Natural swimming hole

Thompson's Lake

Lake · New York

Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.

About this swimming hole

Thompson’s Lake in Thacher State Park has a guarded swimming beach on the governor’s official state beach list. The Helderberg Escarpment park pairs the lake swim with famous overlook trails. It is a standard seasonal state-park swim.

Good to know

Water typeLake
Best seasonJune-September
Fees$8 parking
Reservations requiredNo
ParkingPark lot
Amenitiesrestrooms, lifeguards, picnic tables, hiking trails
CountyAlbany County
Nearest townVoorheesville
Safety notesGuarded beach seasonal

Map

Official information

Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.

Nearby swimming holes

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Thompson's Lake?

Yes — Thompson's Lake is listed as a natural swimming spot in New York. Heads-up: Guarded beach seasonal. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.

Does Thompson's Lake require reservations?

No reservations are required at Thompson's Lake based on current information — but verify before you go.

Is there a fee to visit Thompson's Lake?

Reported fee info: $8 parking. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.

When is the best time to visit Thompson's Lake?

The best season is typically June-September.

Keep exploring

Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026