North-South Lake Campground offers a range of camping experiences just 40 miles from Hudson, New York, within the Catskill Forest Preserve. Situated at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, the area features two lakes surrounded by hardwood forest and remains open from mid-May through late October. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, dropping to 50-65°F at night.
What to do
Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls: Located minutes away from North-South Lake Campground, this popular trail leads to one of New York's tallest waterfalls. "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.
Swimming options: The twin lakes at North-South Lake provide swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," writes Lizz H. about North-South Lake.
Boating and fishing: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park offers multiple water activities. "There was potable water a short walking distance away as well as flushing toilets. There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming," reports Christina M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground receives high marks for maintenance. "The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018) which was when we were there," says Seth K.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes a camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Spacious sites: Schodack Island State Park Campground offers room to spread out. "The sites are amongst the most spacious I've ever seen. RV sites offer 30/50 amp electricity," writes Kara W., who adds, "The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers."
What you should know
Weekend crowds: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here," shares Maribeth W. about North-South Lake.
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for peak season. "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. Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," advises Tara L.
Weather considerations: The Catskills experience sudden weather changes. "We forgot to check the weather, and came in right before a thunderstorm. After the storm, the staff came out to check on us individually to make sure we were okay!" reports Nicholas F. about his stay at Whip O Will Campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly facilities. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," says Becky G. about North-South Lake.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs. "My family and I love this place. we have camped here for the last 3 years. they have excellent services and activities. Kudos to the Rangers!" writes Tamara S. about Schodack Island State Park.
Swimming safety: Designated swimming areas have varying depths. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, a camper notes, "First trip to ease my way into camping!! Plenty of space, your car is right there next to you, and the camp store has every essential you could ever need if you left anything at home or are just stopping by!!"
Tips from RVers
Electric and water access: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Hudson offer hookups. "If you have an RV, they have 30/50 amp with electric and water. There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule," explains a camper at Treetopia Campground.
Site selection: Choose larger sites if traveling with pets. "We went with three little nieces who had a wonderful time. Be sure to put your tent on the woodchips and not the leaves, otherwise you will have chipmunks running under your heads," advises Amanda about Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds close bathroom facilities in cooler months. "Sites are all within 200 feet of the bathrooms. The bathrooms have good showers and were very clean during our stay. There is also a dishwasher sink and even bookshelves with books available to borrow," reports Kevin C. about Schodack Island State Park.
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