Located among the secluded, wooded forests of northern New York, Moreau State Park is a nature lover’s dream. With miles of trails leading through the glens of beautiful pines, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best natural sights the state has to offer.
There’s plenty more to do at the park than soak in the views. Take a boat out onto the lake with rod and reel and try your hand at fishing. There’s a wide variety of species for you to catch.
The park also allows hunting in limited areas. With varied terrain and dense forests, every hunt is a challenge. Want to relax on the waters? Take a canoe or kayak out onto the lake and enjoy the secluded shores. Or head to the swimming beach to cool off on a hot summer day.
There are over 150 campsites located throughout the park, all of which are within walking distance to the lake. No matter how long you plan on staying in your rig, there’s always something for you to explore at Moreau Lake State Park.
Located just north of Albany, Moreau Lake State Park can be easily reached from a variety of major cities located in the region.
If you are driving from Albany, the park is just up the road. Take I-87 and you will arrive at the park in around 45 minutes. The park is also fairly close to Syracuse. Take I-90 and you will arrive at the park in about two and a half hours.
Driving from Boston, the park can be reached in a little over three hours by taking I-90 out of the city. Moreau Lake State Park can also be reached from New York in around three hours via I-87.
Once you arrive at the park, you’ll find well-maintained roads that lead you directly to all of the campgrounds. Don’t worry about RV restrictions- you’ll be able to reach all of the main areas of the park.
There are 145 campsites located within the park. The sites have a fire pit and a picnic table. None of the sites have hookups, however, generators are permitted.
The campsites are spread among five main loops located along the shore of the lake. All of the loops have restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Most of the sites allow an RV length of a maximum of 30 feet, although a few sites allow RVs up to 40 feet. Housepets are allowed at all of the campsites, but not in any of the cabins or park buildings.
The park is open year round, but you can only reserve the campsites from May through December. All reservations must be made at least a day before you arrive, and can be made up to 9 months in advance. If you are planning a visit during the peak season, you should book well in advance, as the campsites fill up quickly.
From December until May, the campsites are first-come, first-served.
Hunters will find plenty to enjoy every time they visit Moreau Lake State Park. The deer hunting in particular stands out, as the secluded forests and varied terrain make for challenging hunts every time. Deer hunting is archery, crossbow, and muzzleloading only.
The hiking trails cross through many of the main hunting areas, so always take extra caution. And all hunters need a park permit, in addition to a New York state hunting license. Hunting areas are strictly enforced, so double check with the map provided by the park to ensure that you aren’t hunting in a restricted area.
Moreau Lake offers acres of pristine water for you to enjoy. Take a canoe out on the lake in the fall and take in the scenic shoreline as the colors begin to turn. Or bring a kayak and get a workout in during the summer. You can even bring a sailboat, if you want a more involved boating experience.
There are boat rentals available, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. No motors of any kind are allowed on the lake.
Don't forget to pack your fishing gear in the campervan. The lake makes for a great fishing spot for anglers of all different experience levels. You’ll find a wide variety of fish populating the lake, providing excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year.
The lake stands out for its bass fishing, both largemouth, and smallmouth. The deep lake waters provide shelter for trout during the summer, making this a great time to visit the park. And populations are maintained by the county, so there are always fish to be found.
The forests surrounding the lake are home to a wide range of bird species, making the park a fantastic destination for bird watchers of all experience levels. The bird watching is excellent year round, but best in spring and in fall, when there are more species in the park.
New York has many great bird watching societies that provide lists of birds found in the region, as well as field guides. Make sure you get one before you come to the park so that you’ll know what to look for, and have more information on the species that are found in the park.
Still want to fish as the lake begins to freeze over during the winter? Bring your ice fishing gear in your camper and head out onto the frozen waters. There are plenty of fish still swimming in the water. Just make sure that you are patient, as they are much less active this time of year.
The park does not guarantee the safety of the ice, so you are ice fishing at your own risk. Always make sure you have the latest information on ice thickness, as ice conditions change quickly. And make sure to dress appropriately, as the temperature drops dramatically out on the lake.
With over 20 miles of trails leading through the forests that surround the lake, there’s plenty to explore by foot at Moreau Lake State Park, no matter what time of year you visit the park.
The hiking is excellent in the fall, as the leaves turn to rich orange colors and the park is populated with dozens of species of bird.
If you come to the park during the winter, make sure you bring a pair of snowshoes. All of the trails in the park can explored during the winter when snow is on the ground.
