Luzerne 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!
Moreau Lake State Park Campground accommodates horse owners with basic facilities for equestrian visitors. The campground allows pets with a two-pet-per-site limit and features spacious, wooded campsites providing natural separation between neighboring sites. The trails system offers over 20 miles of paths suitable for various skill levels, making it practical for day rides. Spacious campsites can accommodate vehicles with horse trailers, though advance planning is recommended during peak summer months when the campground experiences higher visitation.
Located approximately 20 minutes from Lake George, the campground connects to an extensive network of riding trails through the surrounding forest areas. Trail riders access multiple route options ranging from gentle terrain to more challenging elevations. The park maintains carry-in, carry-out policies with no specialized equine waste management systems in place. Water access is available for horses at designated points throughout the property. The campground operates seasonally from May through mid-October with peak horse-friendly conditions in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and insect activity is reduced. Reservations are strongly recommended for equestrians as suitable sites with adequate space for trailers fill quickly during summer weekends.
$20 - $75 / night
"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."
$22 / night
"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."
$125 - $500 / night
"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."
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!
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.
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!
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.
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,.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers additional features beyond its equestrian facilities. The campground provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities centered around its 120-acre lake. Non-motorized boats are permitted on the water, with kayak and canoe rentals available during peak season. The park contains over 4,600 acres of forest and lake habitat with terrain varying from shoreline wetlands to mountain ridges.
Water activities: Moreau Lake features a sandy beach with swimming access from late May through early September when lifeguards are present. According to one visitor at Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours. Facilities are relatively modern but still basic, nice and clean. Most sites aren't right along the lake but it's still so close."
Horseback trail riding: The Lake Luzerne area provides specialized accommodations for equestrian camping near Salem, New York. One visitor notes that Luzerne Campground is "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!"
Backcountry hiking: For more adventurous campers, the Murphy Lake area offers remote wilderness access. A camper reported that reaching Murphy Lake Leanto requires effort: "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... passing by two other bodies of water, Bennett and Middle Lakes, you pass through rocky, rooted terrain and pine tree barrens."
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the natural separation at Moreau Lake. A reviewer states, "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."
Clean facilities: The maintenance of bathhouses receives positive feedback at Luzerne Campground, with one camper noting, "The showers are so nice and private and clean. Love that we can rent boats too."
Strategic location: The proximity to regional attractions appeals to many visitors. One camper appreciated that Moreau Lake "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."
Summer crowds: Due to its accessibility and amenities, peak season brings significant visitor traffic. A regular camper at Moreau Lake State Park Campground notes: "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."
Fishing limitations: While fishing is popular, pressure affects the experience. One visitor observed: "Lake is nice for canoeing and kayaking but fish number and sizes are limited due to number of people fishing it on a regular basis."
Convenience services: Local resources supplement camping provisions. A reviewer mentioned that near Luzerne Campground, "the little mom and pop store across the street is perfect for last minute needs and have the best homemade chocolate cream pie."
Beach activities: The lakefront areas are designed with families in mind. One visitor to Luzerne Campground shared: "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!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Recreational facilities cater to younger campers. A visitor to Moreau Lake noted: "Fun time; great amenities. Nice playground and beach, volleyball."
Loop selection: For family camping with equestrian needs near Salem, New York, specific campground areas offer better experiences. A camper advised: "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."
Maneuvering considerations: Trees and natural features require careful navigation. An RV camper cautioned: "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV."
Seasonal facilities: Amenities vary throughout the operating season. A late-season visitor noted: "The snack bar and gift/supplies shop at the sandy beach area were not open as we were there late in the season."
Dry camping preparation: Despite the lack of hookups, the camping experience remains positive. An RVer shared: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Salem, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Salem, 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 Salem, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Salem, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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