Best Campgrounds near Haines Falls, NY
Camping opportunities around Haines Falls, New York center on the Catskill Mountains, with North-South Lake Campground serving as a primary destination for outdoor recreation. The area features a blend of established campgrounds and primitive sites, including options for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds in the area feature amenities ranging from basic to full-service, with North-South Lake offering lakefront sites and proximity to hiking trails. Echo Lake provides a more primitive dispersed camping experience for those seeking solitude in a more remote setting.
The camping season in the Catskills typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most established campgrounds closing by late October. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and peak fall foliage season. "We were on a 5 state East Coast camping trip. North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees," noted one visitor describing their experience. Bears are active throughout the region, and campers must follow strict food storage guidelines. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most campgrounds, particularly at North-South Lake where visitors should plan to be completely disconnected from digital communications.
Waterfront camping receives high marks from visitors to the region, with lakeside sites at North-South Lake Campground being particularly sought after. Multiple hiking trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing visitors to explore scenic viewpoints without driving to separate trailheads. One camper shared: "The hiking here is phenomenal! Easy and walking distance from your site." Family-friendly amenities include beaches for swimming during summer months, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities. While most sites offer privacy with trees and vegetation between campsites, some visitors note that campgrounds can become busy and occasionally noisy during peak season weekends. The proximity to natural attractions like Kaaterskill Falls makes the area popular with both tent campers seeking wilderness experiences and RV travelers looking for scenic base camps.
