The Catskill Mountains surrounding Chatham, New York offer varied terrain for campers, with elevations ranging from 400 to 4,000 feet creating diverse microclimates throughout the season. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days typically reach the mid-80s. Camping opportunities range from established campgrounds with amenities to more remote dispersed sites with minimal facilities.
What to do
Hiking trails access: North-South Lake Campground connects to numerous trails in the Catskill escarpment, including paths to Kaaterskill Falls viewing platform. "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., highlighting the accessible nature of nearby attractions.
Swimming opportunities: The lakes at North-South Lake Campground provide popular swimming areas 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 beach areas are maintained daily during peak season.
Streamside relaxation: Betty Brook Camp offers a more secluded experience alongside a running stream. According to Robert B., "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots." This location appeals to campers seeking natural water features without the crowds of larger lake facilities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate the maintenance standards at established campgrounds. Eliany L. mentions that at North-South Lake Campground, there are "Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly, awesome!!" This differs significantly from dispersed camping options that lack bathroom facilities.
Spacious sites: The layout of sites receives positive feedback from campers seeking breathing room. "The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge," reports Tara L. about North-South Lake Campground, noting the generous spacing compared to more compact private campgrounds.
Year-round access: Some dispersed camping areas remain available throughout winter months. Robert B. appreciates Betty Brook Camp's accessibility, stating, "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." This presents options for off-season equestrian camping near Chatham when established facilities close.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: North-South Lake Campground requires advance booking, especially during peak periods. Rachel G. advises, "Reserve very early for waterfront." Sites with prime locations fill months ahead, particularly for summer weekends and holidays.
Crowd management: Popular established campgrounds experience heavy use during peak season. Maribeth W. notes about North-South Lake Campground: "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here." Tara L. suggests, "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."
Limited services: Remote camping options have minimal amenities. Peter notes that near Betty Brook Camp, "There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store." Campers should prepare accordingly with supplies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: North-South Lake Campground provides multiple recreation options in one location. Chris D. shares, "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."
Site selection considerations: Choose locations with appropriate terrain and amenities for children. Becky G. describes North-South Lake as a "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking." The combination of facilities makes extended stays more comfortable with children.
Proximity to attractions: Select campgrounds with nearby points of interest for day trips. Brittany W. appreciates that North-South Lake is "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. Peter cautions about Betty Brook Camp: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small." Check specific size restrictions before planning an RV trip to horse camping facilities near Chatham.
Hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer electric and water hookups while others provide a more primitive experience. Country Campsites provides electric hookups and water access, unlike the more basic dispersed options further from Chatham. Equestrian camping areas typically prioritize space for horses over RV amenities.
Road access considerations: Remote campgrounds may have challenging access roads. When traveling to dispersed equestrian camping sites near Chatham, prepare for potentially narrow or unpaved roads that may be difficult for larger rigs, especially after rainfall.
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