Tom O.
Guide
GuideLuzerne Campground
Remote location
Clean, spacious sites. O shower in this loop.
Equestrian Camping near Esperance, NY
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Arcadian Pastures Equine offers tent and RV camping opportunities near Esperance with dedicated space for horses and riders. The campground includes fire rings, picnic tables, and trash collection services. Access is available via drive-in or walk-in routes, making it suitable for visitors arriving with horse trailers. While the facility doesn't feature dedicated horse corrals, the open layout provides adequate space for portable corrals or highlines that campers bring with them. The grounds accommodate both horses and riders in a natural setting where equestrians can set up their own containment systems. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Esperance, New York.
Betty Brook Camp provides horse-friendly dispersed camping along West Kill Road with access to nearby riding trails. The campground sits alongside a stream, creating natural water access for horses while camping. Drinking water is available on site, and pets are allowed, making it suitable for equestrians traveling with dogs and horses. The remote location offers peaceful surroundings for riders seeking trail access in the region. Fire rings are provided at campsites, and the grounds accommodate both tent and RV camping options. While the campground is fairly small and not suitable for large trailers, the natural setting and stream proximity create an appealing option for horse campers looking for a more primitive experience. Some visitors report camping here year-round, with the remote location sometimes offering complete solitude between visitor groups.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Esperance (8)
1. North-South Lake Campground
"Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."
"This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability2. Arcadian Pastures Equine
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability3. Betty Brook Camp
"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
4. Moreau Lake State Park Campground
"This campground is close to the highway between Albany and the Adirondacks. There’s a nice big lake and the Hudson RIver. Many campsites are near the lake."
"Great thing about this park is the hiking trails and lake so you don’t even have to leave to the park to enjoy great outdoor recreation."
from $75 / night
Check Availability5. Luzerne Campground
"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!"
"We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes. The showers are so nice and private and clean. Love that we can rent boats too."
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Murphy Lake Leanto
"The Murphy Bennett Trails is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on. And be prepared to go over downfalls. The area is maintained, but windhappens in the old growth forest."
7. Country Campsites
from $55 - $195 / night
Check Availability8. Artisan Hill Farm & Studio
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 26 min from Albany, NY
- 1 hr 3 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 1 hr 6 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 13 min from Pittsfield, MA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Esperance, NY
2 Photos of 8 Esperance Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Esperance, NY
83 Reviews of 8 Esperance Campgrounds
- MMaybe I.Guide
North-South Lake Campground
scenic campground
This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State. The campsites are well laid out, the surroundings are stunning, and the entire campground is very clean and well maintained. We visited in October, and it was pleasantly uncrowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful fall scenery made for a perfect camping trip. I'm not sure how busy it gets during the peak summer season, but our autumn visit was fantastic. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be coming back.
- MMelissa O.
ScoutNorth-South Lake Campground
Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF
I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.
We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.
At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry.
She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out.
We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well.
The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager.
Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm.
The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids.
We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families.
This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake
Michi P.GuideMoreau Lake State Park Campground
One of the NIcest Parks
I love the spacious campsites. It’s very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private. Bathrooms and Showers are clean. Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks, I’ve visited.
Cynthia K.
LegendNorth-South Lake Campground
New York
We were on a 5 state East Coast camping trip. Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home. Thursday & Friday it was Neverending rain & wind. Saturday was the nice day.
North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees. Not a good way to try out our solar panel! Some are by a stream. A few are by the lake. This is a tent campers paradise. New York tent campers are hard core camping during Tropical Storm Debbie!
There are 7 loops. We were in loop 2. Site 85. There are some sites with an incline down to the site. That might give some rvs trouble. It did for us & I had to be driven out of the campground to call 911. Thank you Mary!! It all ended well & we got a different site.
There are bears that visit the campground & one came one of the nights & visited our camping neighbor's site. They showed us a picture- it was a large black bear.
Generators are allowed for 5 hours & they tell you when you can use them.
The bathrooms/showers are state park clean- which means not very.
There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged.
This is a hiking park & for this middle aged overweight flatlander they are pretty strenuous. Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail, but the parking fills up quickly. Then they close it! You'll have to take a shuttle to get in.
The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline.
There's 2 nice lakes with beaches.
The Catskills are very scenic& we enjoyed our time there!
- Emily F.Guide
North-South Lake Campground
Nice sites
I really love this campground each of the campsites in our loop which was in the lower 100s, has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy between you and the site next to you. There is a lake with swimming, clean bathrooms, clean, clean showers. Picnic table and fire pit with grill top. There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important. Definitely love it here for woodsy feel.
Luka M.
TravelerNorth-South Lake Campground
Fun place, good camp
Been there couple of times. Love it. Two lakes. Highly recommended.
- RRobert B.Scout
Betty Brook Camp
One of my favorite
Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots
- PPeterScout
Betty Brook Camp
Pretty good place
I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done.
Guide to Esperance
The Esperance region sits on the edge of the Catskill Mountains at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, featuring a mix of rolling hills and small stream valleys. Camping options range from established campgrounds with equestrian facilities to remote dispersed sites along waterways. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer highs reaching the 80s and winter temperatures frequently below freezing.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: North-South Lake Campground connects to the Catskill Escarpment trail system, providing miles of scenic terrain. "Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," notes Maribeth W., though she cautions the area can get "always packed, but always beautiful."
Swimming in natural lakes: North-South Lake Campground offers multiple swimming areas across its two connected lakes. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H., highlighting the recreational water access beyond just horse-friendly amenities.
Fishing and paddling: The waters near Luzerne Campground provide various fishing opportunities for anglers. Robert L. confirms the "nice sites, great fishing" available, while the campground also offers boat rentals for water exploration without bringing your own equipment.
What campers like
Private sites with lake views: Campers appreciate the natural spacing between sites at Moreau Lake State Park Campground. Nancy W. notes, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed," making it ideal for those seeking some privacy while horse camping.
Clean facilities: The maintenance of bathroom and shower buildings receives consistent praise from visitors. "The showers are so nice and private and clean," reports Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground, where her family has returned for nearly 15 years, appreciating the consistent upkeep.
Stream-side camping: Dispersed camping along water features offers a different experience from established equestrian facilities. Robert B. describes Betty Brook Camp: "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," highlighting the natural water access different from more developed equestrian campgrounds.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The camping season varies significantly between sites, with most operating between May and October. North-South Lake Campground specifically runs "May 19 to October 22," according to park information, aligning with optimal riding weather in the region.
Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak summer months. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake Campground, indicating the competition for prime sites.
Remote location awareness: Some camping areas have limited services despite being accessible. Peter notes about Betty Brook Camp: "It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: Several campgrounds offer hiking and riding trails suitable for various skill levels. Jessica W. recommends, "A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground."
Educational opportunities: Murphy Lake Leanto offers a learning experience in wilderness skills and navigation. Tony F. describes, "This leanto is worth the effort it takes to get there... The Murphy Bennett Trails is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on... passing by two other bodies of water, Bennett and Middle Lakes."
Playground access: Families benefit from dedicated recreation areas at certain campgrounds. Nancy W. observes at Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy," providing an alternative activity when not riding or hiking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Not all horse-friendly campgrounds accommodate larger trailers and RVs. Peter cautions about Betty Brook Camp: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," suggesting equestrians with larger rigs research alternatives.
Access challenges: Some campground roads present challenges for navigating with horse trailers. Nancy W. notes about Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "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: Electric and water connections vary significantly between campgrounds. Robert L. mentions that Moreau Lake has "superb facilities as far as state run campsites go," though he notes it draws "large crowds of downstate tourists" during peak season due to these amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Esperance, NY?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Esperance, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Esperance, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Esperance, NY?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Esperance, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Esperance, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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