Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping 30 miles north of Cohoes, New York. Located at 605 Old Saratoga Road in Gansevoort, the campground sits at an elevation of 500 feet and experiences typical Northeast seasonal weather patterns. The park encompasses over 4,600 acres with a mix of wooded campsites and beach access at Moreau Lake.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Moreau Lake State Park provides extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks I've visited," notes a visitor at Moreau Lake State Park Campground. The trails transform seasonally, becoming "nice XC skiing trails" in winter according to another camper.
Water recreation: Paddle sports are popular at several campgrounds near Cohoes. "Nice small lake for canoeing and kayaking but fish number and sizes are limited due to number of people fishing it on a regular basis," reports one camper about Moreau Lake. At Woodford State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "a beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it."
Regional exploration: The area serves as a strategic base camp. "We used to go here when my brother was living in Albany. Stop by Saratoga Springs on your way north," recommends a Moreau Lake visitor. Many campgrounds provide access to multiple attractions within short driving distance.
What campers like
Private campsites: Site privacy ranks highly among camper preferences. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, "Sites are huge. Plenty of room for our RV, and small tent. Private." Another camper notes, "Each site is like its own private oasis with plenty of trees to make you feel like you are camping at most state campgrounds."
Wildlife viewing: Animal encounters enhance camping experiences. "We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer," reports a visitor at Piebald Mountain, a glamping option close to Cohoes, New York. Campers frequently mention hearing "coyotes at night and loons in the morning" at various parks.
Cleanliness of facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms and Showers are clean," states a Moreau Lake review. Another camper at Woodford State Park called their facilities "the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Lake Lauderdale Campground runs "April 28 to October 15" and offers waterfront glamping accommodations with "stunning views of mountains." Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Moreau Lake State Park, a camper notes the park "becomes very crowded, especially on holiday weekend due to proximity to I-87 and number of downstate tourists that frequent the park." Advance booking is essential, particularly for weekend stays.
Noise factors: Sound pollution affects some locations. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, campers mention "a station nearby that offers a constant hum and during the week there are trucks going in and out before 7am." Consider site location carefully when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly areas provide entertainment options. Moreau Lake has a "nice playground and beach, volleyball," according to one visitor. These dedicated spaces help keep children engaged between other activities.
Swimming safety: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills has "a pond for swimming and softball field," making it suitable for families with varied interests. One camper mentioned enjoying "the kids (and adults) fishing, paddling on the lake, swimming in the designated area."
Campground activities: Structured events enhance family experiences. "They have family activities everyday," reports a visitor to Moose Hillock. Many parks organize weekend programming during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV site specifications vary significantly between campgrounds. "Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs" at Moreau Lake State Park according to one RVer. Another notes, "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites aren't universal. "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower," explains a Moreau Lake camper. Always verify specific amenities when booking glamping close to Cohoes, New York, especially for RV requirements.
