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Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park provides accommodations for pets throughout its established campground. Campers report the staff are friendly and facilities are well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and modern amenities. The park permits dogs on leash across its tent sites, RV spots, and common areas. Hide-A-Way Campsites and Frosty Acres Campground also welcome pets with designated pet-friendly areas. Most campgrounds in the Esperance area require pets to remain leashed at all times, with owners responsible for waste cleanup. Seasonal availability varies by location, with Thompson's Lake operating from April 29 to October 10, and Hide-A-Way Campsites running from May 11 to October 14.
Max V. Shaul State Park Campground maintains clean, well-kept grounds with spacious sites set far apart from each other, making it ideal for campers with pets who need extra space. The park features newly renovated bathhouses and family bathrooms accessible to all guests. Trails near the campgrounds provide opportunities for dog walking, with Vroman's Nose hiking area located nearby. Betty Brook Camp offers remote streamside camping where visitors sometimes go entire stays without encountering other campers. During summer months, Thompson's Lake provides swimming opportunities, though pets are typically restricted from beach and swimming areas. Campground quiet hours apply to barking dogs, and most locations require proof of current rabies vaccination at check-in.
"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 $17 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Pet friendly. Kid friendly. Huge club house and store that was closed for the big. Arcade, grill, pool table and small store. Lp gas. Wifi is so so. Backed up to state forest land. Enjoy!!!"
"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"Friendly staff, lots of dogs, all on leash!"
"Just ok distance between camp sites. If we return we might try the more upper loop further from the front"
from $17 - $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."
"There is electric at most sites with water near the ends and there is a tent area with nothing. Also each site had large fire pits and picnic tables!!"
"I did some light biking, walking around and mostly relaxing at the campsite. The electricity and running water work 100%, the campsite was cleared and clean. "
from $17 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Best of all, you can bring your pets!"
"It is pet friendly. We stayed with our 3 small children. Enjoyed bike riding through the park. water was beautiful. Lots of waterfront access."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $239 / night
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TravelerCamp is pretty close together but most spots have a thick tree line between them which is nice. You still get a bit of road noise off the bridge and surrounding areas but it’s not to bad and the views at the boat launch on the Hudson are gorgeous
TravelerThis is a quick and easy pull off that is large enough to accommodate most vehicles. Only con which wasn’t that big of an issue was that you are close to the road, so any vehicles going by which wasn’t many you would hear. Besides that you are in dark and quiet state forest. I would recommend this to someone for a quick overnight stay rather than an extended stay.
ScoutI stayed here in March 2026 for a night before going snowboarding at Belleayre Mountain. It was in the middle of a snowstorm on a Tuesday night, so I had the whole place to myself, which was nice.
ScoutSpaces were easy in/out. Mature trees between sites. Pool, office, pickleball, k9kamp, bathrooms were all nice.
GuideThe park looks fantastic! Well maintained camp sites and beautiful river sceneries from the boat launch area!
Bathhouse is one of the best I have seen!
Check in was smooth. Everyone was courteous!
LegendMostly peaceful campground with nice spots, most of which offer some privacy. If you are bothered by trains, note that you will hear them in the background quite frequently from the railroad bridge that passes over the Hudson River. It's not loud by any means, but you can hear them.
The state park staff and the camp hosts were all very friendly, and it has some of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen in a state park.
Site 20 is a pull through site and it's huge, and while it is next to the shower building, it's far enough away that it really isn't a problem. Also, the field between you and the shower building is a fantastic spot to set up a Starlink dish.
Travelerbeautiful quiet space, great home base for the Catskills and small towns around here. note there's only a few spots. road conditions were fine.
LegendWhat 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!
North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills offers lakeside camping approximately 60 miles southeast of Esperance, New York. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,600-2,200 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with limited winter facilities available.
Fishing opportunities: Families camping with pets can find excellent fishing at Thompson's Lake Campground where the lake supports multiple species. "The lake offers great swimming and boating," notes Chris D., who appreciates its accessibility "less than an hour from Albany, so it's an easy way to get out of the city for a day or two."
Hiking with dogs: Many trails near Esperance welcome leashed dogs, particularly at North-South Lake Campground which connects to the Catskill Escarpment trail system. "Hiking was near by and also the beach and if you wanted to drive to where the falls are and the overlook it wasn't too far!" reports Katarina P., highlighting the diverse terrain options.
Water activities: For campers seeking pet-friendly locations with swimming access, consider the recreational options at North-South Lake. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," says Lizz H., referencing the lake's popularity during summer months.
Privacy between sites: Campers with pets appreciate the spacing at Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, where sites are designed for comfort. "The sites are large, flat and sited well apart from each other," notes Holly R., adding that while there are "no hookups, just a picnic table, firepit," the space makes up for minimal amenities.
Clean facilities: Pet owners frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as important when traveling with animals. "Great bathroom facilities and dish washing station!" reports Melissa S. about Thompson's Lake Campground, reinforcing its reputation for maintenance.
Family-friendly amenities: Campers with children and pets appreciate dedicated recreational spaces. "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," shares Dana O. about Thompson's Lake.
Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Esperance require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Schodack Island State Park, campers note the popularity: "Located in the Hudson River Valley south of Albany lies this nice and clean campground. Firewood can be delivered to your campsite as well as Ice."
Pet policies vary: While most campgrounds allow pets, specific rules differ regarding leash requirements and restricted areas. "Pets friendly. Kid friendly," notes James S. about Frosty Acres Campground, but most sites enforce strict leash regulations.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping comfort significantly. "The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers," notes Kevin C. about Schodack Island State Park, highlighting how vegetation provides shade during summer months.
Playground access: Families camping with both children and pets should consider sites near recreational areas. "This campground has a secret gem. They have new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms. There's a playground, a pavilion, they do fireside jams," shares Margaret L. about Max V. Shaul State Park.
Beach proximity: When camping with kids and pets, waterfront sites provide entertainment options. "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too and the bathrooms are refurbished! It's absolutely beautiful!" explains Sabrina H. about Thompson's Lake.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs suitable for families. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot," notes Brittany W. about North-South Lake Campground, referencing nearby natural attractions.
Site spacing considerations: RV campers with pets appreciate Hide-A-Way Campsites for their layout. "Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot. Gravel unlevel pad full hookups," reports Jackie M., noting the assistance provided.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies between campgrounds. "This is a small campground but very quiet and nice. The people that run it are very nice and accommodating," says Lee H. about Hide-A-Way Campsites, emphasizing service quality over size.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads that can be difficult for larger rigs. "The roads in are definitely patched and bumpy, but once your in the loop things are smooth!" advises Brittany V. about Schodack Island, providing practical navigation guidance for RV drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Esperance, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Esperance, NY is Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Esperance, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 116 dog-friendly camping locations near Esperance, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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