North-South Lake Campground offers campers a significant 7-acre lake with water activities approximately 45 miles southwest of Stottville. The Catskills area provides elevation changes ranging from 1,100 to 3,000 feet, creating varied camping experiences with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than Hudson Valley floors. Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through October with limited winter access.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Visit Taconic State Park where trails lead to Bash Bish Falls, a major attraction requiring a short cross-state trek. "Short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls," notes Erin B., adding the park has "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of."
Stargazing opportunities: The Catskills area offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution at several campgrounds. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," reports Seth K. about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Swimming in natural settings: Campers can cool off in designated swimming areas throughout the region. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," says Lizz H. about North-South Lake Campground, which features a large swimming area with beach access.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Schodack Island State Park Campground maintains particularly well-kept restrooms and showers. "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are large, but they do operate on a push system where you can't adjust the pressure, temp, or how long the water comes out," explains Kara W., who also appreciates the park's "two different book exchanges."
Spacious platform tent sites: Many campers appreciate the raised platforms at Lake Taghkanic. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," writes Rosie R., noting how helpful this feature was during rainy conditions. Sites include "a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table," according to Christina M.
Family-friendly environments: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers numerous recreational options for all ages. "This place had was huge and had a lot of things for kids to do. Our site was on the creek and we went with three little nieces who had a wonderful time," shares one camper named Amanda.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most state parks require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about waterfront sites at North-South Lake Campground.
Wildlife considerations: Whip O Will Campsites and surrounding areas have active wildlife populations. "Beware of site G006. The grill at the fire pit is upside down, so it doesn't hold level above the fire," warns Kurt S. about Lake Taghkanic, adding practical advice: "I had to MacGuyver it with a large rock and wedge the grill into place, and then level it with a log."
Seasonal operations: Campgrounds typically close by mid-October. "Treetopia is a unique and truly amazing camping/Glamping experience in the Catskills," notes one reviewer, explaining "For RV, they have 30/50 amp with electric and water. There is no sewer, but they have a dump-station and on-site Honeywagon truck that you can schedule."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers kid-friendly amenities within easy walking distance of campsites. "They have a pond for swimming and softball field," notes Jennie, while another reviewer mentions "organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast."
Swimming options for different ages: Lake Taghkanic offers designated areas for various skill levels. "Clean cabins, cottages, beach... the lake is beautiful and clean," writes Mellisa T., noting that using personal watercraft requires an additional fee: "Expect to pay $15 fee to use your paddleboards/kayaks etc. Worth every penny."
Pet-friendly considerations: Most campgrounds near Stottville welcome pets but require documentation. "If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask," advises Erin B. about Taconic State Park, where "fees are $15 residents and $20 non residents plus processing fees."
Tips from RVers
Electric service limitations: RV sites at various campgrounds offer different hookup options. At Schodack Island, "RV sites offer 30/50 amp electricity," reports Kara W., who found cell service adequate: "ATT and Verizon fluctuate between 1-3 bars. It was enough for me to work - downloading files, sending emails, and conducting non-video zoom calls."
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies significantly across the region. "The sites are well spaced out. Great for families," says Tara L., though she advises visitors to "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds" at North-South Lake.
Dump station availability: For pet friendly camping near Stottville, know where services are located. "There is water available to fill your fresh water tank along the main road," explains Charles K. about Schodack Island State Park Campground, which has "a dump-station on the way out" but no individual sewer hookups at sites.
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