Luzerne Campground offers specialized equestrian camping facilities in the southeastern Adirondack region. The campground features sites with stalls designed specifically for horses, making it the only facility of its kind in New York State. Located approximately 40 miles north of Ballston Spa, this state-operated campground sits at an elevation of about 850 feet above sea level with terrain suited for trail riding throughout most of the camping season from May through September.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Several campgrounds near Ballston Spa offer access to diverse hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. Moreau Lake State Park Campground provides "over 20 miles in hiking trails," according to camper Michi P., while another visitor notes that "hiking trails become nice XC skiing trails" during winter months.
Water recreation options: The region offers multiple bodies of water for swimming, fishing, and paddling. At Luzerne Campground, visitors appreciate that "there's a nice swim at your own risk beach (no guards), boat rentals, good fishing," as Robert L. mentions. The small lake is particularly appealing for kayaking, with Dan H. noting he loves "being on the far side of the lake with the private beach and no motorboats allowed."
Visit nearby attractions: The area provides easy access to popular destinations. Troy H. highlights Luzerne's "GREAT LOCATION! Small state run campground in the SE Adirondacks- plenty to do: tubing and white water rafting (spring) great hikes, horseback riding, canoe/kayaking, zip lines, great local food and breweries in the area."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Campers consistently mention the natural setting and site privacy. At Moreau Lake State Park, Nancy W. appreciated that "campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites." Another reviewer noted, "It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are frequently highlighted in reviews. Antoinette W. says of Luzerne Campground: "The showers are so nice and private and clean." Similarly, at Murphy Lake Leanto, visitors appreciate the maintained wilderness experience, with one noting "the area is maintained, but wind happens in the old growth forest."
Equestrian accommodations: Horse owners particularly value the specialized facilities at Luzerne Campground. Brittnay B. confirms it as "the only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!" This makes it a destination specifically for equestrian camping near Ballston Spa, New York.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Moreau Lake State Park is open from May 6 to October 13, while Luzerne Campground has a shorter season from May 19 to September 10. For year-round options, remote sites like Betty Brook Camp are available, with Robert B. noting, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now."
Varying accessibility: While some campgrounds offer drive-up access, others require significant effort to reach. Tony F. describes Murphy Lake Leanto: "This leanto is worth the effort it takes to get there. And you have to earn it on foot, bike or other. A two hour bike ride with a couple of breaks."
Crowds during peak season: Popular campgrounds can become crowded, especially during summer months. At Moreau Lake State Park, Robert L. warns: "During the summer season I wouldn't go here expecting to have the park to yourself" and notes that "campground and swimming area becomes very crowded, especially on holiday weekend due to proximity to I-87."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Families particularly enjoy campgrounds with swimming areas. Amy M. shared that at Luzerne, "My best friend and I took the kids to this campground and we loved it! Beautiful beaches, lots of places to hike and lots of places to take a bicycle and go exploring!"
Consider established campgrounds: For family camping near Ballston Spa, sites with amenities are often preferred. Antoinette W. considers Luzerne "Best family campground" noting that "we have been going to this campground for almost 15 years and my husband went here as a kid with his family. We always get the same site, for 15 years. My daughter loves it here."
Nearby conveniences: The availability of supplies can make family camping easier. Emily B. appreciated that at Country Campsites, "It was nice to have a little country store right across the street from the entrance of the campground. They had anything and everything you might need or had forgotten!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: RVers should research campground layouts before arrival. At Moreau Lake State Park, Nancy W. advises: "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs)."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds in the region offer limited or no hookups. Nancy W. notes Moreau Lake "is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower," while Arcadian Pastures Equine offers sites for RVs but without electrical, water, or sewer connections.
Generator policies: Noise regulations vary between campgrounds. At Moreau Lake, "Generators are allowed but not too many people were using them. The few other campers around that used them were mindful of quiet hours," according to one visitor who found the environment remained peaceful despite generator use.
