6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several equestrian-friendly camping options exist near West Kill, New York, though none offer dedicated horse corrals according to available data. Arcadian Pastures Equine provides basic accommodations for campers with horses, allowing both tent and RV camping with drive-in access. The campground permits campfires and provides firewood on site, with picnic tables at each campsite. While Arcadian Pastures requires reservations and has trash collection, it lacks drinking water, electricity, and shower facilities. The property maintains trails suitable for horseback riding that connect to broader trail systems in the area.
Bear Spring Mountain managed by the DEC offers primitive equestrian camping approximately 30 miles from West Kill. This established campground connects to extensive bridle paths through the western Catskills forest preserve. Horses must remain tethered at designated campsites when not being ridden, as no permanent corral structures are available. The campground provides basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Most equestrian sites accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space. The campground maintains a strict policy requiring riders to carry proof of negative Coggins test for all horses. The extensive network of marked trails varies in difficulty, suitable for both novice and experienced riders.
"Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."
"This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State."
from $22 - $44 / night
Check Availability"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
from $55 - $195 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak!"
"I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $150 / night
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ScoutI live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. 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. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. 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.
LegendWe were on a 5 state East Coast camping trip. Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home. Thursday & Friday it was Neverending rain & wind. Saturday was the nice day.
North South Lake has no electricity. The sites are almost all beautiful, tucked in under shady trees. Not a good way to try out our solar panel! Some are by a stream. A few are by the lake. This is a tent campers paradise. New York tent campers are hard core camping during Tropical Storm Debbie!
There are 7 loops. We were in loop 2. Site 85. There are some sites with an incline down to the site. That might give some rvs trouble. It did for us & I had to be driven out of the campground to call 911. Thank you Mary!! It all ended well & we got a different site.
There are bears that visit the campground & one came one of the nights & visited our camping neighbor's site. They showed us a picture- it was a large black bear.
Generators are allowed for 5 hours & they tell you when you can use them.
The bathrooms/showers are state park clean- which means not very.
There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged.
This is a hiking park & for this middle aged overweight flatlander they are pretty strenuous. Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail, but the parking fills up quickly. Then they close it! You'll have to take a shuttle to get in.
The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline.
There's 2 nice lakes with beaches.
The Catskills are very scenic& we enjoyed our time there!
TravelerNorth 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.
GuideThis is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State. The campsites are well laid out, the surroundings are stunning, and the entire campground is very clean and well maintained. We visited in October, and it was pleasantly uncrowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful fall scenery made for a perfect camping trip. I'm not sure how busy it gets during the peak summer season, but our autumn visit was fantastic. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be coming back.
RangerWent here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak! There is some pretty serious hiking on site and nearby. There was a lot of horse activity but I don’t know if you can hire them here. Lots of wildlife! There are two areas for camping, check out both though one smells kind of like a barn. Site was typical of state park campgrounds, all up to expectations. Obey bear rules!
ScoutGorgeous campgrounds, friendly staff, and spectacular facilities. Loved that trailheads are walking distance from the sites. But we felt very close to campers next to us, not a lot of shrubbery between sites to feel somewhat private. Fire pits are very nice but more catered to cooking instead of being able to sit around in a circle. Also, we picked a site hoping we’d have a nice view of the lake but it’s hard to see from the site and a good walk away. Overall, beautiful grounds but I’d take less facilities to have a more “woodsy” vibe but that’s just my preference!
GuideHad a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer. Sites are tucked away in the trees for privacy. We set up our 6 person tent and two hammocks comfortably. Long walk to the beach from our site but enjoyable anyway. Nice little hiking trails nearby.
RangerThe sites are spacious and private and there are lake side sites available too. Perfect for groups!! We were able to maximize our lake experience by bringing an inflatable kayak. I was able to explore many different parts of the lake and do a decent amount of fishing. There were a few hiking trails walking distance of the campground that were fun to explore. We will def come back!!
RangerI drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping. This campsite isn't the best but is still good. Thee is horses so you will smell them. There is a lake, grills restrooms and showers. This is one of the more fancy campsites and is definitely worth it for only 18 dollars. You can also do short day hikes
North-South Lake Campground sits within the eastern Catskill Mountains at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, offering access to the historic Catskill Mountain House site. The area includes two connected lakes spanning 53 acres total with camping available from May through October. Water temperature remains relatively cool even in summer months due to the mountain elevation.
Hiking trails: North-South Lake connects to numerous trails including the Escarpment Trail with access to notable viewpoints. "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. from North-South Lake Campground.
Water activities: Swimming and boating options exist 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. Paddle boats and kayaks are available at some campgrounds for day use exploration.
Horseback riding trails: Several forest preserve areas near West Kill accommodate equestrian use with designated bridle paths. "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream," explains Robert B. about Betty Brook Camp, a dispersed camping area.
Remote locations: Many campers appreciate the quieter camping options. "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams - you can drink straight from the pipes!" reports Kimberly S. about Bear Spring Mountain — DEC.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with maintained amenities receive positive feedback. "The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect," writes Brittany W. about her experience at North-South Lake Campground.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Larger established campgrounds offer structured activities. "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking," notes Becky G. describing the environment at North-South Lake.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October with limited services in shoulder seasons. North-South Lake specifically operates "May 19 to October 22" according to campground information.
Reservations needed: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. "Reserve very early for waterfront," advises Rachel G. about North-South Lake Campground.
Dispersed camping regulations: For those seeking more primitive options, dispersed camping areas have specific guidelines. Betty Brook Camp provides basic sites with limited amenities and no reservations required.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity occurs throughout the region. "Obey bear rules!" emphasizes Amber A. from her stay at Bear Spring Mountain.
Playground access: Some established campgrounds include play areas for children. "Small playground was nice for the kids," mentions Becky S. about Bear Spring Mountain — DEC.
Swimming options: Lakes provide natural swimming areas during summer months. "Two lakes. Highly recommended," states Luka M. about the swimming opportunities at North-South Lake Campground.
Multi-generational activities: Campgrounds with diverse recreation options work well for varied age groups. "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," shares Chris D. about his experience introducing a new generation to North-South Lake.
Site selection: Limited large RV accommodations exist in the area. "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," cautions Peter about Betty Brook Camp.
Hookup availability: Only select campgrounds offer full hookups. North-South Lake provides electric, sewer and water hookups according to campground information, while many smaller campgrounds have no hookups.
Road access considerations: Mountain roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "The view from the town to the campground was amazing," notes Eliany L. about the scenic but potentially challenging drive to North-South Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Kill, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Kill, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near West Kill, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near West Kill, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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