Best Campgrounds near Cairo, NY
The Catskill Mountains surrounding Cairo, New York feature a range of camping experiences from developed state park campgrounds to more rustic options. North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls stands as one of the larger public facilities in the region, offering both tent and RV sites with lake access. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional options like Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds in Saugerties and Whip O Will Campsites in Purling. The area supports traditional tent camping, RV sites with hookups, cabin rentals, and emerging glamping options at places like Treetopia Campground, which features yurts and custom treehouses.
Most campgrounds in the Catskills operate seasonally from May through October, with limited facilities available during shoulder seasons. Cell service remains notably limited throughout the region, with many campers reporting complete disconnection at popular sites. According to one North-South Lake visitor, "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged." Bear activity requires proper food storage, with multiple campgrounds reporting wildlife sightings. Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain that can challenge RV leveling, as noted in reviews of several facilities. Advance reservations are essential during summer weekends and holidays, with one camper advising to "avoid holidays to avoid the crowds" at North-South Lake.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, though they often require longer booking windows. At Little Pond Campground, one camper described morning views as "breathtaking in the morning to see the mist rising off the lake." Proximity to hiking trails represents another significant draw, with trailheads accessible directly from many campgrounds. Kenneth L Wilson Campground offers "nearly 4 miles of trails within the campground and surrounding areas," while Devil's Tombstone provides "a worthy spot to get some rest between hikes in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness." Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering well-spaced, wooded sites while others place units in closer proximity. Facilities typically include basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and central bathhouses, though maintenance quality differs between state and private operations.