Betty Brook Camp sits along West Kill Road near Middleburgh, New York, at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet in the western Catskill Mountains. The dispersed camping area accommodates both tents and smaller RVs in a rustic setting. Seasonal considerations impact accessibility, particularly during winter months when snow accumulation may limit vehicle access to this remote location.
What to do
Explore nearby trails: Betty Brook Camp serves as a basecamp for hikers wanting to explore the western Catskills. "I 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," notes Robert B. of Betty Brook Camp.
Swimming and water recreation: North-South Lake Campground offers popular swimming areas during summer months. According to Lizz H., "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time."
Visit Kaaterskill Falls: Located approximately one mile from North-South Lake Campground, this 260-foot, two-tiered waterfall is accessible via a moderate hiking trail. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there," reports Brittany W.
What campers like
Catskill Escarpment access: The ridge trail system provides panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. Maribeth W. notes about North-South Lake Campground, "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here."
Clean facilities: Many developed campgrounds in the region maintain high standards for restrooms and common areas. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp. The view from the town to the campground was amazing," writes Eliany L. about their experience at North-South Lake.
Streamside camping: Campsites situated along flowing water offer natural white noise and fishing opportunities. Peter from Betty Brook Camp explains, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: While dispersed camping areas like Betty Brook operate on a first-come basis, established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. According to Rachel G. of North-South Lake Campground, you should "Reserve very early for waterfront" sites.
Crowd patterns: Weekends and holidays bring significant increases in visitor numbers to established campgrounds. Tara L. advises, "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."
Limited services near dispersed sites: Betty Brook Camp has no potable water sources, restrooms, or trash collection. Peter notes, "It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational appeal: Campgrounds that combine hiking, water activities, and historical sites keep all ages engaged. Chris D. from North-South Lake Campground shares, "I'm a native of the Catskills and spent many an afternoon with my family enjoying the facilities at North/South Lake. I've recently started going there again with my own family and it's great to see them take the same enjoyment I did. Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all."
Moderate hiking options: Several trails in the region provide scenic views without excessive difficulty. Jessica W. mentions, "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."
Site selection for families: Look for developed campgrounds with bathroom facilities and designated swimming areas when camping with children. Becky G. recommends North-South Lake as a "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many access roads in the western Catskills are narrow with tight turns, limiting larger RV access. For equestrian camping near Middleburgh, New York, Country Campsites offers electric hookups and water connections that can accommodate smaller to medium-sized RVs, though there is limited information about dedicated equestrian facilities.
Hookup availability: While dispersed sites like Betty Brook Camp have no utility connections, several established campgrounds within 40 miles offer electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs.
Seasonal operations: Most developed campgrounds with RV amenities in the region operate from May through October, with North-South Lake Campground specifically running from May 19 to October 22.
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