North-South Lake Campground provides established camping facilities in the heart of the Catskill Mountains near Haines Falls, New York. The campground sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, offering cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Winter closures run from late October through mid-May due to mountain weather conditions and road access limitations.
What to do
Swimming and boating: North-South Lake Campground features two connected lakes with designated swimming areas. Visitors can bring non-motorized watercraft for exploring. "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 to waterfalls: The area contains multiple accessible waterfall trails within short driving distance. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," shares Brittany W. who visited North-South Lake Campground.
Trail riding: For equestrian visitors, the region offers multiple trail systems suitable for various riding experience levels. While dedicated horse campgrounds near Haines Falls, New York are limited, several surrounding areas accommodate riders with trailers. Betty Brook Camp provides stream-side camping with enough space for small horse trailers and access to connecting trail systems.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained amenities at established sites. "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," reports Jessica W. about North-South Lake Campground.
Multiple lake access: The dual-lake system provides options for different water activities. "Been there couple of times. Love it. Two lakes. Highly recommended," states Luka M. regarding North-South Lake Campground.
Remote camping options: For those seeking quieter experiences away from established campgrounds, dispersed sites offer solitude. "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," explains Robert B. of Betty Brook Camp.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular established campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," cautions Maribeth W. about North-South Lake Campground.
Limited services at remote sites: Dispersed camping locations like Betty Brook Camp have minimal amenities. "It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. 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," explains Peter, who lives near the camp.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. Spring camping can encounter mud and variable conditions. Early fall offers spectacular foliage viewing but requires warmer sleeping gear as temperatures drop significantly at night, particularly at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Family camping benefits from amenities and organized spaces. "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York. The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge," recommends Tara L..
Look for age-appropriate activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas with gradual entry points for younger children. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," notes Becky G. about the facilities at North-South Lake.
Visit during weekdays: For quieter family experiences with less crowding, schedule stays during weekdays when possible. "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," advises Tara L. regarding visits to North-South Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many Catskill campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," cautions Peter about Betty Brook Camp. Narrow mountain roads can present challenges for longer vehicles.
Hookup availability: North-South Lake Campground offers electric hookups and water hookups at select sites. Country Campsites provides full-service sites with sewer connections for RVs requiring complete hookups.
Reservation planning: Reserve sites 9 months in advance for summer weekends at popular RV campgrounds. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp," notes Eliany L. about the variety of available spaces at North-South Lake Campground.
