North/South Lake Campground

- 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436

Introduction / Overview: Your Classic Catskills Camping Experience

For residents across New York State, the Catskill Mountains represent a timeless retreat into the natural world, and at the heart of this majestic region lies North/South Lake Campground. As the largest and most popular state campground within the Catskill Forest Preserve, this destination offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor recreation. It is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it is a gateway to the region’s most spectacular sights, including the legendary Kaaterskill Falls and the historic site of the Catskill Mountain House.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), North/South Lake Campground is meticulously maintained and boasts 219 tent and trailer sites spread across seven distinct loops. Whether you are a seasoned RVer looking for easy accessibility and clean facilities, or a family seeking a classic woodland camping experience, this campground provides the ideal setting. Its dual lakes—North Lake and South Lake—offer two swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing spots, ensuring there are ample opportunities to cool off and unwind after a rewarding day on the trails. It is the quintessential Catskills escape, perfect for New Yorkers seeking a deep immersion in nature without sacrificing essential comforts.

Location and Accessibility: High Elevation and Historic Views

North/South Lake Campground is uniquely situated atop the Catskill Escarpment, placing it at a significant elevation of approximately 2,250 feet. This elevated position is key to its extraordinary scenic beauty, offering vantage points from which visitors often report seeing five states on a clear day.

The campground’s address is 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA. For New York area residents, accessibility is straightforward:

• From the South (e.g., NYC/Mid-Hudson Valley): Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 20 at Saugerties. Follow Route 32 North to Route 32A, and then west onto Route 23A into Haines Falls. Turn onto County Route 18 (North Lake Road), which leads directly to the campground entrance.
• From the North (e.g., Albany/Capital Region): Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 21 at Catskill. Follow Route 23 East to Route 9W South, then west onto Route 23A toward Haines Falls. Turn right onto County Route 18.

The campground serves as a primary hub for numerous hiking trails, with trailheads accessible directly from the camping loops and day-use areas. While the location feels remote and deep within the wilderness, the infrastructure supports ease of access for both vehicles and various camping equipment, including trailers and RVs up to certain size limitations, particularly in designated loops.

Services Offered

As a well-established State campground, North/South Lake offers a reliable range of facilities designed to maximize the camping experience while keeping focus on the natural environment.

• Extensive Camp Sites: A total of 219 sites are available, accommodating both tents and trailers/RVs. Sites are often wooded, providing a degree of privacy, and come equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grate.
• Water and Sanitation: Modern convenience is provided through multiple flush toilet restrooms and several hot shower facilities located across loops 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7. There is also a sanitary dump station and a recycling center for proper waste management.
• Boating and Rentals (Non-Motorized): A paved boat launch is available on North Lake. The campground offers on-site rentals for non-motorized vessels including rowboats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle boats, allowing campers to easily enjoy the water.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, a critical service for safe and legal campfires, as the use of outside wood is discouraged to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Day-Use Areas: The park features two dedicated picnic areas, one on each lake, which include tables, fireplaces or grills, and pavilion rentals—some with electricity—ideal for large family or group gatherings.

Features / Highlights

The true allure of North/South Lake lies in its unique natural features and its direct link to Catskills history and legendary trails.

• Direct Trailhead Access to the Escarpment: The campground is the perfect starting point for the historic Escarpment Trail and shorter scenic hikes to spectacular viewpoints like Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, and Boulder Rock, all offering incredible vistas of the Hudson Valley.
• Proximity to Kaaterskill Falls: A short drive and accessible trail lead to Kaaterskill Falls, New York’s highest two-tiered waterfall. This natural wonder is an absolute must-see for all visitors to the region.
• Two Swimming Beaches: Both North and South Lakes feature designated swimming beaches open during the summer season when lifeguards are on duty, providing a safe and refreshing activity.
• Historical Significance: The campground includes the former site of the renowned Catskill Mountain House, a 19th-century grand hotel. A short, easily managed hike leads to the site, rewarding visitors with breathtaking, panoramic views.
• Family-Friendly Facilities: The campground includes a playground, a playing field, and areas for volleyball and horseshoes, as well as a Junior Naturalist Program to engage younger campers with environmental education.
• Excellent for RVs and Trailers: Campers often note that the sites on loops like Loop 6 or Loop 7 are spacious, clean, and provide easy access to the renovated bathhouses and lake amenities, making it a highly rated RV destination.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about site availability and reservations (which are highly recommended due to the campground’s popularity), please use the following contact details:

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

Phone: (518) 589-5058

Mobile Phone: +1 518-589-5058

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For New York residents, North/South Lake Campground offers a priceless opportunity to reconnect with the state’s natural heritage. Its suitability for locals is found in its seamless integration of a high-quality camping experience with unparalleled access to the Catskill Forest Preserve’s best hiking and historical sites. For those in the greater metropolitan area and the Capital Region, it is a convenient, yet profoundly transformative, wilderness retreat that feels worlds away from city life.

Whether you are a day visitor looking for a world-class hike with breathtaking views, or a camper seeking a week of swimming, fishing, and starry nights, this DEC campground provides the infrastructure—from clean, hot showers to dedicated RV loops—to make the experience comfortable. It is an ideal family destination, offering a mix of educational, recreational, and relaxing activities that underscore the value of the Catskill Mountains as a permanent, protected resource for all New Yorkers. Its reputation for spacious sites, scenic beauty, and direct access to major trails solidifies North/South Lake as the premier camping choice for those looking to truly explore the 'Land of the Sky' in their backyard.

North/South Lake Campground

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