B
Brittnay B.
Scout
ScoutLuzerne Campground
Defenitly in the woods!
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!
Equestrian Camping near Fonda, NY
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Only a few horse-friendly camping areas exist in the Fonda, New York region, with Arcadian Pastures Equine serving as the primary dedicated equestrian camping destination. This established campground accommodates both tents and RVs with drive-in and walk-in access options, though it lacks significant amenities. The campground provides picnic tables and allows campfires with firewood available on site. Trash collection is provided, but the facility lacks drinking water, hookups, toilets, and showers. While specific horse-related facilities aren't detailed in available data, the campground's equine focus suggests appropriate accommodations for horses.
The surrounding region offers several alternative camping options within driving distance, though these lack specific horse facilities. Betty Brook Camp provides dispersed camping with tent and RV accommodation approximately 40 miles south of Fonda. The campground sits alongside a stream with drinking water and picnic tables available. Moreau Lake State Park, about 50 miles northeast, offers extensive trail systems potentially suitable for day rides. Murphy Lake Leanto provides a free, primitive camping option accessible only by hiking in, making it unsuitable for horses but notable for its secluded lakeside setting. Most campers report rarely encountering other visitors at the dispersed sites, providing quiet experiences for those seeking remote camping.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Fonda (7)
1. 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 $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability2. Arcadian Pastures Equine
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability3. 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 / night
Check Availability4. 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."
5. 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."
6. Artisan Hill Farm & Studio
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability7. Country Campsites
from $55 - $195 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 31 min from Albany, NY
- 41 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr from Glens Falls, NY
- 1 hr 18 min from Pittsfield, MA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Fonda, NY
2 Photos of 7 Fonda Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fonda, NY
36 Reviews of 7 Fonda Campgrounds
- HHarry H.
RangerMoreau Lake State Park Campground
South of the ADKs
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. The sites are shady and close together, but still feel fairly private. We enjoyed the hiking trails and beach while camping, then went further north for the full ADK experience.
C O.RangerMt. Kenyon Campground - CLOSED
Good central location to visit the ADK
Although the campground was right off the road, it's still in a forest with big pine trees and mossy boulders. It was easy to access from 87. Given the proximity to the road, there is road noise, so that doesn't allow for that super outdoorsy experience you might desire. At night though it would get very dark and quiet - there weren't a lot of campers there during our stay. The camphost lives in a home onsite and was mostly helpful. Be sure to mention the 5 nights for 4 deal on their website upfront, otherwise she won't reimburse. Upon working with her to extend our stay, she said people were scheduled to come into our spot. We moved and no one arrived, so that was a bit annoying.
To get to the sites, we had to take it a bit slow because there are some low hanging trees and a turn, but made it fine. Our first site, 22, was a back-in, 30 amp, full hook-up. It was a long site with plenty of room for our RV and SUV. We had to back it up to the very end to find the flattest option to level. With the way they have their sites set up, you need a 50 ft hose for water. This site was close to the showerhouse but next to a longterm trailer with crap everywhere and we weren't super thrilled that was our view from our windows in our living area. Our second site, 50, was also a back-in, 30 amp, full hookup. It was very pretty but hard to level. The site slopes up, so the backend was high. We tried about every way to sit our rig in there to level, but we ended up driving our front tires up on some leveling blocks and went up with the jacks as much as we safely could. We didn't get a perfect level, but we decided it was ok since we only had 2 days left. We had to wiggle our SUV in kind of sideways, but it worked.
There were some "residents" there in tents, which was interesting and a couple longterm trailers (with the typical cluttered lots you see at campgrounds that offer longterm stays). The campground is clean and the shower houses were faithfully cleaned everyday around 11a. Showerhouses were dated, but had super hot water for showers.
A few miles further down the road is the town of Lake Luzerne. We visited their small grocery which had the basics and we ate at one of the restaurants which had a view of the water (Upriver Cafe). The campground was in a perfect location to visit Lake George and surrounding area (Six Flags, outlet shops, putt-putt, restaurants etc). If you're wanting to explore even more you're only 1.5 hrs to Lake Placid and the Green Mountain National Forest.
Work was difficult with my husband dependent on AT&T. The Weboost got Verizon working fine, but AT&T was spotty. We had some issues with our RV that we were trying to get fixed locally which extended our stay, otherwise we would have left earlier due to this. The camphost told us that they had invested in some sort of mini Verizon tower for their personal use, so that was what was helping the Verizon signal. The campground offers wifi at the office/pool/rec room area, but when the "residents" come down, it brings it to a snails pace. My husband would go down there in the morning to work and had to go to Starbucks in Lake George at times when all the kids at camp decided to be on their devices at the same time.
Pool is not heated, so not many people were using it. They charge $2 per garbage bag to be put in their dumpster. They sell a few necessities in their office and firewood. They have laundry with 1 working residential washer $1 and 1 residential dryer $.75 and 1 industrial sized dryer $1. We did a couple loads with no issue. They are outside in a patio area.
Bring the bug spray. The mosquitos were as big as birds and tenacious!
Nancy W.
LegendMoreau Lake State Park Campground
Beautiful State Park
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). 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. We found it enjoyable just to hang out in the park rather than trying to find things to do in the area. After hiking and paddling, we loved relaxing out at our campsite with a campfire.
Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV. Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed. Generators are allowed but not too many people were using them. The few other campers around that used them were mindful of quiet hours. Since it was still a little cool and our windows were closed and we never heard anyone’s generator. The park was not very crowded when we were there, but we can imagine it could get very busy and noisy in the busy summer season. The beach area seems to be a draw for people so the summer camping season is probably packed. The snack bar and gift/supplies shop at the sandy beach area were not open as we were there late in the season. There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy.
This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower. Both were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower. Oh well, the shower felt good after our active days. There are two pavilions you can rent which are nice if big groups want to gather. Take note that only two pets are allowed per campsite, so plan accordingly if you are a pet owner.
Access is fairly easy, just off I-87, and there are plenty of signs directing you which way to go. Saratoga Springs and Lake George are nearby if you want to explore. We recommend visiting the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, if you have time. We would definitely stay here again.
- Robert L.
TravelerMoreau Lake State Park Campground
Awesome Facilities, LOTS of Downstate Tourists
Moreau Lake has (in my opinion) superb facilities as far as state run campsites go. The beach is nice, large picnic facilities, and the campgrounds are well maintained with nice bathroom/shower buildings.The park has a large number of hiking trails for every level of outdoorsman and the staff is friendly and helpful. The main issue is the fact that due to it's proximity to I-87 and being conveniently located 20 minutes from both Lake George and Saratoga Springs the park draws large crowds of downstate tourists, not itself a wholey bad thing but during the summer season I wouldnt go here expecting to have the park to yourself,.
- AAntoinette W.Traveler
Luzerne Campground
Best family campground
we have been going to this campground for almost 15 years and my husband went here a a kid with his family. We always get the same site, for 15 years. My daughter loves it here. 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. Also, the little mom and pop store across the street is perfect for last minute needs and have the best homemade chocolate cream pie. Very close to great escape. Hiking available too.
- DDan H.Traveler
Luzerne Campground
My favorite place
My overall favorite place. Lover being on the far side of the lake with the private beach and no motorboats allowed. Tons of bike riding options. Great little lake for kayaking and fishing. Minutes away from Lake George village. Great little diners and shops in town of Hadley/Luzerne also.
- Allison H.Traveler
Moreau Lake State Park Campground
Great weekend getaway
My partner and I stayed at Moreau Lake State Park and were not disappointed. Tons of camping trails at varying distances, clean bathrooms with showers, well maintained sites, and a nice selection of activities. About a 20 minute drive from the southern tip of Lake George if you wanted to go off site. Will definitely be back!
- AAntoinette W.Traveler
Luzerne Campground
Best family campground
we have been going to this campground for almost 15 years and my husband went here a a kid with his family. We always get the same site, for 15 years. My daughter loves it here. 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. Also, the little mom and pop store across the street is perfect for last minute needs and have the best homemade chocolate cream pie.
Guide to Fonda
Horse campsites near Fonda, New York are concentrated along the eastern edge of the Adirondack Park and the surrounding region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet and experiences cold winters with moderate snowfall and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms. Camping options span from primitive sites with minimal facilities to established campgrounds with designated equestrian accommodations, though availability is limited.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: At Luzerne Campground, equestrians can access trails suitable for various skill levels. "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!" notes Brittnay B. The surrounding area offers additional riding options, with Tony F. mentioning "The Murphy Bennett Trails is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on."
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide fishing opportunities in local lakes and streams. Robert L. describes Luzerne as having "nice sites, great fishing" while Dan H. notes it's a "Great little lake for kayaking and fishing." The streams at Betty Brook Camp also attract anglers, with its streamside camping locations providing convenient access.
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas provide cooling relief during summer months. Luzerne Campground features a "nice swim at your own risk beach (no guards)" according to Robert L. Antoinette W. shares, "We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Moreau Lake State Park Campground receives praise for its site separation. Michi P. notes, "I love the spacious campsites. It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private." Nancy W. confirms, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed."
Quiet atmosphere: The dispersed camping at Betty Brook Camp offers solitude for those seeking peaceful surroundings. Robert B. shares, "Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream." This quieter alternative contrasts with busier established campgrounds in the region.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds in the region provide convenient access to nearby destinations. Troy H. mentions 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." Emily B. adds, "It was nice to have a little country store right across the street from the entrance of the campground."
What you should know
Seasonal factors: Moreau Lake experiences significant visitor fluctuations throughout the year. Robert L. explains, "The park was not very crowded when we were there, but we can imagine it could get very busy and noisy in the busy summer season. The beach area seems to be a draw for people so the summer camping season is probably packed."
Access challenges: Some campsites require significant effort to reach. Murphy Lake Leanto demands physical exertion, with Tony F. warning, "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." He continues, "be prepared to go over downfalls. The area is maintained, but wind happens in the old growth forest."
Limited facilities: Many equestrian camping sites provide minimal amenities. Peter from Betty Brook Camp notes, "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
Child-friendly activities: Country Campsites and Luzerne offer amenities that appeal to children. Antoinette W. shares, "My daughter loves it here," and Amy M. agrees, "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!"
Multiple recreation options: Moreau Lake provides diverse activities suitable for various ages. David B. states it's a "Cute little state park that has a nice swimming area and enough room to kayak around." Matthew L. adds there's a "Nice playground and beach, volleyball."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Luzerne receives praise from Antoinette W., who states, "The showers are so nice and private and clean." By contrast, primitive sites like Murphy Lake Leanto lack bathroom facilities entirely, requiring families to prepare accordingly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Artisan Hill Farm & Studio, RV spots are limited, making early reservations essential. For those with larger rigs, Nancy W. advises about Moreau Lake: "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)."
Size limitations: Several campgrounds have restrictions that affect larger vehicles. Peter warns about Betty Brook Camp, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small." Most equestrian-focused sites accommodate standard-sized horse trailers but may present challenges for combined living quarter trailers.
Hookup availability: Utility connections vary significantly. Nancy W. notes, "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower," regarding Moreau Lake. Luzerne offers more services, with electric hookups, water hookups, and sanitary dump stations available to RV campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Fonda, NY?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fonda, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fonda, NY is Moreau Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Fonda, NY?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fonda, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Fonda, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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