Camping near Red Hook, New York offers diverse overnight options for nature enthusiasts. The area sits in the Hudson Valley, approximately 100 miles north of New York City, with elevations ranging from 200 to 400 feet above sea level. North-South Lake Campground, located in the Catskill Mountains region about 46 miles from Red Hook, serves as a popular base camp for exploring nearby hiking trails and waterfalls.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: North-South Lake Campground features two adjoining lakes with designated swimming areas. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes camper Lizz H. The lakes also permit non-motorized boating activities.
Hiking near Kaaterskill Falls: Visitors can access multiple trail systems directly from North-South Lake Campground. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot," writes Brittany W. The newly developed viewing platform offers safer waterfall viewing compared to unofficial trails.
Stream exploration: Betty Brook Camp provides dispersed camping alongside a stream. Robert B. shares, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots." The location offers fishing opportunities and natural water features for cooling off during summer months.
What campers like
Family-friendly atmosphere: The larger campgrounds near Red Hook accommodate groups of varying sizes. "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," reports Tara L. The established facilities make it suitable for campers of all experience levels.
Clean facilities: North-South Lake Campground maintains high standards of cleanliness. According to Eliany L., "Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly, awesome!!" Jessica W. adds, "Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean."
Secluded options: For those seeking quieter alternatives to established campgrounds near Red Hook, dispersed camping at Betty Brook provides 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," explains Robert B.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, particularly for premium sites. Rachel G. advises, "Reserve very early for waterfront," when planning a stay at North-South Lake Campground. Holiday weekends typically reach capacity months in advance.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Red Hook operate seasonally. North-South Lake Campground runs from May 19 to October 22, closing during winter months. Spring brings muddy conditions that can impact accessibility, particularly for equestrian activities.
Trailer limitations: When considering horse campgrounds near Red Hook, New York, note that dispersed sites have size restrictions. Peter mentions that Betty Brook Camp "is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done. I would not recommend this for large trailers." This applies to horse trailers as well as RVs.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible hiking options: Choose trails suitable for children when camping near Red Hook. "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," shares Jessica W. about the trails accessible from North-South Lake.
Multiple recreation options: Select campgrounds with diverse activities to keep children engaged. Chris D. notes, "Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all," when describing his family experiences at North-South Lake Campground.
Avoid peak times: Consider scheduling family camping trips during weekdays or non-holiday periods. "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds," suggests Tara L. This strategy provides a more relaxed experience with less competition for swimming areas and facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: When bringing RVs to campgrounds near Red Hook, consider the varying site dimensions. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single," explains Eliany L. about North-South Lake Campground.
Services available: Several campgrounds offer RV-specific amenities. Country Campsites provides electric hookups, sewer connections, and water hookups for self-contained camping vehicles, though larger equestrian rigs may find space limited.
Limited dispersed options: For those seeking equestrian camping near Red Hook, New York with RVs, be aware that dispersed sites like Betty Brook Camp permit RVs but lack dedicated facilities. The remote locations typically require self-contained units and proper waste management practices.
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