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Family Fun & Activities

Pirate's Cove Water Park, the Adventure Bound Express Train, themed weekends, and more — all at Adventure Bound Deer Run near Saratoga Springs, NY.

Pirate's Cove Water Park

Pirate's Cove Water Park aerial view at Adventure Bound Deer Run showing waterslides and splash pad

What Is Pirate's Cove Water Park?

Pirate's Cove Water Park is the centerpiece of Adventure Bound Deer Run — a splash-style water park featuring waterslides, a large splash pad with spray features, and heated swimming pools. The water park is included free with every overnight stay at Deer Run, whether you're a nightly guest or a seasonal camper. There is no separate admission fee or wristband required. Pirate's Cove is open daily during the camping season (mid-April through mid-October), weather permitting.

Water Park Features

Pirate's Cove Water Park at Adventure Bound Deer Run includes multiple waterslides, a large splash pad with ground-level spray jets, dumping buckets, and spray arches designed for kids of all ages. The resort also has heated swimming pools and a separate kiddie pool for toddlers and younger children. The splash pad area is zero-depth entry, making it safe for children who are still learning to swim. Lounge chairs and shaded seating areas surround the pool and water park for parents who want to relax while watching their kids play. Pirate's Cove is one of the largest water park attractions at any campground in upstate New York.

Who Is Pirate's Cove For?

Pirate's Cove Water Park is designed for the whole family. The splash pad and kiddie pool area are ideal for toddlers and children under 6, while the waterslides and main pool are popular with older kids, teens, and adults. Families with children of mixed ages find that Pirate's Cove keeps everyone entertained — younger kids play on the splash pad while older kids ride the slides. The heated pools are comfortable even on cooler days early and late in the season.

Adventure Bound Express Train

Adventure Bound Express Train ride at Deer Run campground near Saratoga Springs

What Is the Adventure Bound Express Train?

The Adventure Bound Express Train is a signature attraction at Deer Run that kids absolutely love. This trackless train winds through the resort daily, giving families a fun and unique way to explore the property. The train ride is popular with kids of all ages — from toddlers riding in a parent's lap to grade-schoolers who look forward to it every visit. The Express Train is one of the reasons families come back to Deer Run year after year, and it's a big part of what sets this resort apart from other campgrounds near Saratoga Springs.

Activities & Amenities

Mini Golf

Challenge the family to a round of mini golf right at the resort. The course is open daily during the season and is fun for all ages and skill levels.

Jumping Pillows

Kids love the jumping pillows — giant inflatable bounce pads where they can jump, bounce, and burn off energy. A favorite activity for younger campers at Deer Run.

GaGa Ball

GaGa ball is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game played in an octagonal pit. It's one of the most popular activities at Deer Run, and kids often play for hours with new friends they meet at the resort.

Gem Mining

Pan for gems and minerals at Deer Run's gem mining station. Kids sift through mining bags to discover colorful stones and crystals they can take home as souvenirs.

Arcade & Game Room

The resort arcade features classic and modern games for kids and teens. A great option for rainy days or after the sun goes down.

Arts, Crafts & Ceramic Painting

Get creative with arts and crafts sessions and ceramic painting at Deer Run. Scheduled activities run throughout the week during the camping season — check the recreation calendar for times.

Outdoor Movie Theater

Grab your camp chairs and blankets for a movie under the stars. Deer Run's outdoor movie theater screens family-friendly films on select evenings throughout the season.

Playgrounds

Multiple playground areas are located throughout Adventure Bound Deer Run, giving kids a place to climb, swing, and play close to your campsite.

Basketball, Volleyball & Sports

Deer Run has basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a sports field for pick-up games and organized activities. Great for families, friend groups, and reunion gatherings.

Fishing

Cast a line at the resort's fishing area. Fishing is a relaxing way to spend a quiet morning or afternoon at Deer Run — bring your own gear or ask at the camp store.

Dog Park

Deer Run is a pet-friendly campground with a dedicated dog park where your pup can run and play off-leash. Pets are welcome on campsites and in designated areas throughout the resort.

Golf Cart Rentals

Rent a golf cart to explore Adventure Bound Deer Run's 500+ site property in style. Golf carts are a convenient way to get around the resort and are available for daily or weekly rental.

Themed Weekends & Special Events

What Themed Weekends Does Deer Run Offer?

Adventure Bound Deer Run runs themed weekends and special events nearly every weekend from mid-April through mid-October. The full season calendar includes Water Wars, Pirate Weekend, Tie-Dye weekends, Christmas in July, and the Halloween Spooktacular — one of the resort's most popular events. Each themed weekend features organized activities, entertainment, and community events designed for families with kids of all ages. Live music, fishing derbies, and cookouts are also part of the regular programming.

Popular Themed Weekend Events

  • Water Wars Weekend — Water balloon battles, splash contests, and extra pool games
  • Pirate Weekend — Treasure hunts, pirate costumes, and themed activities at Pirate's Cove
  • Tie-Dye Weekend — Create your own tie-dye shirts and gear at craft stations
  • Christmas in July — Holiday decorations, gift exchanges, and festive campsite contests
  • Halloween Spooktacular — Costume contests, trick-or-treating, haunted attractions, and decorated campsites
  • Live Music & Entertainment — Musicians and performers throughout the season

Themed weekends are included with your stay — no extra cost for activities and events. Check the current season calendar for specific dates and details when you book your trip.

Resort Amenities

Adventure Bound Deer Run is a full-service camping resort with everything families need for a comfortable stay. In addition to Pirate's Cove Water Park and the activities listed above, the resort includes:

  • General store with groceries and supplies
  • Ice cream and snack bar
  • Clean bathhouses and hot showers
  • Laundry facilities
  • Wi-Fi / Internet access
  • Cable TV hookups
  • Dump station
  • Pavilion for group gatherings
  • Fire rings and picnic tables at every site
  • 15% military & senior discounts
  • Seasonal camping available
  • Pet-friendly with dog park

Ready for Some Family Fun?

Adventure Bound Deer Run is located at 200 Deer Run Drive, Schaghticoke, NY 12154 — just 27 minutes from Saratoga Springs and 29 minutes from Albany. The resort is open mid-April through mid-October. Pirate's Cove Water Park, the Express Train, themed weekends, and all resort activities are included with every stay.

Reserve Your Stay Explore Ways to Stay

Questions? Call us at 518-664-2804 or send us a message. We're happy to help!

Have questions about your stay? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers about check-in times, pet policy, discounts, amenities, and more.

Explore More Adventure Bound Resorts

Adventure Bound Camping Resorts operates 20 family camping resorts across the East Coast and Midwest. Love Deer Run? Explore our other New York properties — Four Winds near Letchworth State Park, Cooperstown at Crystal Lake, and Southwoods in Byron — or discover Adventure Bound resorts in Cape Cod, New Hampshire, Gatlinburg, and beyond. Seasonal campers at any AB resort receive 15% off stays at other Adventure Bound properties.