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Equestrian Camping near New Marlborough, MA

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    North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills accommodates visitors with horses approximately 60 miles southeast of New Marlborough, Massachusetts. The campground features extensive hiking trails accessible to equestrians, with terrain suitable for various riding skill levels. Many campsites can accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking areas for larger vehicles. The sites are spacious with slate floors and surrounded by trees for privacy, providing natural shade for horses during summer months. Bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage both for campers and horse feed.

    Multiple hiking trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders to explore the Catskill Mountain region without trailering horses to separate locations. The North-South Lake area provides access to water sources for horses, though visitors should confirm seasonal availability. The campground operates from May 19 to October 22, with fall being particularly popular for riders due to the foliage views from horseback. Generators are permitted for five hours daily during designated times, which benefits equestrian campers needing to charge electric fencing. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some routes becoming challenging after heavy rainfall. Reservations are essential, especially for sites that can accommodate horses and trailers, as the campground is popular and operates at limited capacity.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near New Marlborough (2)

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      1. North-South Lake Campground

      4.5(44)42mi from New Marlborough214 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 review46mi from New MarlboroughRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $55 - $195 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near New Marlborough, MA

    43 Reviews of 2 New Marlborough 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 New Marlborough

    North-South Lake Campground offers significant recreational opportunities for equestrians visiting the Catskills region. Located approximately 60 miles southeast of New Marlborough, Massachusetts at an elevation of 2,250 feet, this campground serves as a hub for horse owners exploring the mountainous terrain. The camping season runs from mid-May through late October, with weekend availability frequently booking months in advance during peak foliage season.

    What to do

    Swimming at both lakes: North-South Lake Campground features two connected lakes with designated swimming areas. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes Lizz H., who frequently visits the campground.

    Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls: The newly developed viewing platform at Kaaterskill Falls is minutes from the campground. "A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground," writes Jessica W. about her stay at North-South Lake Campground.

    Explore Catskill Escarpment: The campground provides direct access to the historic Catskill Escarpment trail system. Maribeth W. mentions, "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here."

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: The campground maintains well-kept amenities despite its popularity. "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about her experience at Country Campsites.

    Family-friendly environment: The spacious layout accommodates groups of various sizes. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp," explains Eliany L., who appreciated the campground's versatility.

    Diverse activities: Beyond equestrian trails, campers enjoy multiple recreational options. Chris D. reminisces, "I'm a native of the Catskills and spent many an afternoon with my family enjoying the facilities at North/South Lake. I've recently started going there again with my own family and it's great to see them take the same enjoyment I did. Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all."

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: For horse camping near New Marlborough, early booking is essential, especially for sites that can accommodate trailers. "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," suggests Tara L. from her experience at North-South Lake Campground.

    Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions for horseback riding vary dramatically with weather. After rainfall, certain paths become muddy and challenging for horses, particularly on steeper sections of the Catskills.

    Water availability: While lakes are present, dedicated horse watering stations are limited. Riders should bring portable water containers and confirm seasonal water access prior to arrival.

    Tips for camping with families

    Balance crowded weekends: Despite its popularity, families can find quieter periods. "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York. The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge," notes Tara L. about her camping experience.

    Take advantage of beginner trails: For families bringing horses, several paths offer easier terrain. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," shares Becky G. about North-South Lake Campground.

    Consider nearby attractions: The campground's location provides access to additional family destinations. Brittany W. comments, "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there."

    Tips from RVers

    Bathroom amenities: Despite the rustic setting, facilities exceed expectations. "The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," mentions Brittany W., highlighting unexpected conveniences at North-South Lake Campground.

    Site selection for trailers: When bringing horses and RVs, request sites with adequate space for both vehicles and animals. Sites vary in size and configuration.

    Utility considerations: Electric hookups are available but limited. Horse owners requiring electric fencing should verify availability when booking equestrian-friendly sites.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Marlborough, MA?

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

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