Campgrounds in the Cherry Plain area of New York offer varied terrain for outdoor recreation with most sites situated in dense woodland settings. Moreau Lake State Park and North-South Lake Campground serve as primary options for visitors, though neither provides specialized facilities for equestrian use. The region features several hiking trails through mixed hardwood forests typical of the eastern Catskills and Taconic Mountain foothills, with elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet.
What to do
Swimming and paddling: North-South Lake Campground provides two connected lakes with sandy beaches for swimming during summer months. As one visitor notes, "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time." The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for those wanting to explore the water.
Hiking: Moreau Lake State Park Campground contains extensive trail networks across varied terrain. "Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks, I've visited," mentions one camper. The trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging routes with elevation changes.
Historic site visits: The region near North-South Lake Campground offers access to significant landmarks. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot," reports a visitor. The falls feature a recently added viewing platform accessible via a moderate hiking trail.
What campers like
Site privacy: Moreau Lake campsites offer good separation between neighbors. A camper notes, "It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private. Bathrooms and Showers are clean." This natural screening creates a more secluded camping experience even when the park is busy.
Family-friendly atmosphere: The campgrounds accommodate various camping styles and age groups. One North-South Lake visitor shared, "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."
Off-season camping: Visiting during shoulder seasons reduces crowds at popular sites. "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," advises one North-South Lake camper. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer visitors, particularly at the lakefront sites.
What you should know
Limited equestrian options: Horse campgrounds near Cherry Plain, New York are virtually non-existent within state park boundaries. Visitors with horses must arrange boarding at private facilities in surrounding communities.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Reserve very early for waterfront," suggests one Country Campsites visitor. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations through the New York State Parks reservation system.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. The swimming areas typically open after Memorial Day and close before Labor Day, with lifeguards present during peak summer periods.
Varying amenities: Facilities differ between campgrounds. North-South Lake features, "restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," according to one camper, while smaller campgrounds may offer more basic services.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: The lakes provide shallow swimming areas appropriate for children. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," mentions one North-South Lake visitor. Beaches have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months.
Playground availability: NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins and several state parks maintain playgrounds for children. Moreau Lake features "a nice playground for kids to enjoy," according to recent visitors. These areas provide alternative recreation when not hiking or swimming.
Educational programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities during summer months. These include nature walks, wildlife presentations, and astronomy nights that engage children in learning about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate loops for larger vehicles. At Moreau Lake, one RVer advises, "Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs. The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig."
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer limited or no hookups. "No hookups but does have dump station," reports a Moreau Lake camper. RV travelers should prepare for dry camping with appropriately sized water tanks and power alternatives.
Maneuvering challenges: Tree-lined roads can create tight clearances. "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV," notes a visitor to Moreau Lake State Park. Larger RVs should request information about site access before reserving.
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