Moreau Lake State Park offers equestrian camping facilities approximately 80 miles from Jamaica, Vermont. The park enforces a two-pet-per-campsite policy that applies to horses and other animals. Trail riding opportunities extend through over 20 miles of wooded paths that connect camping areas with the southern portion of Lake George.
What to do
Horseback riding on varied terrain: Moreau Lake State Park provides multiple trail options with different difficulty levels for riders. According to one visitor, "Hiking trails become nice XC skiing trails" in winter months, indicating the multi-season versatility of the trail system.
Swimming at sandy beaches: The park maintains a beach area with lifeguard service during designated hours. "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours," notes Amber A., who found the lake perfect for a refreshing swim after trail riding activities.
Paddling the lake: Kayaking and canoeing allow visitors to explore Moreau Lake from a different perspective. David B. shares that it's "a nice swimming area and enough room to kayak around. The wildlife is fun to look at and it's a great destination year round."
Wildlife observation: The park's diverse ecosystems support various animal species visible from trails and waterways. "The wildlife is fun to look at," mentions David B., highlighting opportunities for nature photography and animal tracking while riding.
What campers like
Well-spaced, private sites: Campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites that creates privacy. As Michi P. explains, "It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private," making it ideal for horse owners who prefer seclusion.
Clean facilities: The maintenance of bathroom and shower facilities stands out to visitors. "Facilities are relatively modern but still basic, nice and clean," reports Amber A., noting the park's attention to cleanliness throughout all amenities.
Proximity to local attractions: The convenient location offers easy access to nearby destinations of interest. Leah B. mentions, "We love that it is close to Saratoga Springs as well," providing options for day trips during extended equestrian camping stays.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during shoulder seasons offers a quieter experience. Nancy W. observed, "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."
What you should know
Pet restrictions: The park strictly limits pets to two per campsite, which includes horses. Nancy W. reminds visitors to "Take note that only two pets are allowed per campsite, so plan accordingly if you are a pet owner."
Summer crowds: Peak season brings increased visitor numbers that can impact trail availability. Robert L. cautions that "during the summer season I wouldn't go here expecting to have the park to yourself," noting that "the park draws large crowds of downstate tourists."
Water temperature fluctuations: Shower facilities may have inconsistent water temperatures. Nancy W. mentions, "Both [restrooms and showers] were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower."
Seasonal amenities: Some facilities operate on limited schedules. Nancy W. noted that "The snack bar and gift/supplies shop at the sandy beach area were not open as we were there late in the season."
Tips for camping with families
Take advantage of playground areas: Children's play facilities provide entertainment options after trail riding. Matthew L. recommends the "Nice playground and beach, volleyball," which offers diverse recreation options for younger visitors.
Reserve well in advance: Family-friendly sites book quickly during peak periods. Harry H. mentions that "Many campsites are near the lake," making these premium locations that require early reservation, especially for families needing space for horses and equipment.
Explore hiking options for all abilities: Trail systems accommodate various experience levels. Michi P. highlights "Over 20 miles in hiking trails," providing options for family members who may not ride horses but want to explore the same areas on foot.
Tips from RVers
Maneuver carefully in Loop A: Large rigs require careful navigation through wooded areas. Nancy W. advises, "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV," and notes that "Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs."
Generator etiquette matters: While generators are permitted, usage should follow quiet hours. Nancy W. observed, "Generators are allowed but not too many people were using them. The few other campers around that used them were mindful of quiet hours."
Consider dry camping limitations: The park offers no utility hookups at standard sites. Nancy W. explains, "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower," which requires RVers to plan accordingly for water and power needs.
