Thacher State Park RV & Campground Guide
New York
Located in Voorheesville, NY, Thacher State Park allows scenic views of the Green and Adirondack Mountains, as well as the Mohawk Valleys. Its location along the Helderberg Escarpment makes it a great destination for hikers, bikers, explorers, and anyone who loves nature. Inside the park are playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic areas, 25 miles of trails, and 140 primitive campsites, among other facilities. When you are not zip-lining, playing aerial games, or engaging in any other games in the park, you can visit the nearby towns of Albany, Rotterdam, or Schenectady for a taste of northwestern New York. The weather in Voorheesville, NY, is warm from May to September, but the range of cold-weather activities makes the park a year-round destination.
Spring 25-70 F
Summer 56-83 F
Fall 31-73 F
Winter 14-36 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Thacher State Park
There is something to see, do, or experience for everyone at the Thacher State Park, so load your RV and get on a road trip to the park. Camping at one of the primitive campsites in an RV gives you comfort while allowing you to experience the best of what the park has to offer. If you do not have an RV, you can rent one today at RVShare.
Thompson's Lake Campground
Located at the periphery of Thacher State Park, the Thompson's Lake Campground has 140 primitive campsites where RVs, campers, and tents are allowed. As with other New York state campgrounds, you do not need reservations. However, in the busy summer season and on holiday weekends, making a reservation ensures you have an RV spot when you get to the campground.
The back-in sites can park vehicles between 20 and 40 feet long. These sites offer no hookups, but you will have access to a centrally located shower and restroom. Each campsite is near a dump station, playground, and the Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, which offers nature programs. You can also access historical exhibits, hiking trails, and sport equipment rentals from the campground.
Thompson's Lake Campground is part of the Thompson Lake State Park, which allows more fun for visitors looking to visit another nearby park. Hunting is legal in the Thacher State Park if you bring the right gear and licensing. You can also bring up to two pets as long as you present proof of vaccination and you keep them on leashes. Nightly rates start at $80 for the Empire Pass card that gives you access to all facilities at the park.
- Water hookup: No
- Electrical hookup: No
- Sewer hookup: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Dump station, picnic tables, central shower and restroom
Schodack Island State Park Campground
Located within the Schodack Island State Park in Schodack Landing, NY, this campground has 66 pull-thru and back-in sites. While in the campground, you can enjoy nature in the 1,052-acre state park set along the Schodack Creek and the Hudson River. The Schodack Island State Park is a designated State Estuary with a Bird Conservation area where you can watch hundreds of bird species.
Campsites offer electrical hookups, but there are no water or sewer hookups. Some campsites offer a 50-amp hookup, but most offer 30/20/15 amp hookups. You will have access to central restrooms, showers, and a dump station while in the campground. You can bring your pets as long as you keep them on a leash and pick after them. Reservation fees (for those who choose to) start at $7.25, and nightly rates start at $30.
- Water hookup: No
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Dump station, central shower, and restroom
What to Do at
Thacher State Park
Inside Thacher State Park
Thacher State Park is a rich fossil-bearing center where historians and explorers can learn more about the world. It boasts a limestone cliff face that runs for six miles, rock-strewn ropes, open fields, and woodlands. You can learn geology or history at the Visitor Center, engage in sport climbing, enjoy zip-lining, aerial games, and the 40-foot jump at the new Wild Play Adventure Course. Other interesting activities inside the park include hiking and sightseeing, hunting, golfing, biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, grilling, and waterfall activities.
Outside Thacher State Park
Voorheesville, NY, is a beautiful place with natural areas and parks for an exhilarating experience. When you are not exploring nature, you can visit different cities and towns for a taste of the local and international cuisines, wine tasting, and more. With your RV, you can enjoy road trips along with picturesque natural areas as you tour Albany and the surrounding towns.
Restaurants
Athos Restaurant
Athos Restaurant is the only restaurant in the Capital’s District that serves classic Greek meals. It sports a design that reflects Greek hospitality. You can wine and dine at the private Ithaka room or relax in the Taverna area.
Type: Seafood, Greek, Mediterranean
Location: 1814 Western Ave, Albany, NY
Sushi Tei Restaurant
Sushi Tei Restaurant offers traditional Japanese meals in Albany, NY. The restaurant takes great care in preparing the meals in the traditional Japanese way to preserve the natural taste of the fish.
Type: Japanese, Asian, Sushi
Location: 1800 Western Ave Cosimo's Plaza, Albany, NY 12203-4650
Maple on the Lake
Maple on the Lake offers the best of American cuisines in East Berne, NY. It serves dinner and lunch and has a wide selection of local craft beers.
Type: American, Pub, Bar
Location: 141 Warners Lake Rd, East Berne, NY
MezzaNote
MezzaNote is a Diner’s Choice Best Italian Restaurant in Upstate New York. It has also been among the Best Overall Restaurants in Upstate New York. It offers a long list of appetizers, salads, pasta, entrees, and many more.
Type: Italian, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly
Location: 2026 Western Ave, Albany, NY
Shopping
Something Olde Something New
Something Olde Something New is a consignment store for women’s clothing, home decor, and antiques. It offers a great blend of vintage and modern items such as linens and fine furniture.
Location: 1969 New Scotland Rd Slingerlands, NY 12159
Refined Designs
Founded and run by Cindy Crouse, Refined Designs has some of the most unique jewelry designs in Voorheesville, NY. The shop specializes in custom designs, jewelry redesigns, and jewelry repairs.
Location: 38 S Main St Voorheesville, NY 12186
J&K Antiques and Estate Sales
J&K Antiques offers everything from wall hangings, fine furniture, and a host of other antiques. The store has been operational since 1994. You can shop online and make reservations on specific items.
Location: Schenectady, NY
JM Jewelers
JM Jewelers offers custom engagement rings, diamond jewelry, wedding bands, silver jewelry, watches, yellow, white, and rose gold jewelry, and many more. You can take your jewelry to the shop for repairs and redesign. The shop has been in operation since 2007.
Location: 326 Mariaville Rd Schenectady, NY 12306
Sightseeing
Day Trip to New York City
Manhattan offers some of the best sights in the world. Visit NYC from Albany, and hop on the Amtrak train for a trip around the city. There are also bus tours that can take you around the city for an entertaining experience. Explore New York attractions such as Liberty Island and sights from the tallest buildings in the city.
Location: New York City, New York
Thompson Lake State Park
Thompson Lake State Park sits four miles from the Helderberg Encampment. It offers a host of water activities along Thompson Lake. Other activities include hiking, playing sports, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Location: 68 Thompsons Lake Road East Berne, NY
The Crossings of Colonie
The Crossings of Colonie sits in Loudonville, a five-minute drive from Albany. The area offers 6.5 miles of hiking, inline skating, and biking. There is also a pond with ducks and fish, a meadow, a playground, marshy wetlands, picnic areas, and a maze for kids.
Location: 580 Albany Shaker Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211
Schodack Island State Park
Located in Schodack Landing, NY, the Schodack Island State Park is great for those who love to watch birds and explore scenic views. It is also great for hunting, snowshoeing, sports, fishing, and biking.
Location: 1 Schodack Island Way Schodack Landing, NY 12156
How to Get to
Thacher State Park
You can get to Thacher State Park from New York City via I-87 N. Continue on FDR Dr. and get on I-87 N. Take exit 21B onto US-9W N/Rte towards Ravena. Follow NY-143 W and then NY-32 N, and drive to NY-157 W all the way to 830 Thacher Park Rd.
Entering Thacher State Park
Thacher State Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Once there, you need an Empire Pass Card to access facilities and amenities.
Per vehicle (1-12 people) : $6
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Thacher Lake State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.