Thompson's Lake State Park, NY - Affordable Family Travel

Thompson’s Lake State Park NY Address

Thompson’s Lake State Park NY
68 Thompson’s Lake Road
East Berne, NY 12059

Thompson’s Lake State Park is a small lake located in East Berne, NY about 30 minutes from Albany, NY. It’s a short drive to John Boyd Thacher State Park including the Wild Play Ropes course, where there are wonderful views, Hiking trails, and a ropes course. If you are camping for a few days or a week combining these two will keep you busy all week long.

Thompson’s Lake Beach and Swimming

Thompson's Lake State Park Beach — Thompkins Lake Beach

The Beach is rather small but it’s still a nice option to cool off on a hot summer day. I recommend heading there in the afternoon to cool off after a morning hike or kayak/canoe ride.

Kayaking at Thompson’s Lake State

Kayak Rentals and Thompson Lake Boat Launch

There are rentals available but if you bring your own there are 2 options to launch your kayak. Thompson Lake boat launch often is busy with limited parking or there is also a kayak canoe launch area where you can drop off the canoe and kayaks and park across the street. There’s a fair amount of parking there so it’s the easiest option but you do have to carry your kayak/ canoe a bit to the dock to launch. To get to the launch use the Emma Treadwell Thacher Ntr Ct, 87 Stan Levine Dr, Voorheesville, NY 12186 As the address.

Bring Your Own Kayaks to the Park

We have 2 double inflatable kayaks. The same ones that were on sale last Christmas in my amazon article for only $50. They are no longer available but were a great value and we have been very happy with them. We partially inflate the kayaks so when we arrive there’s less to do but it takes no more than 10 minutes to fully inflate each one.

We decided it was easier to have one of us carry both fronts of the kayaks (one in each hand) and the other carrying the backs of the kayaks. it worked well and they are rather light. the kids wanted to help so they carried the paddles.

Launching was easy and you are on the side of the lake with many lily pads and a Beaver Dam. We swear we saw the backs of the beavers swimming but could not confirm. We heard many frogs and saw Canadian geese swimming. It was very relaxing and the calm waters makes it easy for beginners.

Thompson’s Lake Camping

The Campgrounds are a nice place to stay while visiting the area. We haven’t stayed before but there’s a fair amount of sites. It seems the A loop would be ideal. There are some idea spots closer to the beach so if you are interested in those make sure to make your Thompson Lake Campground reservations early. The website is very user-friendly and easy to pick the size that meets your preferences.

Camping is an affordable way to enjoy the area. There’s plenty to do for a long weekend or even a week.

3 Night Itinerary for Thompson’s Lake

Day 1: Thompkins Lake

Check into your Campsite and set up

Head to the beach for a few hours

Enjoy a campfire and roasting smores

Day 2: Thacher Park

Morning Hiking at John Boyd Thacher State Park.

Afternoon at the Beach

Day 3 Thompson Lake Kayaking

Morning Kayaking

Afternoon Beach

Day 4: Wild Play at Thacher Park

Pack up Camp

Morning at Wild Play at Thacher Park Wild play is a fun ropes course for ages 5 and up. There are various levels including a level appropriate for younger kids. We had a great time you can check out my review and tips here.