The sound of a creek running alongside campsites defines much of the experience at North-South Lake Campground, where 219 sites spread across seven loops in the Catskill Mountains. Most sites sit fairly level under forest canopy, with many offering views of North Lake or the nearby stream. Christy C. found site 13 in loop 1 "very peaceful and shaded located next to the creek" with rocks for kids to climb nearby.
Black bear activity requires constant attention to food storage, with campers signing waivers acknowledging their presence. Rangers enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM with regular patrols. Sites cluster close together, though trees and rocks provide natural barriers between neighbors. Each site includes a fire pit with grill grate and picnic table. The campground operates without electrical hookups, making it primarily tent-friendly territory.
Two lakes anchor the recreation options, with North Lake currently under construction affecting beach access. Non-motorized boats launch from designated areas, while hiking trails connect to Kaaterskill Falls and the Mountain House site. Swimming areas and fishing spots draw families during peak season. "This is a tent campers paradise," observes Cynthia K., noting the wooded atmosphere under shady trees.
Cell service remains unavailable throughout the property. Each loop maintains bathroom and shower facilities, plus large sinks for dishwashing. Generators run during designated five-hour windows daily. Firewood sells at nearby houses and the entrance station. The campground fills quickly, especially lakefront sites, with reservations opening in October for the following season.
For additional camping in the region, consider North South Lake Catskill SF or explore campgrounds near Palenville for more options in the Catskills.
Description
North South Lake Campground is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty, and historical sites, such as: Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. An abrupt change in elevation occurs from about 540 feet above sea level at the base of the escarpment to approximately 2,250 feet at the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. The provinces around the lakes have long provided visitors with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. It is said that on a clear day, five states can be viewed from the escarpment. 7 camping loops; 219 tent and trailer sites; 2 lakes; 2 beaches; Two picnic areas: one on North Lake with two picnic pavilion rentals a 20' X 32' and a 44' X 24' (the larger of the two with electricity) and one on South Lake with a 40' X 60' picnic pavilion rental (with electricity).; 2 picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills; playground; flush toilets; hot showers; boat launch (no motorized vessels); rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; volleyball; horseshoes; fishing; playing field; trailer dump station; recycling center; solar cell phone charging station; ADA fishing platform.
Fee Info
$22 per night (out-of-state residents surcharge an additional $5 per night)
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
DEC Campgrounds: Same-day reservations will be allowed until 5pm on day of arrival at all DEC campgrounds. Reservations can be made online or through the Reserve America Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundNorth-South Lake Campground is located in New York
Directions
From the South: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 20, at Saugerties. Follow Rte 32 north for approximately 6 miles to Rte 32A and Rte 23A West. Stay on Rte. 23A to the village of Haines Falls. Make the first right turn in Haines Falls, onto County Rte 18, and follow it to the campground entrance. From the North: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 21, at Catskill. Turn left onto Rte 23 East, to Rte 9W South. Follow Rte 9W through Catskill to Rte 23A. Follow 23A West to Haines Falls. Make the first right turn in Haines Falls, onto County Rte 18, and follow it to the campground entrance.
Address
P.O. BOX 202, County Route 18
Haines Falls, NY 12436
Coordinates
42.20406009 N
74.03775555 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/23/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/23/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/23/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 24 min from Kingston, NY
- 42 min from Albany, NY
- 1 hr 4 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 13 min from Pittsfield, MA




















































