Betty Brook Camp offers horse-friendly dispersed camping in New York's rural Schoharie region, where the terrain alternates between rolling hills and densely forested landscapes. The primitive camping area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation with seasonal weather patterns typical of the northeast, including potential for heavy snowfall during winter months. Water levels in the adjacent stream fluctuate seasonally, affecting both accessibility and water collection options.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The surrounding state land near Betty Brook Camp provides multiple options for riding excursions throughout the area. As one equestrian camper notes, "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."
Swimming and water recreation: North-South Lake Campground offers excellent swimming options during summer months. A regular visitor mentions, "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time."
Hiking trail exploration: The extensive trail network at Moreau Lake State Park Campground supports multi-season exploration. According to one hiker, "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."
What campers like
Solitude and remoteness: Many equestrian campers value the isolation available at primitive sites in the Schoharie region. One camper at Betty Brook Camp shares, "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots."
Family-friendly amenities: North-South Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its family orientation. A camper notes, "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront."
Natural setting: The wooded environment creates a sense of privacy despite site proximity. A Moreau Lake visitor explains, "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."
What you should know
Limited services: The rural nature of equestrian camping near Schoharie means preparation is essential. A local camper at Murphy Lake Leanto advises, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly throughout the year. Equestrian facilities may have limited maintenance during off-peak periods. Betty Brook Camp remains accessible year-round but requires proper equipment during winter.
Site selection strategy: Reserve early for premium locations, especially during summer months. A North-South Lake visitor recommends, "Reserve very early for waterfront."
Tips for camping with families
Amenities assessment: When horse camping with children, prioritize sites with basic necessities. One Moreau Lake visitor notes, "Nice state campground, very clean, nice staff. 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."
Activity planning: North-South Lake Campground provides diverse recreation options suitable for various ages. A family camper shares, "This campsite is by far my favorite in the Catskills! Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean, & the hiking nearby is fantastic."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature fluctuations common in the region, particularly for shoulder seasons. Bring extra layers and rain gear for unexpected weather changes when horse camping near Schoharie.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many equestrian camping areas have restricted space for larger rigs. At Betty Brook Camp, a local resident advises, "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."
Access challenges: Some access roads to horse-friendly campgrounds have tight turns or steep sections. Smaller tow vehicles may be preferable when hauling horse trailers to remote sites near Schoharie.
Setup considerations: Plan your campsite layout carefully when combining RVs with horse containment needs. Ensure sufficient space between your rig, temporary corrals, and natural features.
Legend
