North-South Lake Campground provides an equestrian-focused camping experience in the Catskill Mountains. Located at 2,000 feet elevation in Greene County, this state-operated facility encompasses over 200 acres with dual lakes and connects to an extensive trail network suitable for horseback riding. The campground operates seasonally with strict protocols for equestrian campers.
What to do
Swimming access: The campground features two adjoining lakes with designated swimming areas during peak summer months. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes Lizz H. of North-South Lake Campground.
Hiking connections: Multiple trailheads within the campground connect to the Catskill escarpment trail system with routes ranging from 0.5 to 8 miles. "Great access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," reports Maribeth W., making it convenient for horse riders to access varied terrain directly from their sites.
Waterfall viewing: Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest two-tier waterfall in New York at 260 feet, lies approximately one mile from the campground. Brittany W. confirms, "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot." A recently added viewing platform provides safer horse trailer parking for equestrians visiting the falls.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The campground maintains regular cleaning schedules for all shared facilities. Eliany L. shares, "Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly, awesome!!" This is especially important for extended stays with horses.
Family-friendly environment: Ocquittunk campground near the New York border offers another option for horse owners, with Catherine S. noting, "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites."
Multiple recreation options: Beyond horseback riding, the campground supports diverse activities. Chris D. explains, "Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all." This allows families traveling with horses to enjoy varied recreation without leaving the property.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations and those with suitable horse accommodations. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake Campground.
Seasonal considerations: The May to October operating season means weather varies significantly. Early and late season visitors should prepare for temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night, which can affect horse comfort and care requirements.
Crowds on holidays: Visitor numbers spike dramatically during summer holidays, potentially creating challenges for equestrian campers. Tara L. suggests, "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," noting that "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York."
Tips for camping with families
Spacious site selection: Sites vary in size and proximity. Jessica W. recommends, "This campsite is by far my favorite in the Catskills! Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean, & the hiking nearby is fantastic."
Alternative horse campgrounds: For families seeking less crowded options near Fishkill, Ocquittunk offers lakeside sites within reasonable driving distance. Kara L. describes her experience: "We stayed at site #T007 is was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake."
Multi-generational activities: Plan for varied ability levels when bringing children along with horses. Vito M. notes, "Nice place to set up and car camp. Enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: The campground layout provides adequate room for most rigs while maintaining natural barriers. "The sites are well spaced out. Great for families," confirms Tara L.
Accessibility considerations: Some horse-friendly sites may have challenging access for larger rigs. Ethan K. shares, "The camping set up was nice and I enjoyed the proximity to available hikes in the area," though adds that water features were "smaller then I expected."
Setup versatility: Sites accommodate various camping styles alongside horse trailers. Ray C. explains, "I set up a hammock and a 1 person tent... there's room for a camper but sparse." This flexibility allows RVers with horses to customize their setup based on specific needs.
