North-South Lake Campground sits within the Catskill Forest Preserve at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet, offering both tent and RV camping options within a 1.5-hour drive of Round Top, New York. The campground operates seasonally from May through October with varying site types spread across multiple loops. Water levels in the twin lakes fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming and boating conditions during drought periods.
What to do
Hiking and trail access: North-South Lake Campground connects to the Catskill Escarpment trail system with routes suitable for various skill levels. "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., highlighting accessibility for casual hikers.
Swimming opportunities: The twin lakes provide designated swimming areas with seasonal lifeguards. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," reports Lizz H. about North-South Lake Campground, making it a reliable summer destination.
Stream camping: Betty Brook Camp offers streamside camping sites for those seeking a more remote water experience. Robert B. describes the appeal: "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," adding that "sometimes you never see anyone" at this quieter alternative to lake-based camping.
What campers like
Proximity to natural attractions: Location near major Catskill features ranks high with campers. Brittany W. appreciates Betty Brook Camp for being "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained restrooms receive positive mentions. "Restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," notes Brittany W., while another camper mentions, "Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly, awesome!!"
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many reviewers highlight multi-generational appeal. Chris D. 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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: For popular sites like North-South Lake, early booking is essential. Rachel G. advises visitors to "Reserve very early for waterfront" sites at Country Campsites, which fills quickly during peak season.
Crowd conditions: Visitor volume varies significantly by season and holidays. Tara L. suggests you "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds" and notes that "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York. The sites are well spaced out."
Limited services at remote sites: Primitive camping areas have minimal amenities. At Betty Brook Camp, Peter mentions it's "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For families with young children, prioritize campgrounds with bathroom facilities. Eliany L. from Artisan Hill Farm & Studio recommends sites with "Great restrooms cleaned every morning," noting this campground "has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single."
Consider hiking difficulty levels: Select age-appropriate trails when planning family activities. Jessica W. points out that many trails near North-South Lake are "relatively easy" making them suitable for younger hikers.
Pack for variable weather: The Catskill region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, particularly in spring and fall. Prepare for overnight temperatures potentially 20 degrees cooler than daytime highs, especially at higher elevations like North-South Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Larger RVs face restrictions at some campgrounds. Peter from Betty Brook cautions, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," suggesting Arcadian Pastures Equine as a better option for RV camping.
Access road conditions: Mountain roads leading to horse campgrounds near Round Top, New York can be challenging for longer vehicles. Consider smaller Class B or C motorhomes rather than large fifth wheels when visiting remote sites like Betty Brook Camp.
Hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer partial hookups while primitive sites have none. Country Campsites provides electric and water hookups for RVs but limited options for horse camping, requiring portable corrals for equestrian visitors.
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