Arcadian Pastures Equine offers horseback riders specialized tent and RV camping options in the Catskill region. The campground sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with predominantly northeast-facing slopes that provide cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Weather conditions change rapidly in this part of New York, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.
What to do
Trail riding access: North-South Lake Campground provides excellent options for day trips, with the nearby Catskill Escarpment trail offering panoramic views. "The hiking nearby is fantastic. 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," notes Jessica W.
Fishing opportunities: Bear Spring Mountain offers peaceful fishing spots suitable for beginners and experienced anglers. "Pond/very small lake was nice for fishing," mentions Becky S. The area contains several stocked streams with rainbow and brown trout.
Water recreation: Visitors can enjoy swimming and boating at North-South Lake. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H. Rentals for paddle boats and kayaks are available at select locations during peak season.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Betty Brook Camp provides secluded spots along a stream for those seeking solitude. "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream," reports Robert B.
Clean facilities: North-South Lake maintains well-kept amenities despite high visitor counts. "Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean," notes Jessica W. Weekly maintenance schedules ensure consistent upkeep even during busy holiday weekends.
Natural water sources: The Catskill region features numerous springs and streams. At Bear Spring Mountain, Kimberly S. appreciates that "you can drink straight from the pipes!" Some primitive sites require campers to filter water from streams or bring their own supply.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. North-South Lake fills quickly, with one camper advising: "Reserve very early for waterfront" (Rachel G.). Weekend spots often book 3-4 months in advance.
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds operate on varying schedules, with Bear Spring Mountain open "mid May-late Aug" according to their listing. Lower elevations typically open earlier and close later than higher-elevation sites.
Site variations: Campgrounds offer diverse site types suited to different camping styles. At North-South Lake, Tara L. notes "The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge. Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds." Site dimensions and amenities vary significantly between locations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: North-South Lake offers diverse recreation suitable for various age groups. "Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all," shares Chris D., making it practical for families with children of different ages and interests.
Accessibility factors: Consider terrain when selecting campsites with young children. Betty Brook Camp has limitations as Peter explains: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Quiet locations: For families needing peaceful settings, seek less crowded options. Mayra D. recommends Bear Spring Mountain, noting: "We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many Catskill campgrounds have limited capacity for larger rigs. North-South Lake accommodates bigger vehicles, though some loops have tight turns and sloped sites. RVs over 30 feet should verify site dimensions when booking.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. North-South Lake provides options for those needing utilities, with "electric-hookups," "thirty-amp-hookups," "fifty-amp-hookups," and "water-hookups" listed among available features.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste management as facilities are limited in the region. North-South Lake offers a sanitary dump station, though waiting times can exceed 30 minutes during peak checkout periods on Sundays.
Legend
