The best camping in Thacher State Park, NY

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Top-rated campgrounds

Waterfall Sanctuary & Quiet Retreat

96%
(261)
22mi from Thacher State Park · 48 sites · Tents, Lodging · Middleburgh, NY
Not suitable for parties or loud groups. For generations, the majestic waterfall has been revered for its spectacular beauty. It’s considered a sacred site central to local land rematriation work with the Kanienkeha:ka. Coursing between two outcroppings in a deep ravine, the waterfall crashes down over mossy rock shelves into emerald swimming holes and through dramatic clay beds. It’s one of those extraordinarily beautiful spots on earth that make you feel like you are in another world. It's about a 10 minute hike 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. In the evening, make a campfire and fall asleep under the stars listening to the river below. The hike is steep and appropriate footwear is required. 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. 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 keep noise down after 10pm to enjoy the sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and night songs of the countryside At the entrance to the campsites there is a barn community room with a charging station, cold water sink, fridge, coffee maker, cookware, and a port-a-potty. There are 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 site. Take all your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own biodegradable soap for dishes and toilet paper for the port-a-potty! Firewood is available onsite for $1 per log. 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 stands with fresh produce and organic meat close by. Within a 5 miles radius is a general store, Scrumpy Ewe Cidery, Panther Creek Arts, Rooted Movement, the Sap Bush Country Store and Café, and Mustang Valley (a wild mustang sanctuary). Nearby hikes include Looking Glass Pond and Vroman's Nose, and others.
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$60
 / night

Magic Forest Farm

97%
(803)
9.4mi from Thacher State Park · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Coeymans Hollow, NY
**Please confirm you have read our property description and rules before booking** 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 an accelerating pace. It is important for us to teach the next generation, there is an alternative. We produce much of our own food. We have friendly goats, chickens, ducks, peacocks, donkeys and horses the guests can pet and feed. There are no swimming holes on our property, but many waterfalls and swimming spots within a short drive (see list below). A quick 5 minute drive will get you to one of the best disc golf courses in the north east. For the truly adventurous, Clarksville Cave is a short drive away. Visit their website for list of proper gear and rules. We do rent some of the equipment needed. Nearby Hiking Spots: Holt Preserve - 1.2 miles away Thatcher State Park- 9.4 miles Huyck Preserve- 11 miles Hannacroix Creek Preserrve- 8.4 miles Nearby Swimming Spots: Hannacroix Creek Preserve- 8.4 miles Kaaterskill Falls- 24 miles Thompsons Lake- 10 miles North-South Lake- 24 miles Parking: multiple car parking are available at each site.
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$40
 / night

Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

100%
(238)
39mi from Thacher State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. It is located in Columbia County near the Massachusetts and New York border. 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 and our new off-grid double shower shack with hot and cold water on demand. This place has a relaxed atmosphere and is located near Catamount Ski Resort, Bash Bish Falls, Taconic State Park, Hudson NY, and Great Barrington, MA. If you plan on bringing a pet please be sure to add that fee to your booking under "extras" ($25) If you have additional guest(s) that would like to join you that fee is ($25 a night per person) and you will need to message us about how to arrange that. We have extra easy pop-up two-person tents available to rent ($15 for two nights) you can also find that option under "extras" along with bundles of firewood ($15)
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$90
 / night

Woodstock camp site

41mi from Thacher State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lake Hill, NY
The Source is located at 4228 Route NY-212 (hamlet of Lake Hill) in the town of Woodstock, NY. The property was part of a much larger farm in the 19th century, then reincarnated as a Beaux Arts style artist’s retreat called ‘Garden of the Gods’ founded in 1908. During this time many artists came to Woodstock, including Hervey White, creator of the early maverick Colony, who is credited with shaping the vision of Woodstock as a ‘Colony of the Arts.’ In 2019 The Source opened as an experimental space for sustainable community. We have regular events, including our yearly art show for Upstate Art Weekend. Six acres of land backing up to hundreds of acres of DEC wild land and Wilson State Park in the hamlet of Lake Hill. We are 10 minutes from the center of Woodstock town, but the feel of this area is more wild and remote. Fire pit on the property for your use. Pond is available for fishing. Miles of Hiking trails.
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$60
 / night

Dickensen Farm: Cabins & Camping

98%
(144)
36mi from Thacher State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cambridge, NY
Big Red Alpacas and Big Red Sustainables reside here at Dickensen Road in beautiful Cambridge NY close to both the Battenkill and Saratoga Springs. To help with the sustainability factor, we allow folks to camp on our property so they too can enjoy the woods, pastures, wild animals and farm animals, we all enjoy. Hence, we launched "Dickensen Farm: Cabins and Camping." The alpacas are inquisitive and peaceful animals, they are beautiful and provide wonderfully warm fashionable products as well. Please ask us about our seasonal products, including: Farm fresh, organically raised, free range chicken eggs Frozen meat birds Maple syrup Beautiful alpaca products Honey from our bees Dry, seasoned firewood for your camp sites Handmade Amish soaps However, you are not compelled to buy anything! If you are looking for a farmy or woodsy experience, we have BOTH at "Dickensen Farm: Cabins and Camping!"
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$36
 / night

Wyomanock Farm

97%
(844)
34mi from Thacher State Park · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stephentown, 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 non native settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. Before that, it was the land of the Mahican native Americans. They named it "valley of the butternut trees", or Wyomanock. 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 or artesian spring fed pool. 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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$32
 / night

Dharma Bums Eco Lodge

93%
(106)
19mi from Thacher State Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 farm fresh eggs. All 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 next door. Open April-October, Friday-Sunday, 10-4pm 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/Rail 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

Sacred Hollow in Heart of Hudson

91%
(22)
49mi from Thacher State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hurley, NY
the locals know our street because of the indigenous people and early Dutch settlers mixing with the slaves. Much history here, with the small town of stone houses, making Hurley a national historic destination. This serene is secluded on a mountain surrounded by trees with seasonal views. The campsite is neighboring 105 acres of beautiful conservatory land available for hiking. No true trails are available, but you can be adventurous and hike further up the mountain, arriving to a clearing, providing you with a lovely mountainous view. From the mountain, you can hike to a waterfall or even hike across a lovely plain field surrounded by mountain ranges on both sides and crossing the creek over to Historic Stone houses in Hurley. Within a 10 minute drive check out some of the local restaurants like Alebrijes, Hickory BBQ & Smokehouse, and the Hurley Inn where the movie “Tootsie” was filmed!. Hurley Marbletown Trailhead and Rail trail parking are only a 6 minute drive away! The town of Kingston is about 15 minutes from our site where you will find Bluestone Wild Forest, antique shops, restaurants, other outdoor activities! The nights are just spectacular as you look into the sky surrounded by a blanket of stars, able to see the many constellations looking like jewels on a black cloth. The sounds of nature and all of it's distinct calls including that of eagles, is truly an experience. And we cannot forget our other friendly neighbors, the wild turkeys and deer! We are very appreciative of this beauty and would love to share this sacred place with you. Learn more about this land: Feels like you’re away from civilization but yet close to all the Hudson valley has to offer. 15-20min from Woodstock, rosendale, stone ridge, Rhinebeck, red hook, New Paltz and Mohawnk short 30 min drive. The glampsite is a yurt with a fire pit and a full modern bathroom just a short walk away. For a small fee, you can also rent our bikes for riding the nearby rail trail or just visit the waterfall 2 miles away. Wood available for purchase. THE HOT TUB IS PART OF A MINI-SPA PACKAGE AAND IS AVAILABLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE. Not only will You be relaxing, but also connecting with the cosmos through a 1 hr transformative healing session offered by the host for an extra fee.
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$54
 / night

The Awakening Garden

100%
(10)
34mi from Thacher State Park · 4 sites · Lodging · Saugerties, NY
This piece of land was developed by my mother, and named after my grandmother: The Awakening Garden is a translation of her name in Chinese. It is tucked in between the Hudson River (8 miles to the East) and the Catskill Mountains (10 miles to the west). It is just 6 miles from the Village of Saugerties and 14 miles to Woodstock, NY. The piece available for camping is 10 acres, but the entire Garden is comprised of 98 acres of rolling land (most of it in a forestry protection plan) bordered on the west by acres of marshland. Many trails criss-cross the Garden and lead one to pretty or interesting vistas including a large mountain laurel patch, ancient graveyard, and different stands of mixed wood forests. There’s lots of wildlife both on land and in the marshes.
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$93
 / night

Other options near Thacher State Park

The best camping in Thacher State Park, NY 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.

63%
4 ratings · 1 review