Tom O.
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GuideLuzerne Campground
Remote location
Clean, spacious sites. O shower in this loop.
Equestrian Camping near Rotterdam Junction, NY
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Arcadian Pastures Equine campground serves riders exploring the scenic Rotterdam Junction area. Located in New York state with access to regional bridle trails, this established campground accommodates both tent and RV campers who bring horses. The campground provides alcohol and fires are permitted, with firewood available on site. Campground facilities include picnic tables and trash collection, though the site lacks electric hookups, water connections, and specific horse corrals. The campground is accessible by vehicle with both drive-in and walk-in options available. Trail riders find the location convenient for exploring the surrounding countryside, though limited amenities mean guests should come prepared with necessary supplies.
Betty Brook Camp offers a more rustic dispersed camping experience for horse enthusiasts near Rotterdam Junction. This primitive campground features drinking water access and allows pets, making it suitable for riders traveling with dogs alongside their horses. Located along Betty Brook with sites positioned along the stream, the camp provides a remote experience where visitors sometimes camp for days without seeing anyone else. The campground is accessible via West Kill Road but has limited facilities with no electric hookups, showers, or toilets. Fires are permitted, and picnic tables are available. The small town approximately 8 miles away offers basic supplies through a gas station store. The site's modest size makes it unsuitable for large trailers, but its location within state park land provides extensive trail access for riding opportunities.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Rotterdam Junction (8)
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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $75 / night
2. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $44 / night
3. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $40 / night
4. Arcadian Pastures Equine
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $150 / night
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. 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
Check Availabilityfrom $55 - $195 / night
8. Artisan Hill Farm & Studio
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $40 / night
Drive Time
- 17 min from Albany, NY
- 51 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 56 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 3 min from Pittsfield, MA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Rotterdam Junction, NY
2 Photos of 8 Rotterdam Junction Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Rotterdam Junction, NY
80 Reviews of 8 Rotterdam Junction 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 Rotterdam Junction
Dispersed camping options near Rotterdam Junction, New York offer access to the eastern foothills of the Adirondacks and the northern Catskill Mountains. The region sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperatures varying from below freezing in winter to 80°F in summer. Most dispersed camping areas require campers to pack out all trash and maintain at least 150 feet distance from water sources.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Murphy Lake Leanto provides access to challenging wilderness paths in old growth forest. "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... Once at the large Leanto, you will find a fire pit and ample room for many tents if needed plus a lake full of water," notes Tony F. about Murphy Lake Leanto.
Swimming in natural lakes: Several campgrounds offer swim areas without lifeguards. "Nice swim at your own risk beach (no guards), boat rentals, good fishing," reports Robert L. about Luzerne Campground. The lake provides cooling relief during summer months with water temperatures typically reaching 70°F by mid-June.
Horseback riding on established trails: Equestrian campers can access designated trails from specific campgrounds. "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!" explains Brittnay B. about Luzerne Campground, making it a notable option among horse campgrounds near Rotterdam Junction.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites. "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," shares Michi P. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Stream-side camping: Some dispersed sites offer waterfront camping opportunities. "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," explains Robert B. about Betty Brook Camp. These water-adjacent sites provide natural white noise and convenient water access for filtering.
Year-round accessibility: Certain areas remain open through all seasons. "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," notes Robert B. about Betty Brook Camp.
What you should know
Limited facilities at remote sites: Primitive camping areas have few amenities. "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," explains Peter about Betty Brook Camp.
Seasonal crowds at established campgrounds: Popular parks can get busy during peak times. "Campground and swimming area becomes very crowded, especially on holiday weekend due to proximity to I-87 and number of downstate tourists that frequent the park," warns Robert L. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Variable shower conditions: Even at developed campgrounds, amenities can be inconsistent. "Both [restrooms and showers] were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower," reports Nancy W. about North-South Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "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. There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy," mentions Nancy W. about North-South Lake Campground.
Choose campgrounds with swimming options: Water activities provide entertainment for all ages. "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 Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground.
Consider proximity to emergency supplies: Having stores nearby helps with forgotten items. "The little mom and pop store across the street is perfect for last minute needs and have the best homemade chocolate cream pie," notes Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site access and size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," cautions Peter about Betty Brook Camp.
Be prepared for tight turns: Tree-lined roads can create challenges for bigger vehicles. "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)," advises Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Plan for generator-free camping: Many equestrian camping areas near Rotterdam Junction don't permit generators, requiring alternative power solutions or battery conservation strategies. This applies particularly at primitive horse campgrounds where natural quiet is prioritized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Rotterdam Junction, NY?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rotterdam Junction, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rotterdam Junction, 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
Rotterdam Junction, NY?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rotterdam Junction, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Rotterdam Junction, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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