Luzerne Campground serves as the only facility in the southeastern Adirondack region specifically designed for equestrians. The campground operates seasonally from May 19 through September 10 with full hookups for RVs and tent camping options. Located in Lake Luzerne near Hadley, New York, the elevation ranges between 700-900 feet, providing moderate temperatures through summer camping season with average highs in the mid-80s during peak months.
What to do
White water rafting excursions: Several outfitters operate on the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers near Lake Luzerne offering rafting experiences appropriate for various skill levels. "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," notes a visitor to Luzerne Campground.
Kayaking on Murphy Lake: For a more peaceful water experience, paddle the serene waters at Murphy Lake, accessible via hiking trail. "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," explains a reviewer about reaching Murphy Lake Leanto, which offers a secluded lake paddling experience away from motorized boats.
Biking technical trails: Mountain bikers can challenge themselves on the Murphy Bennett Trails system. "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 wind happens in the old growth forest," shares a visitor describing the terrain surrounding the wilderness camping options.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campsites offer natural separation and privacy, enhancing the wilderness experience. At Moreau Lake State Park, campers appreciate the natural screening between sites: "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," writes a visitor to Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Luzerne offers good fishing with convenient access from campsites. "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," notes a regular visitor to Luzerne Campground.
Country store access: The convenience store across from Luzerne Campground provides essential supplies and local treats. "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!" reports a camper who appreciated this practical amenity.
What you should know
Cell service and remote work options: For those needing connectivity, coverage varies significantly by location. At Frontier Town Campground, one camper shares: "We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It's really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. We had fantastic connection."
Seasonal insect considerations: Biting insects can be problematic in early summer around horse campgrounds near Hadley, New York. "I saw the bugs, some of them clearly mosquitoes and I never saw one get away with biting me. But I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June," warns a camper who visited Frontier Town.
Supply planning: Limited shopping options mean preparing ahead is essential. "Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it," advises a camper, highlighting the limited retail options near some campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Family-friendly swimming areas provide entertainment for children. "My daughter loves it here. We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes," shares a repeat visitor to Luzerne Campground who has returned for 15 consecutive years.
Playground amenities: Some campgrounds offer play equipment to keep children entertained. "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. There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy," notes a visitor to Moreau Lake State Park.
Multi-generational appeal: These equestrian-friendly campgrounds often become family traditions. "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," explains a camper, highlighting how horse-friendly campgrounds near Hadley become part of family traditions spanning generations.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging site configurations for larger rigs. "Sites are built wrong so it is hard to get you camper into your site correct," notes a camper at Frontier Town Campground, while another mentions: "I was in site 43, it was long enough it could have fit two of the biggest RVs I have ever seen."
Shower temperature variations: Facilities vary in terms of hot water reliability. "The bathrooms are the cleanest I've seen so far and we do this full time. The only disappointment was that the hot water doesn't get very hot in the shower so you better do some jumping jacks to get pumped before showering during colder temps!" advises a full-time RVer sharing practical insights about facility quality.
