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Camping

Established Camping

North-South Lake Campground

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About

New York Department of Environmental Conservation

North South Lake Campground is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty, and historical sites, such as: Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. An abrupt change in elevation occurs from about 540 feet above sea level at the base of the escarpment to approximately 2,250 feet at the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. The provinces around the lakes have long provided visitors with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. It is said that on a clear day, five states can be viewed from the escarpment.

7 camping loops; 219 tent and trailer sites; 2 lakes; 2 beaches; Two picnic areas: one on North Lake with two picnic pavilion rentals a 20' X 32' and a 44' X 24' (the larger of the two with electricity) and one on South Lake with a 40' X 60' picnic pavilion rental (with electricity).; 2 picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills; playground; flush toilets; hot showers; boat launch (no motorized vessels); rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; volleyball; horseshoes; fishing; playing field; trailer dump station; recycling center; solar cell phone charging station; ADA fishing platform.

Fee Info

$22 per night (out-of-state residents surcharge an additional $5 per night)

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Location

North-South Lake Campground is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the South: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 20, at Saugerties. Follow Rte 32 north for approximately 6 miles to Rte 32A and Rte 23A West. Stay on Rte. 23A to the village of Haines Falls. Make the first right turn in Haines Falls, onto County Rte 18, and follow it to the campground entrance. From the North: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 21, at Catskill. Turn left onto Rte 23 East, to Rte 9W South. Follow Rte 9W through Catskill to Rte 23A. Follow 23A West to Haines Falls. Make the first right turn in Haines Falls, onto County Rte 18, and follow it to the campground entrance.

Coordinates

42.20406009 N
74.03775555 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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67%
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4.5

out of 5

39 Reviews

R
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2022

Great place for certain campers

This place is all in all a fantastic place for camping. The sites are nice, the facilities are ok, the staff FANTASTIC, and most people camping want to be out in nature. Saw some bears up close. Great hiking. Especially for someone with limited mobility at the time. Also some challenging hikes. What I also experienced was a LOT of people having loud parties, playing all kinds of music very loudly and leaving trash everywhere. Not my style of camping. I have to add no one was breaking any rules and maybe I am the old codger my wife says I’m turning into but that’s mt 2 cents.

Site84
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Roy H., July 30, 2022
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Roy H., July 30, 2022
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Roy H., July 30, 2022
  • (4) View All
L
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2022

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.

Site7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Linda O., June 24, 2022
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Linda O., June 24, 2022
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Linda O., June 24, 2022
  • (5) View All
K
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2021

Camping with a view

It’s incredibly difficult to bag a site here and now I understand why. Walking around the lakes provided Incredibly scenic views during the fall when the leaves change colors. The site was spacious and flat although some of the sites closer to the lake are rocky and smaller.

The only complaint is the set up of the fire pits which are enclosed on three sides.

Site134
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Kyle C., October 28, 2021
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Kyle C., October 28, 2021
nThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

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!

Site64
Month of VisitNovember
s
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2021

Beautiful well spaced drive-in sites

Very well run, well spaced, drive-in sites suitable for tent camping as well as rvs. Spotless clean showers, wash areas, toilets. Excellent hiking of all classifications.

Month of VisitNovember
Karena G.
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Quiet, wooded campground with clean bathrooms and showers

Staff was professional, bathrooms and showers were clean, reasonable stay prices, beautiful tree canopy. Beach areas look family friendly. We had our 26ft travel trailer boondocked at 049. Tight squeeze, but we made it. Close hiking to Kaaterskills Falls. Can't wait to visit next year!

Site049
Month of VisitOctober
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Karena G., September 26, 2021
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Karena G., September 26, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reneé Rose B.
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2021

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.

Siteloop 2 site 36
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Reneé Rose B., September 13, 2021
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Reneé Rose B., September 13, 2021
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Reneé Rose B., September 13, 2021
  • (9) View All
Maggie R.
Reviewed Mar. 14, 2021

Great Location to Fall Foliage and Hiking

Have wanted to come here for years and finally decided to snag the last weekend that they're open for the season. End of October the leaves are still incredible and there are great hikes in the area, including right from the site! (You aren't going to want to drive out of the campground because parking at all of those trailheads are insane). We did the Newman's Ledge hike and it was crowded at the ledge, but otherwise amazing. The campground is really nice, sites were relatively private, bathrooms clean. Will be back this season! When you're hungry head down to get fresh-made donuts in Tannersville.

SiteLoop 3, Site 67
Month of VisitNovember
Ethan K.
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2020

Fantastic, spacious campground

This is an amazing campground! We had plenty of space and easy access to the lake. We went on a busy weekend and they are currently only operating at 50% capacity. I would recommend reserving a spot well in advance. This is a very large campground with multiple different areas. It has a good water pump and the bathrooms were well maintained and had a nice sink washing area.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Ethan K., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Ethan K., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Ethan K., October 31, 2020
  • (8) View All
T
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

Better than I expected

I had to make a last-minute reservation for a campsite on my drive back from Maine to DC on a Friday night in September, so was a bit worried about finding anywhere decent at all.  This campground was one of the few with any sites available, and I got the second last spot.  So I had pretty low expectations.

Actually this campground is pretty nice--the campsites are of a normal size, with enough rocks and trees between sites to provide a decent amount of privacy.  Again, my campsite was one of the worst, right on the road, but still not too bad.  It would have been pretty decent if every campsite around me hadn't been full, generally with families with a bunch of shrieking kids.  But that's a weekend in September...

There are also a limited number of campsites right on the water.  The lake is nice enough, although much of it is covered in lily pads.

Bathrooms are fine.

No wood for sale on-site, but there are several places nearby to get wood, and any other supplies you need.  The campsite is not exactly remote, I think it was about a 5 minute drive to a gas station with firewood and all manner of supplies.

I would definitely stay here during the week when it might be a bit quieter.

Site86-not recommended
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Thomas R., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Thomas R., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Thomas R., September 21, 2020
Yuchen
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

Great experience

Loop 6 is quite, water front view

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Yuchen , September 2, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Yuchen , September 2, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Yuchen , September 2, 2020
  • (4) View All
Kat
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

Nice grounds

Great grounds. Pet friendly. Boat launch. Check out the easy Catskill Mountain house hike (super easy). Only drag is the sites are a bit close together. Bathrooms are super clean. Recycling center super clean

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Kat , September 2, 2020
CThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2020

Great for kids wish we stayed longer

There weren’t any boat rentals due to COVID, which was a big disappointment. The staff is super friendly, bathrooms clean. Awesome dishwashing stations. Hot high pressure showers. No WiFi or any cell service, but that made for a better trip with the kids. They gave us junior naturalist workbooks for the kids, and they turned them into the ranger station for review and got super cool patches. They cannot wait to return!

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Courtney D., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Courtney D., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Courtney D., September 1, 2020
  • (6) View All
L
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2020

One of my favorite swimming spots

I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it’s always a good time

M
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

Great spot not too far from NYC

clean bathrooms and hot water showers. great view of the lake. kayaking. close to excellent day hikes.

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Magarin H., July 5, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Magarin H., July 5, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Magarin H., July 5, 2019
  • (4) View All
T
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2019

Our FAVORITE!

Truly one of the best spots for Westchester/ Putnam campers! Clean, private, and tons of things to do! Hiking and fishing are great, and campers are incredibly friendly! We’ve been there 4 out of our last 6 trips.... never disappointed!

M
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2019

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.

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Michael  E., July 3, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Michael  E., July 3, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Michael  E., July 3, 2019
  • (5) View All
Pedro R.
Reviewed May. 31, 2019

My favorite place in NY

Campground is big and staff are very friendly and helpful, I have stayed a various sites and they where all spacious slate floor so having something soft if sleep in a tent is recommended. The park offers plenty of hiking trails with great views, Overlook mountain hotel site, you can also hike to katterskills falls it’s a long hike but worth it when you get to the falls if not you can drive down and park at the trail head parking mid way down the road to get to the katterskill falls trail. Make sure to stop at the general store on the corner they have everything you need and souvenirs to bring home..

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Pedro R., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Pedro R., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Pedro R., May 31, 2019
  • (27) View All
E
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly,awesome !!

This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp. The view from the town to the campground was amazing!!! Will be back!!

SiteLoop 4 089
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Eliany L., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Eliany L., May 29, 2019
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Eliany L., May 29, 2019
  • (8) View All
Brittany W.
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2018

Excellent location.

Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn’t be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there. The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect.

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Brittany W., November 2, 2018
Seth K.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2018

Standard campground no frills

This was a nice campground, no frills, but it’s proximity to kaaterskill falls is the selling point

Month of VisitAugust
R
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2018

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!!

  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Rosie R., August 26, 2018
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Rosie R., August 26, 2018
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Rosie R., August 26, 2018
  • (11) View All
Colleen C.
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2018

Very nice

the campground is very nice I love going there. But we warned if you have a site on the water the sound carries and you will get told to keep it down.

Month of VisitAugust
E
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2018

Clean, Tidy, Beautiful

What a great first camping experience for my toddler. He had a blast running around and hiking around the lake with his mom and dad. The beach was closed for swimming when we went (no lifeguards) but we rented kayaks and paddled around the whole day. Kaaterskill Falls are nearby - it hadn't rained much when we went, but it was still cool to see. Only complaint was lack of diaper changing table in bathroom - we had to change my son outside on the benches and it got a bit chilly!

SiteLoop 4
Month of VisitSeptember
Rachel G.
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2018

Gorgeous

Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront.

Robin  .
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2018

Big sites wit trees separating them

nice bathrooms. Great hiking right from park. 2 beaches, kayaking. pretty strict on the rules and quiet times so you won’t have to worry about a loud part site.

Month of VisitAugust
Amanda S.
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Ok

We didn’t enjoy this campground as much. No cell service no internet and it rained the entire time. The one day it didn’t rain we went to the lake. It the water was tinted yellow/green. It may have been the rain but there also wasn’t many activities for the kids that I saw either

J
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

Charming, fun for the whole family!

I’ve had so many wonderful summers at North South Lake campground. I usually book in October to get a lakefront site and it’s well worth it! This campground has awesome trails, a charming little market just outside of the grounds, and friendly rangers and fellow campers. NS Lake was my first camping experience back in high school and it’s certainly where I want to bring my future children one day. Firewood is available at multiples houses down the road as well as at the check in hut. Kayaks and canoes are available for rentals. I’ve never had an issue or had to wait to rent a kayak and the prices are very reasonable. I can’t say enough good things about this place that is very special to me. Definitely worth checking out!

Site179
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Jess O., July 11, 2018
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Jess O., July 11, 2018
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Jess O., July 11, 2018
  • (4) View All
B
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Large Family Friendly Campgroud

Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking.

Month of VisitAugust
Lena L.
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

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.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Lena L., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Lena L., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of North-South Lake Campground by Lena L., June 14, 2018
  • (4) View All