Camping options near Purling, New York include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites across the western Catskill Mountains. Located at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, this region experiences warm summer days with cooler nights and brilliant fall foliage from mid-September through October. Winter camping requires proper cold-weather gear as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: North-South Lake Campground provides direct access to multiple hiking paths connecting to the Catskill Escarpment Trail. "The hiking nearby is fantastic. 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 in natural settings: The lakes at North-South Lake offer refreshing swimming opportunities 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."
Stream fishing: Betty Brook Camp provides streamside camping with fishing access. Robert B. explains, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," making this location ideal for anglers seeking a more remote experience.
What campers like
Spacious sites: North-South Lake Campground features well-spaced camping areas throughout its seven loops. Tara L. mentions, "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."
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance makes North-South Lake appealing to visitors concerned about campground cleanliness. Eliany L. reports, "Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly, awesome!! This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single."
Remote camping experiences: For those seeking solitude, Betty Brook Camp offers a quieter alternative. Robert B. shares, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the region require advance booking, particularly during peak season. Brittany W. advises about North-South Lake, "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there. The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect."
Seasonal availability: North-South Lake Campground operates from May 19 to October 22, closing during winter months. Many facilities reduce services after Labor Day.
Crowds during peak periods: Summer weekends and holidays bring higher visitor numbers. Maribeth W. cautions, "Always packed, but always beautiful. Awesome access to the Catskill Escaprment trail from here."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Family-friendly swimming areas provide summer entertainment at North-South Lake. Chris D. recalls, "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."
Site selection for privacy: Choose loop locations away from main roads for quieter family camping. Look for sites with natural tree barriers between neighbors.
Day use policies: Understand day use versus overnight camping rules. Pay attention to designated parking areas and campsite boundaries to avoid confusion.
Tips from RVers
Limited services at primitive sites: When seeking equestrian camping near Purling, New York, be aware that many horse-friendly locations offer minimal amenities. Pack additional water and waste management solutions.
Site access considerations: Small to medium RVs navigate area campgrounds more easily than large rigs. Peter notes about Betty Brook Camp, "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."
Distance to services: Stock supplies before arrival as local provisions can be limited. Peter mentions, "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."
Legend
