154 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds in the Esperance, New York region provide a range of accommodations from tent sites to RV hookups across several state parks and private facilities. Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park and Max V. Shaul State Park Campground are notable public options, both offering seasonal camping from May through October. The area includes several privately operated campgrounds such as Hide-A-Way Campsites and Frosty Acres Campground that accommodate both tent and RV campers, with some properties also offering cabin rentals and glamping experiences.
Most developed campgrounds near Esperance operate seasonally, typically closing from late October through April due to winter conditions in upstate New York. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when facilities frequently reach capacity. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary significantly between state parks and private operations. Road access is generally good throughout the camping season, with most sites accessible by standard vehicles. A visitor to Max V. Shaul noted, "This campground is a secret gem. They have new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms. The staff is friendly, the firewood is reasonable."
Campers consistently rate waterfront locations among their favorites, with Thompson's Lake Campground receiving positive reviews for its swimming beach and boat rentals. Site spacing varies considerably between facilities, with state parks generally offering more separation between campsites. Several visitors mentioned the cleanliness of facilities as a key factor in their experience. According to one camper at Max V. Shaul, "Great small campground. Lots of space between sites. The bath house is clean and modern." For those seeking a quieter experience, smaller state park campgrounds tend to provide more seclusion compared to larger private facilities that may feature more organized activities. Elevation differences throughout the region create varying microclimates, with higher elevation campgrounds often experiencing cooler evening temperatures even during summer months.
"It’s across from the bathrooms, behind there’s a trail that takes you to the lake (about a 5 min walk). No electric, water, or dump station."
"Some of the lakeside sites have private foot trails down to the water which was very nice."
from $21 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $32 / night
Check Availability"This was a perfect location for the first 2 days of our vacation. Steve and Michelle were incredibly accommodating and wonderful hosts! We truly enjoyed our stay and will definitely return!"
from $130 / night
Check Availability"Just ok distance between camp sites. If we return we might try the more upper loop further from the front"
"Watched a video on YouTube that was a walk through of each site. So peaceful. Lots of good hiking. Sinks for dishes, clean bathrooms and showers."
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We were next to a little fenced in area for dogs that our dog loved."
"Well maintained, located on the Mohawk River. Shady, grassy areas. Boat launch and pier. Friendly people. A perfect campground."
"Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."
"It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."
"Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground. Very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station. Electricity and water available at or near each campsite."
"Close to Cooperstown and within driving distance from Oneonta. Quiet and spacious campsites"
from $18 - $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $239 / night
Check Availability"My buddy and I were looking for a campsite for a quick overnight stay before a bike trip around the Adirondacks, and this spot was a perfect fit."
"He and his buddy, Rick, live on acres and acres of forested property, with my favorite campsites located at a seemingly magical pond surrounded by beautiful pine and birch trees."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability
RangerWhat an amazing find! This was a perfect location for the first 2 days of our vacation. Steve and Michelle were incredibly accommodating and wonderful hosts! We truly enjoyed our stay and will definitely return!
ScoutThis is a very pleasant campground just a couple of miles off the interstate. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Full hookups at most sites. Many amenities available. A very quiet setting to rest and repose. Highly recommended!
ScoutNext to Mohawk river quiet and locals don't seem to bother you no toilets 4 or 5g with Verizon
ScoutWe really loved this spot- it was relaxing to listen to the sounds of the creek and not having any camping neighbors. The night sky was filled with stars and we even saw a rocket. I also appreciated having an outhouse on site- i would say the only downside was having to take our bag of poop+pee out with us when we left (site rules). The only other thing that was bothersome was being told that wood is provided at the site and then not realizing until after we got there that we would have to Venmo the owner $10 per bundle (I don’t mind paying, just wouldn’t been nice to know ahead of time that it wasn’t included in the price). I recommend this site for anyone who enjoys privacy and doesn’t mind a detox from WiFi.
TravelerThis campground will not respond to phone calls, email or facebook. It appears no one in charge
ScoutThe RV camp site was spread further apart from the other sites. It felt like you were in a secluded spot all by yourself. The camp staff were very helpful, campfire wood was a phone away and promptly delivered to your site. Nice variety of merchandise for sale. I love a souvenir from the places I visit. Although, it rained 2 of the days, it allowed some quiet time away.
ScoutRip Van Winkle Campground
Catskills NY
The Good:
1. The location
2. The actual campground itself. There are roomy sites with trees.
The Bad:
1. If you are lucky enough to get an assigned campsite away from the busy road, it is a HALF MILE walk to the only showers in the ENTIRE campground. They have nearly 200 campsites and ONE set of showers.
2. The speed bumps are beyond ridiculous. Two humpers and high as Bob Marley.
3. If you call the office for help (our electrical post was out) they record you without your knowledge.
The Ugly:
1. The campground lost power on my electrical post and tried to blame ME for it. I own a Bulldog surge protector, yeah, so it wasn't me. How it was handled was unbelievable. I have never been treated so rudely. A simple apology would have gone a long way.
GuideHad a great time. The sites are very spacious. Bathrooms and showers fine. Very pretty. Learned this is a BIG lake, for motor boats, not really for kayaks.
GuideThe bathrooms were nice and clean and the pool looked nice. Mostly seasonal campers and Cooperstown tourists. Very crowded and packed into spots tight. The golf carts are out of control…flying by, loud music and flashing lights until midnight. Even the amount of traffic coming in and out of the campground went on until midnight with head lights shining in camper windows. I will take being woken to loons on the lake any day, this was loud and crowded.
Camping spots near Esperance, New York range from state parks to private facilities, with most located within a 30-mile radius of town. The region sits at elevations between 500-1,400 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping season. Winter closures typically extend from late October through April, with higher elevation sites experiencing frost earlier in fall and later in spring than valley locations.
Kayaking and boating access: Thompson's Lake Campground offers water recreation opportunities with boat rentals and a swimming beach. "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too," notes Sabrina H. about the Thompson's Lake Campground.
Hiking nearby: Several trails surround camping areas, particularly at North-South Lake Campground. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot," writes Brittany W. about North-South Lake Campground, which connects to the Catskill Escarpment trail system.
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatching opportunities exist at several campgrounds, particularly Schodack Island State Park. One reviewer noted, "Stopped for one night on way from New England to Finger Lakes region... Best part was hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juv eagle."
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a positive feature. "The sites are a great size for accommodating two tents and have many people gather at meals," writes Leah B. about Glimmerglass State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Modern bathroom facilities receive positive mentions across multiple campgrounds. Clayton H. notes about Thompson's Lake: "Very friendly and helpful staff, well maintained property. Some of the lakeside sites have private foot trails down to the water which was very nice."
Kid-friendly features: Several campgrounds offer dedicated areas for children. "This campground has always been my go to. Now that I have kids, I appreciate the playground area near the beach more. All public areas including the bathrooms are very clean," reports Dana O. about Thompson's Lake Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate only from May through October. Frosty Acres Campground offers winter camping options for the adventurous. According to James S., "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires."
Reservation requirements: Book early for popular sites, especially waterfront locations at Thompson's Lake and Schodack Island State Park Campground. "The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers," notes Kevin C.
Road access: Some campgrounds feature challenging access roads. At Schodack Island, one camper noted, "The roads in are definitely patched and bumpy, but once your in the loop things are smooth!"
Playground access: Thompson's Lake and North-South Lake Campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. One Thompson's Lake visitor mentioned, "We had an amazing time! The workers there were friendly and the campers were respectable and kind. Hiking was near by and also the beach."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming beaches with varying amenities. Rachel G. writes about North-South Lake Campground: "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. Perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront."
Nature programs: Some state parks offer educational activities for children. At Darby R. notes about Max V. Shaul, "I love this little place! No hook ups, but there are water spigots nearby. There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds, with some offering 30/50 amp connections. At Hide-A-Way Campsites, Jackie M. mentions, "Gravel unlevel pad full hookups," while noting the site is "Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities, though some smaller parks require driving to another location. For example, DevilDoc Campsites has one noted limitation: "only con was that they were limited on water so could not dump tanks during our stay, had to travel to another place, a little hassle."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds feature uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. At Arrowhead Marina & RV Park, Coffee&Camping T. reports it as "Well maintained, located on the Mohawk River. Shady, grassy areas. Boat launch and pier. Friendly people. A perfect campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Esperance, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Esperance, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Esperance, NY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Esperance, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Esperance, NY is Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Esperance, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Esperance, NY.
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