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Equestrian Camping near Great Barrington, MA

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    North-South Lake Campground accommodates equestrians in the Catskill Forest Preserve approximately 60 miles from Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The campground offers sites suitable for horse camping, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals according to campground data. Campers can choose from drive-in and walk-in access options with tent and RV camping available. Sites include fire pits with grill tops and picnic tables, with showers and electric hookups provided. The campground maintains clean facilities with high-pressure showers and convenient dishwashing stations near bathroom areas. Loop 6 offers waterfront views and provides a quieter camping experience away from other loops.

    Trail access is a significant advantage for horse owners, with numerous hiking paths accessible directly from the campground. Several trails connect to notable destinations including Kaaterskill Falls and Alligator Rock, providing excellent riding opportunities within the Catskill Forest Preserve. The campground operates seasonally from May 19 to October 22, with fall offering spectacular foliage views for trail riders. Water access is available at both North and South Lakes, though the North Lake area has undergone construction that may affect some facilities. Trailer parking is limited in some areas, particularly at popular trailheads during peak season. Horse owners should note the campground enforces strict quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, with ranger patrols ensuring compliance. Bear activity requires proper food storage protocols for all campers.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Great Barrington (2)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. North-South Lake Campground

      4.5(44)35mi from Great Barrington214 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Loved that trailheads are walking distance from the sites. But we felt very close to campers next to us, not a lot of shrubbery between sites to feel somewhat private."

      "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

      from $22 - $44 / night

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      2. Country Campsites

      Be the first to review38mi from Great BarringtonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $55 - $195 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Great Barrington, MA

    46 Reviews of 2 Great Barrington Campgrounds

    • nThe Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 22, 2021

      North-South Lake Campground

      Beautiful grounds but…

      Gorgeous campgrounds, friendly staff, and spectacular facilities. Loved that trailheads are walking distance from the sites. But we felt very close to campers next to us, not a lot of shrubbery between sites to feel somewhat private. Fire pits are very nice but more catered to cooking instead of being able to sit around in a circle. Also, we picked a site hoping we’d have a nice view of the lake but it’s hard to see from the site and a good walk away. Overall, beautiful grounds but I’d take less facilities to have a more “woodsy” vibe but that’s just my preference!

    • Lena L.
      Jun. 14, 2018

      North-South Lake Campground

      Family friendly

      Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer. Sites are tucked away in the trees for privacy. We set up our 6 person tent and two hammocks comfortably. Long walk to the beach from our site but enjoyable anyway. Nice little hiking trails nearby.

    • R
      Aug. 26, 2018

      North-South Lake Campground

      Love this place

      The sites are spacious and private and there are lake side sites available too. Perfect for groups!! We were able to maximize our lake experience by bringing an inflatable kayak. I was able to explore many different parts of the lake and do a decent amount of fishing. There were a few hiking trails walking distance of the campground that were fun to explore. We will def come back!!

    • M
      Jul. 3, 2019

      North-South Lake Campground

      Great family campground

      This place is enormous. This is a NYS park run by DEC. They are very strict with quite hours which are from 10pm to 7am. The had a truck come around many times after 10pm to make sure everyone was quite. This is a great spot for young kids. I was warned about high black bear activity in the region and even had to sign a waiver acknowledging their presence and all the rules associated.

      Each site had a fire pit with a grill on top of it and a picnic table. Sites are very close together but that didn’t bother me. There are bathrooms and showers, both very clean in every loop. Attached to the bathroom area is a large sink to wash dishes.

      The north lake is under construction so there is not beach front there. Beware of staying in Loop 6 as you will probably hear the construction noises.

      The north lake does however have a nice path alongside it and a spot to deploy a non motorized boat.

      No cell service anywhere in the park or close by.

      I highly recommend staying here.

    • M
      Oct. 26, 2025

      North-South Lake Campground

      Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

      I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

      We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

       At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

      She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

      We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

      The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

      Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

      The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

      We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

      We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

      This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

    • L
      Jun. 24, 2022

      North-South Lake Campground

      Lake, creek and waterfalls!

      Beautiful. Our site had a creek close behind it and only a short walk to the lake. We were there in middle of the week and it was very quiet. Most sites a shady and private. Loved it, hope to visit again sometime.

    • Brian H.
      Aug. 31, 2016

      North-South Lake Campground

      camp here if you love hiking

      the hiking here is phenomenal! easy and walking distance from your site

    • Nadia V.
      Aug. 30, 2016

      North-South Lake Campground

      Had so much fun-Can't wait to come back!

      North-South Lake Campground was a blast. My family and I loved every second of it. We enjoyed some beautiful hikes- one that lead to a rock that they call "alligator rock" which obviously looked like an alligator. This same hike took us around some other pretty cool sites as well. It was really nice to get away from the busy city and come here to escape the busyness. North South Lake is located within the Catskill Forest Preserve and I was told that this is the largest campsite available. I believe them because we did get lost once we were in the park, trying to find our camping spot. I would recommend downloading or asking for a campground map before going so you know exactly where your campsite is. We also enjoyed the lakes that were located within the campground. We found 2 different lakes, but not sure if there are more. We also did some hiking (to Alligator Rock). One hike that I really enjoyed was Kaaterskill Falls- This was absolutely gorgeous and the views were amazing. We did some research prior to coming, and from this hike you are able to see 5 different states from the top of this hike. We went on a beautiful, clear day so we were able to see miles ahead of us. Other activities you can do are boat, fish, and swim at the beaches. This campground literally has everything you could want in a campground and more! I would recommend coming here, and would give this North-South Lake a 10/10, A+++

    • Reneé Rose B.
      Sep. 13, 2021

      North-South Lake Campground

      A perfect visit

      The campground was active but not crowded. There is a variety of water sources with multiple camp sites abutting them. Each site is spacious and is tucked nicely into the woods giving optimal privacy. The sites do not have water or electricity but there’s a water tap nearby the sites. The sky is open and brilliant at night.

    Guide to Great Barrington

    North-South Lake Campground provides dedicated equestrian camping options in the Catskill Mountains region. Located about 60 miles from Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the campground sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation within the Catskill Forest Preserve. The area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs typically ranging 5-10 degrees below nearby valley areas. Fall color season peaks in early October when daytime temperatures average 55-65°F.

    What to do

    Hiking with panoramic views: The Escarpment Trail offers riders and hikers access to multiple scenic overlooks with views of the Hudson Valley. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," notes Brittany W. about North-South Lake Campground.

    Swimming opportunities: Both lakes provide designated swimming areas with gradually sloping shorelines. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H. The North Lake beach area includes changing facilities and restrooms within 100 yards of the waterfront.

    Multi-generational activities: The campground accommodates varied experience levels for riders and non-riders alike. "Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all," explains Chris D. about Country Campsites, noting how it provides "childhood memories revisited" for multiple generations.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: The campground maintains high standards for all public areas. "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. Perfect Hudson getaway," reports Rachel G., highlighting the consistent maintenance throughout the season.

    Family-friendly atmosphere: The campground layout creates spaces suitable for groups of various sizes. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp," according to Eliany L., who appreciates the North-South Lake layout.

    Unexpected amenities: Many visitors appreciate finding more conveniences than anticipated. "The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," mentions Brittany W., describing a pleasant surprise for her group during their weekend stay.

    What you should know

    Reservation timing: Due to popularity, securing sites requires advance planning. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G., with most lakefront sites booking 9-12 months in advance during peak season.

    Seasonal crowds: Visitor numbers fluctuate significantly throughout the operating season. "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escarpment trail from here," notes Maribeth W. about North-South Lake Campground, suggesting the crowds are worth tolerating for the location benefits.

    Size considerations: With multiple camping loops spread across a large area, the campground accommodates many visitors. "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York. The sites are well spaced out," explains Tara L., adding practical advice to "avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."

    Tips for camping with families

    Multiple recreation options: Families appreciate having varied activities without leaving the campground. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," recommends Becky G. when describing the comprehensive facilities available.

    Accessible trails: Several trails near the campground provide options for younger or less experienced hikers and riders. "A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground," shares Jessica W. about North-South Lake Campground.

    Staff support: The campground personnel provide helpful information for families. "Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean, & the hiking nearby is fantastic," notes Jessica W., highlighting the consistent support available to visitors.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection matters: RVers should research specific loops for better accessibility. "Been there couple of times. Love it. Two lakes. Highly recommended," explains Luka M., but RVers should note that some loops have more suitable parking for larger rigs than others.

    Weekend planning: Holiday and weekend availability becomes limited quickly, especially for sites with hookups. "The view from the town to the campground was amazing! Will be back!!" shares Eliany L. about North-South Lake, indicating the popularity that drives the need for advance planning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Great Barrington, MA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Great Barrington, MA is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.

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