North/South Lake Campground

For New Yorkers yearning for a classic outdoor escape into the majestic Catskill Mountains, North/South Lake Campground in Haines Falls, NY, stands as an unrivaled destination. As the largest and most popular campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, it offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, extensive recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities. It’s a place where the stunning landscapes of the Catskills meet the comfort of a well-appointed camping experience, making it a beloved choice for families, hikers, and nature lovers from across the Empire State.

North/South Lake Campground is renowned for its strategic location, providing direct access to some of the most iconic natural wonders in the Catskills. Visitors can easily embark on adventures to the awe-inspiring Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York's highest waterfalls, or challenge themselves on the rewarding North Point trails, which offer panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. As one enthusiastic camper shared, "Love this place. We visited twice last fall and recently in late spring. Both seasons have their own charms. We hiked both Kaaterskill Falls trails and North Point trails, both were beautiful and fun to hike." This highlights the year-round appeal and the wealth of exploration opportunities right at your campsite.

Beyond its natural allure, the campground consistently receives high praise for its operational excellence and inviting atmosphere. Another review raved, "The campground’s facilities are amazingly. They were very clean and plenty, never had to wait to use restrooms or wash station. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. This will be our traditional campground until we leave the country." This speaks volumes about the dedication to cleanliness and visitor comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay for all. The commitment to providing ample and well-maintained amenities means that even during busy periods, the experience remains enjoyable.

Furthermore, the quality of the individual campsites contributes significantly to the overall positive experience. A delighted camper noted, "We loved this campground -we were in loop 7 and all of the sites were wooded, secluded, and large. Each site has a nice campfire to cook over . 10/10 would stay again. Only issue was lots of bugs but that's nature!" This emphasizes the thoughtful layout, which prioritizes privacy and the traditional camping experience with fire pits. While bugs are a natural part of being outdoors, the overwhelming positives clearly outweigh such minor inconveniences, solidifying North/South Lake Campground's reputation as a top-tier destination for New Yorkers seeking a true Catskills adventure.

Location and Accessibility

North/South Lake Campground is prominently located at 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA. This address places it squarely within the magnificent Catskill Forest Preserve in Greene County, New York. Haines Falls is a small, picturesque hamlet that serves as a gateway to some of the most popular natural attractions in the Catskill Mountains, ensuring a truly immersive wilderness experience.

The campground's accessibility is excellent for New Yorkers traveling from various regions. It is conveniently situated within a reasonable driving distance from the New York State Thruway (I-87), a major north-south artery. Visitors typically exit the Thruway at Catskill (Exit 21) or Saugerties (Exit 20) and then follow scenic state routes (such as NY-23A) that wind directly into the heart of the Catskills. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering stunning vistas as you ascend into the mountains.

Its strategic location provides direct access to the North/South Lake Public Campground and Day Use Area, which is the largest and most popular Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve. This means campers have immediate access to the twin lakes (North Lake and South Lake) for swimming, boating, and fishing. More importantly, it serves as the primary trailhead for accessing iconic features such as Kaaterskill Falls, Artist's Rock, Newman's Ledge, and the Escarpment Trail. The proximity to these renowned natural landmarks makes North/South Lake Campground an unparalleled base camp for hiking and exploration, offering a perfect blend of secluded nature and convenient access to the region's best outdoor adventures for New York locals.

Services Offered

North/South Lake Campground, being a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility, provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to support a comfortable and traditional camping experience within a natural setting:

• Campsites: The campground offers 219 campsites, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (with length restrictions, generally up to 40 feet). These sites are typically spacious, wooded, and secluded, offering privacy and a genuine outdoor feel.

• Restrooms: Exceptionally clean and well-maintained flush toilets are available throughout the campground, with ample facilities to prevent long waits, as noted by positive customer reviews.

• Showers: Hot showers are provided, a highly valued amenity for campers, ensuring comfort after a day of hiking or swimming.

• Potable Water: Easily accessible water spigots are located throughout the campground, providing potable water for drinking and cooking.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate, perfect for traditional campfire cooking and enjoyment.

• Dump Station: An RV dump station is available for convenient disposal of wastewater for RV and trailer campers.

• Camp Store: A well-stocked camp store is typically on-site, offering essential camping supplies, firewood, ice, snacks, and other convenience items.

• Recycling Center: Designated areas for recycling are usually provided, encouraging environmental responsibility.

• Boat Launches & Rentals: Two boat launches are available for car-top boats, canoes, and kayaks on North Lake. Rowboat, canoe, and kayak rentals are also often available on-site, providing easy access to water recreation.

• Swimming Beaches: Two designated swimming beaches with guarded swimming areas (during operating hours) are available on the lakes, offering a safe and refreshing way to cool off.

• Playground: A playground is usually present for children, providing a dedicated space for play.

• Hiking Trail Access: The campground serves as a primary trailhead for numerous popular hiking trails, including those to Kaaterskill Falls, North Point, and the Escarpment Trail.

• Staff Assistance: Friendly and helpful staff members are on hand to assist campers with questions and ensure a pleasant stay, as highlighted in customer reviews.

Features / Highlights

North/South Lake Campground stands out with an impressive array of features and highlights that solidify its status as a premier camping destination in New York:

• Largest Catskills DEC Campground: As the biggest and most popular DEC campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, it offers extensive facilities and a vibrant atmosphere while maintaining natural beauty.

• Iconic Natural Landmarks at Your Doorstep: Its unparalleled proximity to legendary sites like Kaaterskill Falls (one of New York's highest waterfalls) and the panoramic vistas from North Point and the Escarpment Trail is a major draw for hikers and sightseers. These world-class attractions are directly accessible from the campground.

• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: The campground serves as a central hub for a vast network of trails catering to various skill levels, from easy strolls around the lakes to challenging climbs with rewarding views.

• Twin Lakes for Recreation: North Lake and South Lake offer fantastic opportunities for swimming (with designated beaches and lifeguards during season), fishing (known for trout, bass, and panfish), and non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking, rowboating), with rentals often available.

• Spacious, Secluded, Wooded Sites: Reviews consistently praise the campsites for being "wooded, secluded, and large," providing a sense of privacy and genuine immersion in nature, each typically equipped with a fire pit for classic campfire experiences.

• Clean and Ample Facilities: Campers frequently highlight the "amazingly clean and plenty" restrooms and wash stations, ensuring comfort and convenience even during busy periods, with no reported waits.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The positive interactions with staff, described as "friendly and helpful," contribute significantly to a welcoming and positive camping environment.

• Historical Significance: The area surrounding North/South Lake is steeped in history, having been a popular destination for the Hudson River School painters in the 19th century, adding a cultural dimension to the natural beauty.

• Seasonal Charm: The campground offers distinct charms in different seasons, as noted by visitors who appreciate both the vibrant fall foliage and the refreshing spring conditions.

These features combine to create a comprehensive and deeply satisfying outdoor experience for all who visit.

Promotions or Special Offers

North/South Lake Campground, as a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility, operates on a standardized rate system for its campsites and services, rather than offering traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. DEC campgrounds aim to provide affordable access to natural resources for all New Yorkers and visitors. However, there are inherent aspects of their pricing and operation that can be considered beneficial or offer value:

• Affordable Daily Rates: Campground fees are set by the DEC and are generally quite affordable, especially compared to private campgrounds with similar amenities and locations. This makes a camping trip to a prime Catskills location accessible to a wide range of budgets.

• Standardized Booking System: Reservations for DEC campgrounds are typically made through a centralized online system (e.g., ReserveAmerica). While not a discount, this provides a clear, consistent, and equitable way for all prospective campers to book their preferred sites.

• New York State Resident Perks: While rates are usually published, New York State residents may occasionally benefit from specific permit systems or access programs that could subtly reduce overall costs or enhance access to state parks and campgrounds. Always check the DEC website for the latest resident-specific information.

• Off-Season Availability: Although most popular in summer and fall, some DEC campgrounds might have slightly different rate structures or more availability during the shoulder seasons (spring and late fall), offering a chance to experience the beauty with fewer crowds.

• Included Amenities for Fee: The standard camping fee includes access to well-maintained restrooms, hot showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and often designated swimming beaches and boat launches, providing good value for the price.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping rates, reservation policies, and any specific seasonal considerations, prospective campers should always consult the official New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, specifically the page for North/South Lake Campground. This is the definitive source for planning a trip to this state-managed gem.

Contact Information

For those planning a memorable camping trip to North/South Lake Campground, here is the essential contact information:

• Campground Name: North/South Lake Campground

• Address: 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA

• Phone: (518) 589-5058

• Mobile Phone: +1 518-589-5058

This direct phone number will connect you with the campground office, where friendly and helpful staff can assist with inquiries about site availability, facilities, rules and regulations, current conditions, or any other questions you may have to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. For reservations, the New York State DEC website (often linking to ReserveAmerica) is the primary platform.

Conclusion: Why North/South Lake Campground is Suitable for Locals

North/South Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for New Yorkers seeking a quintessential Catskills outdoor experience. Its combination of natural grandeur, comprehensive facilities, and prime accessibility makes it a local favorite for a multitude of reasons.

Firstly, its unrivaled location within the Catskill Forest Preserve is a major draw. For anyone in New York looking for a genuine mountain escape, North/South Lake offers direct access to some of the state's most famous natural landmarks, including Kaaterskill Falls and stunning panoramic views from the Escarpment Trail. This means world-class hiking, breathtaking scenery, and abundant opportunities for nature photography are literally at your campsite, providing an immersive experience without requiring extensive travel from many parts of the state.

Secondly, despite its wild setting, the campground boasts "amazingly clean and plenty" facilities, including flush toilets and hot showers. This balance of rustic charm and essential modern comforts makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of campers, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families with young children who might be new to camping. The spacious, secluded, and wooded campsites further enhance the appeal, offering privacy and a true sense of being in nature, while still benefiting from the convenience of a well-managed state park.

Finally, the sheer variety of activities available on-site and in the immediate vicinity—from swimming and boating on the twin lakes to exploring miles of hiking trails—ensures that there's something for every interest. This makes North/South Lake Campground not just a place to sleep, but a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For New Yorkers, it represents an accessible, high-quality, and deeply rewarding opportunity to connect with the natural beauty and adventurous spirit of their home state, fostering a tradition of outdoor enjoyment for generations to come.

North/South Lake Campground

874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA