Tom O.
Guide
GuideLuzerne Campground
Remote location
Clean, spacious sites. O shower in this loop.
Equestrian Camping near Schenectady, NY
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Arcadian Pastures Equine provides designated camping areas for horse owners near the riding trails. Located approximately 30 miles west of Schenectady, this campground accommodates tent and RV camping with spaces for horse trailers. Campsites include fire rings, picnic tables, and trash service. Riders have access to open pastures and wooded trails on the property, making it convenient for those traveling with horses. The terrain features rolling hills and varied woodland trails suitable for different riding skill levels. Large groups can reserve adjacent sites to create a communal equestrian camping experience.
Betty Brook Camp offers primitive horse camping along a scenic stream in Delaware County. The campground provides access to drinking water but has limited facilities, making it ideal for experienced equestrians seeking a more rustic experience. Campsites are situated along West Kill Road with stream access for horses. The remote location creates opportunities for peaceful trail riding without crowds or noise. Sites can accommodate smaller horse trailers but are not suitable for large rigs. Local riders appreciate the quiet, secluded nature of the camping area and its proximity to wooded trails. The campground remains open year-round, though access may be limited during winter months due to snow conditions. Reservations are not required, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Schenectady (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
- 11 min from Albany, NY
- 47 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 58 min from Kingston, NY
- 58 min from Pittsfield, MA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Schenectady, NY
2 Photos of 8 Schenectady Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Schenectady, NY
80 Reviews of 8 Schenectady 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 Schenectady
The southern Adirondack region near Schenectady offers diverse terrain for equestrian camping experiences. Trail systems range from gentle forest paths to more challenging routes through rolling hills. Winter temperatures typically drop to 10-20°F, while summer averages 70-85°F with moderate humidity, creating variable conditions for horse camping throughout the year.
What to do
Trail riding at diverse elevations: Murphy Lake Leanto provides access to technical trails through 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. The Murphy Bennett Trails is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on," notes Tony F.
Swimming with horses: Luzerne Campground offers lake access suitable for both riders and horses. "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. The campground provides dedicated facilities specifically designed for equestrian needs.
Seasonal riding options: Trails near Betty Brook Camp remain accessible during different 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. You camp on the stream," says Robert B., highlighting the year-round accessibility for horse owners.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Moreau Lake State Park Campground provides vegetative screening 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," says Michi P.
Proximity to local amenities: Locations near small towns provide convenient access to supplies. Peter notes about Betty Brook Camp: "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."
Access to water features: North-South Lake Campground offers multiple water bodies for horses and riders. "Two lakes. Highly recommended," states Luka M. succinctly. The dual lakes provide varied terrain and water access points suitable for equestrian camping needs.
What you should know
Trailer access limitations: Horse campgrounds near Schenectady vary in their ability to accommodate different trailer sizes. "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," Peter mentions regarding Betty Brook Camp.
Seasonal maintenance varies: Trail conditions fluctuate throughout the year. "The area is maintained, but wind happens in the old growth forest. Well marked with blue Trail Blazers, the trail snakes its way through the wilderness. Passing by two other bodies of water, Bennett and Middle Lakes, you pass through rocky, rooted terrain and pine tree barrens," explains Tony F. about the Murphy Lake area.
Advance reservations recommended: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "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," shares Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions: Locations with multiple activity options work best for families with varied interests. "Very close to great escape. Hiking available too," notes Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground, highlighting how the area combines equestrian facilities with other recreational opportunities.
Consider sites with beginner-friendly horse trails: Some areas offer gentler terrain suitable for young riders. "The campground provides access to open pastures and wooded trails with varied terrain suitable for different riding skill levels," explains a visitor to Arcadian Pastures Equine.
Choose campgrounds with convenient stores nearby: Country Campsites and similar locations offer proximity to necessary supplies. "The little mom and pop store across the street is perfect for last minute needs and have the best homemade chocolate cream pie," shares Antoinette W., emphasizing the convenience of nearby provisioning options.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for tight access points: Navigating horse trailers through campground roads requires planning. "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," says Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park.
Verify hookup availability for longer stays: Equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer varied amenities. "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," reports Nancy W., providing important information for RVers planning extended stays with horses.
Research dump station locations: Many horse campgrounds near Schenectady have limited waste disposal facilities. "Nicely treed sites and cabins with a pretty lake. Hiking, biking, swimming, boat/canoe/paddleboard rentals. No hookups but does have dump station. Pets allowed. We really like it here," explains Nancy K. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Schenectady, NY?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Schenectady, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Schenectady, NY is Moreau Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Schenectady, NY?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Schenectady, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Schenectady, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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