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 Johnsonville, NY
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Luzerne Campground accommodates horses with specialized stalls at campsites designed for equestrians. The facilities are maintained by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and provide direct access to several wooded trails suitable for horseback riding. Campers can reserve sites that come with horse stalls, making it one of the few locations in the region where riders can camp alongside their animals. The campground features electric hookups, water access, showers, and sites that accommodate tents and RVs. Operating seasonally from May 19 to September 10, Luzerne is known among the riding community as the only campground in New York that provides dedicated sites with horse stalls. The campground consistently receives high ratings from equestrians who appreciate the specialized accommodations.
Located approximately 40 miles north of Johnsonville, Luzerne offers horse owners easy access to multiple trail systems through densely wooded terrain. The nearby Hudson River and lake provide scenic riding opportunities with varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. Horse campers should bring their own feed and water buckets, as the facility provides the stalls but not supplies. Trailer parking is available at designated equestrian sites, which should be reserved well in advance during peak summer months. The nearby country store carries essential supplies for both riders and horses. Waste management facilities are available for manure disposal, and the campground enforces proper cleanup policies. Riders particularly value the deep woods setting and private beach areas where horses can access water after trail rides.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Johnsonville (6)
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. 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 Availability3. 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."
4. NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins
from $125 - $500 / night
Check Availability5. Arcadian Pastures Equine
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability6. Country Campsites
from $55 - $195 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 36 min from Albany, NY
- 45 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 1 hr 2 min from Pittsfield, MA
- 1 hr 57 min from Amherst Center, MA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Johnsonville, NY
1 Photos of 6 Johnsonville Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Johnsonville, NY
34 Reviews of 6 Johnsonville 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.
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.
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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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 Johnsonville
Equestrian camping near Johnsonville, New York centers around the Adirondack foothills region where densely wooded terrain meets accessible waterways. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August and cooler nights around 55-65°F. Trails typically dry by late May after spring mud season, making the camping season optimal from late May through early October.
What to do
Trail riding on technical terrain: At Murphy Lake Leanto, riders can access challenging forest paths. "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," notes Tony F., highlighting the natural obstacles that make this route appealing to experienced riders.
Lake swimming with horses: At Luzerne Campground, riders appreciate the natural swimming areas. "We loved being deep in the woods! It was nice to have a little country store right across the street from the entrance of the campground," shares Emily B., referring to the convenient supplies available after a long day on horseback.
Family-friendly fishing excursions: Luzerne offers excellent fishing opportunities between trail rides. Robert L. notes, "Older camp facilities but well maintained, nice swim at your own risk beach (no guards), boat rentals, good fishing," making it suitable for riders who also enjoy angling between trail sessions.
What campers like
Private beach access: The less crowded areas of Luzerne are preferred by regular visitors. "Love 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," explains Dan H., describing areas where horses can cool off away from crowds.
Proximity to regional attractions: Moreau Lake State Park Campground serves as a strategic base for exploring the region. "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," states Harry H., noting its convenience for riders planning multi-destination trips.
Consistent quality: Regular visitors value the reliability of facilities. "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 Antoinette W., highlighting the consistent management that draws repeat equestrian visitors.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Moreau Lake State Park has defined operational dates. "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," notes Nancy W., describing the basic but functional facilities available to riders.
Limited site availability: Due to specialization, equestrian sites fill quickly. "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!" confirms Brittnay B., emphasizing the uniqueness that creates high demand.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Country Campsites provides access to trails that require preparation. Trails can become muddy after rainfall, requiring flexible itineraries and appropriate footwear for both humans and horses during spring and after summer storms.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple recreational options: Luzerne offers activities beyond horseback riding. "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!" shares Amy M., describing complementary activities for family members of all riding abilities.
Adventure proximity: NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins provides access to diverse activities. Troy H. notes about the region, "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," listing options that accommodate riders and non-riders alike.
Site selection strategy: At Moreau Lake, site choice affects experience. "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," explains Nancy W., with implications for horse trailers as well.
Tips from RVers
Maneuvering considerations: Arcadian Pastures Equine requires careful navigation with horse trailers. Limited turning space means backing into sites requires practice, particularly for longer rigs. Arrive during daylight hours for easier setup.
Generator policies vary: Moreau Lake has specific power guidelines. "Generators are allowed but not too many people were using them. The few other campers around that used them were mindful of quiet hours," explains Nancy W., noting an important consideration for those requiring electricity for horse-related equipment.
Seasonal facility limitations: Robert L. notes, "The park has a large number of hiking trails for every level of outdoorsman and the staff is friendly and helpful," but also mentions that certain amenities close during shoulder seasons, requiring self-sufficiency with supplies during spring and fall visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Johnsonville, NY?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Johnsonville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Johnsonville, 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
Johnsonville, NY?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Johnsonville, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Johnsonville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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