to explore! You can swim in the pond, take casual strolls around the property, enjoy the campfire at night, bike for miles on scenic country roads, and use this site as a jumping off point to discover all the beer, wine, cheese, concerts, festivals, hiking, kayaking, restaurants, shopping and more that the greater Capital Region has to offer! According to a few sources we've consulted, the Mohican people (Eastern Algonquian family of tribes - not to be confused with the Mohawk, a distinctly different tribe) were the indigenous occupants of the land where our farm is now located. Historians note that the name Mohican is from the indigenous word meaning "water that flows in two directions." Most Mohicans were driven into western NY and Canada when the Revolutionary War broke out. Local history indicates that the first white occupants to build here were the Hawley Family, in 1790. Parts of the farmhouse date to this era. Outbuildings were added through the decades and centuries, and the land was used as a dairy farm, among other ventures, by previous owners. We purchased the property in 2021 in hopes of providing more space, nature and outdoor living for our two little ones. We have two fields dedicated to Christmas trees, as well as apple, pear and cherry trees, and we've had successful garlic harvests to share with neighbors, family, friends, and at local farmers' markets. We've also begun brewing our own beer and cider. If you have any planting or farming advice to share, please don't hesitate! Follow us on Instagram @birchstarfarm
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from 
$49
 / night

The best camping near Thacher State Park guide

Overview

About

Steep limestone cliffs rise above the surrounding plains 15 miles east of Albany. These cliffs are special for several reasons. They provide great views of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys 1,300 feet below. They also harbor some of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world.

Geologists still study the rocks today. There are around 40 caves in the park. The longest of them is Hailes Cave, and it stretches for more than 3,700 feet.

Geology aside, Indian Ladder Trail is the most popular trail in the park. The trail straddles a cliffside high above the park. When you hear a gentle rush of water, that means you're about to walk behind Minelot Falls.

Bring your flashlight to peek into the caves you see along the way. At the top of the trail, you see the Hudson Valley below you. The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center helps explain the rich natural beauty of this place.

Thompson's Lake Campground accommodates tents or RVs. Around 140 campsites vary from secluded to open.

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