​Thompson's Lake Improvement Association

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Welcome to our website, we hope you find it informative. Please contact us to contribute your history on the lake.

We developed this to become a community site where we can share information and enjoy learning more about your

experience on this beautiful lake.

 

​Nestled in the Heldeberg Mountains you will find beautiful Thompson's Lake in East Berne, New York. A popular resort area in the late 19th and early 20th century and a favorite destination of many today. Thompson’s Lake was named after early residents John and William Thompson. John Hart, was the first one in the Thompson’s Lake area to take in summer boarders. There were three boarding houses near the lake that were very popular during the summer months. Most of the lake is now private residences and several are lived in year round.

 

Thompson's Lake Improvement Association was founded in 1956 to help find ways to deal with flooding at the lake. Since then, many topics, issues, gatherings, etc. have been addressed, dealt with, or celebrated.

 

Please follow safety precautions when using the lake. Be aware of other boaters and swimmers. Please visit the links on the left for The Legal Requirements of Boating and the NYS Boaters Guide. Please know how to operate your boat and learn the laws including how far you need to stay away from swimmers, docks and other boats.

 

If you see any issues on the lake that require action by the Albany County Sheriff please contact dispatch at 518-765-2351 to report the issue. They need to be able to react when incidents are taking place.

We would also appreciate your awareness of invasive species that have been introduced to the lake via boats being launched without proper cleaning. Zebra mussels and various milfoil will attach to your boat, engine, paddles, oars and even your life vests. Not always visible to the eye we ask that whenever you remove your boat from any body of water please take the proper precaution and clean your vessel and any other items that have been in the water. This will prevent the introduction to any other bodies of water. For more information on how to clean and prepare your boat please click here to visit the NYS DEC website http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html.

 

Located on the northern end of the lake is the NYS Campground. Thompson´s Lake State Park, a popular camping ground and recreation area. In addition to 140 wooded campsites, the park comprises a sandy beach, mixed hardwood and conifer forests, limestone outcroppings and open fields. Recreational opportunities include a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a playing field, swing sets, carry-in boat access, rental row boats, fishing areas, and nature trails. During the winter, visitors can cross-country ski and ice fish. The Emma Treadwell Thacher Center is located next to the campground and is accessible to campers. Accessible to the general public via Ketcham Road, the center offers exhibits, interactive displays, trails for hiking and skiing, and educational programs.  Many hikers enjoy the many trails around the lake and in nearby Thacher Park.

 

For more information on the NYS Campground please click here http://nysparks.com/parks/99/details.asp.

 

If you would like information on the Emma Treadwell Thacher Center please click here http://www.nysparks.com/environment/nature-centers/8/details.aspx