North-South Lake Campground offers established campsites within the Catskill Forest Preserve at 2,250 feet elevation, approximately 55 miles southwest of Guilderland Center. The campground remains open from mid-May through late October with 219 sites available for reservation. Winter temperatures average 15-25°F while summer averages 65-75°F.
What to do
Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls: Access the newly opened viewing platform minutes from North-South Lake Campground. "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.
Horseback riding on forest trails: Equestrian camping options near Guilderland Center include backcountry trails accessible from several campgrounds. "The only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!" explains Brittnay B. about Luzerne Campground.
Lake activities: Swimming, fishing and boating opportunities exist at multiple lakes. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H. about North-South Lake's swimming areas.
What campers like
Private campsites: Wooded separation between sites provides privacy at Moreau Lake State Park Campground. "I love the spacious campsites. It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private. Bathrooms and Showers are clean," reports Michi P.
Remote stream camping: Secluded sites along water offer quiet experiences. "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. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream," says Robert B. about Betty Brook Camp.
Technical challenges: Mountain biking and hiking trails provide various difficulty levels. "The Murphy Bennett Trails is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on. And be prepared to go over downfalls. The area is maintained, but wind happens in the old growth forest," explains Tony F. about Murphy Lake Leanto.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most established campgrounds operate May through October, with limited winter access. "Moreau Lake has (in my opinion) superb facilities as far as state run campsites go. The beach is nice, large picnic facilities, and the campgrounds are well maintained with nice bathroom/shower buildings," states Robert L.
Crowds at popular sites: Holiday weekends see increased visitors, especially at accessible locations. "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," mentions Maribeth W. about North-South Lake.
Accessibility challenges: Some sites require significant effort to reach. "This leanto is worth the effort it takes to get there. And you have to earn it on foot, bike or other. A two hour bike ride with a couple of breaks," explains Tony F. about Murphy Lake Leanto.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple lakes offer supervised and unsupervised swimming. "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake.