North-South Lake Campground provides equestrian camping facilities within the Catskill Mountains, situated at approximately 2,250 feet elevation. The campground operates seasonally from May through October, with strict policies regarding day use and overnight stays. Weather conditions typically include warm summer days with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler nights dropping to 50-60°F.
What to do
Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls: Located just a mile from North-South Lake Campground, this popular natural attraction offers accessible trails for all skill levels. "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.
Swimming in natural lakes: The twin lakes provide refreshing swimming options during summer months. "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 lakes maintain comfortable swimming temperatures from June through early September.
Trail riding access: Equestrian trails connect directly to the Catskill Escarpment trail system, offering rides ranging from 2-15 miles with various difficulty levels. The terrain includes wooded paths, mountain ascents, and ridge routes with views of the Hudson Valley.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The regular maintenance of bathroom facilities receives consistent praise from visitors. "Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean, & the hiking nearby is fantastic," writes Jessica W. The shower facilities include hot water and are cleaned daily.
Historical significance: The area contains numerous points of historic interest for horse riders and hikers alike. "This campsite is by far my favorite in the Catskills! A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls," explains Jessica W.
Spacious campsites: The campground layout provides ample room between sites. "The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge," notes Tara L. Equestrian-friendly sites typically measure 30-40 feet across, allowing space for both camping equipment and portable corrals.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Secure bookings well in advance, especially for weekends and peak season. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. Horse-friendly sites are limited and often book 4-6 months ahead for summer weekends.
Crowd management: Holiday periods bring significant crowds to this popular destination. "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," recommends Tara L. Weekdays and shoulder seasons (late May/early October) offer quieter experiences for equestrian campers.
Day use regulations: Day visitors must adhere to specific parking rules and cannot use reserved campsites. Day use hours run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with designated day-use parking areas separate from campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity options: The campground offers diverse recreation opportunities beyond horseback riding. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," states Becky G. Children can participate in junior ranger programs during summer weekends.
Generation-spanning appeal: Country Campsites and surrounding equestrian areas provide experiences that appeal across age groups. "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," shares Chris D.
Portable containment systems: When bringing horses to family camping trips, portable electric fence systems work best. Proper containment equipment includes battery-powered fence units, lightweight posts, and visible tape fencing that packs compactly for transport.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For equestrian campers with RVs, select sites based on access to both trail systems and hookup needs. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp," explains Eliany L. Sites in the Woodland loop provide the best combination of size and access.
Trailer parking logistics: Horse trailer parking requires advance planning, especially for larger rigs. Designated trailer parking areas accommodate standard 2-horse trailers, with overflow options for larger units during non-peak periods.
Water access points: Strategic water filling stations allow for efficient horse care. "The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," notes Brittany W., highlighting the unexpectedly good facilities that benefit both horses and riders after trail excursions.
