North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills provides camping options near Shokan, New York at elevations between 2,000-2,250 feet. The campground sits within the Catskill Forest Preserve which encompasses 700,000 acres of protected wilderness. While not specifically designed for equestrians, the surrounding area offers varied terrain and several campgrounds with different amenities and access points.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Bear Spring Mountain has a pond suitable for fishing and water activities. "Small place, not a whole lot to do. Pond/very small lake was nice for fishing," notes Becky S. in her review of the area.
Hiking on varied terrain: Multiple trail options exist throughout the region's campgrounds. At Bear Spring Mountain, one visitor explains, "There is a hiking loop that goes around the pond. Standard bath houses and camp site picnic tables and grills." The trails accommodate different skill levels.
Water recreation: Swimming is popular in the warmer months at several locations. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H. about North-South Lake Campground.
Stream camping: Some dispersed sites allow camping along water. At Betty Brook Camp, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," according to Robert B., who adds that it's "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacing at established campgrounds provides separation. "Clean, private, and quiet! We had a blast!!" writes Amanda P. about her experience at Bear Spring Mountain.
Well-maintained facilities: Regular cleaning makes a difference to campers. "Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean, & the hiking nearby is fantastic," notes Jessica W. about North-South Lake.
Natural water sources: Several campgrounds feature natural water access. At Betty Brook Camp, campers appreciate the stream access, with one local resident noting, "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."
Off-peak visitation: Many reviewers mention the benefits of visiting during less crowded times. "Cute and friendly campground by Launt pond :) We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet," shares Mayra D. about Bear Spring Mountain.
What you should know
Horse camping limitations: Equestrian facilities near Shokan are scarce. While Bear Spring Mountain has horse activity, with one camper noting "There is horses so you will smell them," dedicated equestrian campgrounds with corrals are not widely available in the immediate area.
Seasonal operation: Most established campgrounds have limited operating seasons. North-South Lake operates from May 19 to October 22, while Bear Spring Mountain runs from "mid May-late Aug."
Size restrictions: Some locations have limitations for larger vehicles. At Betty Brook Camp, one local notes, "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."
Advance reservations: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for multi-activity campgrounds: Families benefit from locations with varied options. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," shares Becky G. about North-South Lake Campground.
Consider less challenging trails: Some hiking routes are suitable for younger children. "A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls," mentions Jessica W.
Plan for crowds at popular spots: School breaks and holidays bring more visitors. "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," suggests Tara L.
Check playground availability: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Bear Spring Mountain, one camper noted, "Small playground was nice for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Consider site accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place," shares Kevin T. about Bear Spring Mountain, adding it's "one of the more fancy campsites and is definitely worth it for only 18 dollars."
Check hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary by location. Country Campsites offers electric hookups, sewer connections, and water, making it suitable for RVers requiring these amenities.
Research road conditions: Some access roads may present challenges. At Bear Spring Mountain, one camper mentions, "Brought bikes but the roads were way too steep," indicating the terrain might be difficult for some RVs as well.
Verify dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities. While North-South Lake has a sanitary dump station, other locations like Betty Brook Camp lack this amenity, requiring planning for waste management.
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