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Equestrian Camping near South Lee, MA

2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills region of New York accepts horses and offers camping accommodations for both tent and RV campers. Located approximately 90 miles from South Lee, Massachusetts, this state-operated campground provides picnic tables and fire rings at each site with clean bathrooms and hot showers available throughout the property. The campground features spacious, shaded sites that offer privacy between neighboring campers. Bears are active in this area, requiring strict food storage protocols for all campers, including those with horses.

    The campground connects to an extensive network of hiking and riding trails directly accessible from the camping areas. Two lakes provide water access, though recent visitors note construction has affected the North Lake beach area. Generator use is permitted during designated hours only. The campground enforces strict quiet hours from 10pm to 7am, making it suitable for horses that need a calm environment overnight. Sites vary in levelness, with some presenting challenges for larger horse trailers. Most sites feature slate floors, so equestrians should bring appropriate padding for horse comfort when camping. Cell service is unavailable throughout the property, allowing for a completely unplugged experience in nature.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near South Lee (2)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. North-South Lake Campground

      4.5(44)39mi from South Lee214 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 review41mi from South LeeRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $55 - $195 / night

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    View all 2 campgrounds

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near South Lee, MA

    43 Reviews of 2 South Lee 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 South Lee

    North-South Lake Campground provides equestrian camping facilities approximately 90 miles from South Lee, Massachusetts. Located in the Catskill Mountains at an elevation between 2,000 and 2,250 feet, the area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer daytime averages in the 70s°F. The campground connects to multiple trail systems spanning over 35 miles of terrain suitable for horseback riding.

    What to do

    Swimming at South Lake: South Lake remains open for swimming when North Lake beach areas are undergoing improvements. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes Lizz H. about North-South Lake Campground.

    Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls: The trail to this 260-foot waterfall starts just minutes from the campground. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," shares Brittany W.

    Boating options: Both lakes permit non-motorized boating, with rentals available during peak season. "Two lakes provide water access," with one camper mentioning that "boating, showers, great hiking" are all available amenities that make it a "Large family friendly campground."

    What campers like

    Trail accessibility: The extensive trail network connects directly to camping areas for convenient riding access. "Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," reports Maribeth W. from her stay at North-South Lake Campground.

    Clean facilities: Regular maintenance keeps the campground in excellent condition. "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. perfect Hudson getaway," writes Rachel G., with another visitor adding that "Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly."

    Historical connections: The area features several historic sites along riding trails, including former hotel foundations and scenic overlooks. "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," shares Chris D.

    What you should know

    Reservation timing: Sites fill quickly, especially during summer and fall weekends. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. at Country Campsites.

    Seasonal factors: The campground operates from mid-May through late October, with fall being particularly popular for equestrians due to colorful foliage and cooler temperatures for horses.

    Weekend congestion: Holiday periods bring increased visitors to trails and lake areas. "Always packed, but always beautiful," notes Maribeth W., while Tara L. advises visitors to "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."

    Tips for camping with families

    Site selection for horses: Choose sites in loops with more level terrain when bringing horses. Sites vary in size and levelness throughout the campground. "This campsite is by far my favorite in the Catskills! Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean, & the hiking nearby is fantastic," reports Jessica W. at North-South Lake Campground.

    Kid-friendly trail options: Several shorter trail loops are appropriate for beginning riders. "A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls," notes Jessica W.

    Group camping considerations: The campground accommodates larger family groups with varying site sizes. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp," confirms Eliany L.

    Tips from RVers

    Slate site surfaces: Most sites have slate floors requiring appropriate padding for horses. Bring rubber mats to create comfortable standing areas for horses at your campsite.

    Generator limitations: Time restrictions on generator use may affect horse care routines. Plan accordingly for feeding and watering schedules.

    Site layout: Position trailers strategically to create natural enclosures for horses while maintaining required distances from neighboring sites. "The sites are well spaced out. Great for families," observes Tara L. at North-South Lake Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Lee, MA?

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

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