Best Campgrounds near Berne, NY
Campgrounds near Berne, New York include a mix of state parks and private facilities within a 30-mile radius of the town. Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park offers lakeside tent sites and RV accommodations with electric hookups, while Max V. Shaul State Park Campground provides a smaller, more secluded forest camping experience. The region includes several options for cabin camping, with properties like A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One offering a more intimate glamping experience. Most established campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering full hookup sites for electricity, water and sewer connections.
Camping in the Berne area operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from May through mid-October. Thompson's Lake Campground typically opens in late April and closes around October 10, while North-South Lake Campground has a slightly longer season extending to October 22. Winter camping options are limited, though some facilities like Frosty Acres Campground maintain a small winter section. Reservation requirements vary by campground, with state parks generally requiring advance booking through the New York State reservation system. Many campgrounds in this region have well-maintained facilities and modern bathhouses. A camper at Max V. Shaul noted, "Great campsite, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack. Friendly staff."
The camping experience near Berne benefits from proximity to water features, with several campgrounds situated on lakes or rivers. Thompson's Lake Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its beach area, swimming opportunities, and boat rentals. As one visitor mentioned, "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk to and the bathrooms are refurbished!" Family-friendly amenities are common, with playgrounds and organized activities available at several locations. While some campgrounds like Schodack Island State Park offer spacious sites with good privacy, others may have more closely situated camping areas. The Berne region provides a balance of natural seclusion and accessibility, being within an hour's drive of Albany and other Capital District communities.
