North/South Lake Campground - Campsite #145, Palenville, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Basecamp for Catskill Legends

For generations of New Yorkers, the Catskill Mountains have represented the ultimate escape, and no destination encapsulates this wild beauty and historical grandeur better than the North/South Lake Campground. Located within the vast Catskill Forest Preserve, this is the largest and most popular state campground in the region, a true gem managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The area is globally famous for its extraordinary scenic beauty and is interwoven with the history of the Hudson River School painters, who immortalized its breathtaking vistas.

North/South Lake is not just a place to stay; it is a full-service recreational area that offers a quintessential mountain experience. It serves as the ultimate basecamp for serious hikers, a relaxing lakeside retreat for families, and a convenient day-use area for a quick dip or picnic. The twin lakes—North Lake and South Lake—offer pristine waters for swimming, boating, and fishing, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Catskill Escarpment. With over 200 sites spread across seven camping loops, the campground provides a mix of heavily wooded, private settings and open areas with proximity to the lake, ensuring every camper can find their perfect spot to unplug and reconnect with nature. Customers consistently praise the spot as “Just amazing,” highlighting the well-maintained facilities and helpful employees.

Location and Accessibility: At the Edge of the Escarpment

The North/South Lake Campground is strategically situated at the eastern edge of the Catskill Escarpment, an area of the Catskills renowned for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views.

While a specific campsite number (Campsite #145 in Loop 5) is provided, the main campground and day-use area can be accessed via:

Address: Loop 5, Palenville, NY 12463, USA (The general park address is County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY 12436)

This prime location is incredibly convenient for New York-based travelers. It is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of New York City and easily reached via the New York State Thruway (I-87). Access is typically gained from Exit 20 (Saugerties) or Exit 21 (Catskill), leading travelers along scenic routes like NY-32A and NY-23A before turning onto County Route 18 toward Haines Falls. This minimal travel time makes it an ideal spot for a weekend trip from the downstate metro area. The park's geographical position not only offers stunning views—it is famously said that on a clear day, one can see five states from certain overlooks—but also provides direct, immediate access to some of the most famous and historic hiking trails in New York State.

Services Offered (Standard DEC Comfort)

As a well-run state campground, North/South Lake provides essential services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and safe camping experience in the wilderness.

Campsites: 219 tent and trailer sites across seven loops, each featuring a picnic table, fire ring, and grate.
Water and Sanitary: Centralized drinking water, flush toilets, and hot showers available in facilities across the campground loops.
Dump Station: A trailer dump station and a recycling center are available for all campers.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for sale on-site, though campers are reminded that fires must be built in provided fireplaces, and cutting live or dead trees is prohibited.
Boating Services: A paved boat ramp is located at North Lake, with rowboat, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and paddleboat rentals available (no motorized boats permitted).
Day-Use Amenities: Two dedicated picnic areas (one on each lake) with tables, fireplaces, or charcoal grills, and picnic pavilions available for rental (some with electricity).
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed on a leash (maximum six feet) with proof of current rabies vaccination, though they are restricted from facility structures, beaches, and day-use areas.

Features / Highlights (Vistas, Water, and World-Class Trails)

The features of North/South Lake Campground are what truly cement its reputation as a must-visit destination in the Catskills, focusing heavily on recreation, natural beauty, and historical significance.

Direct Trailhead Access: The campground provides direct walking access to the legendary Escarpment Trail and numerous paths leading to spectacular historical and natural sights.
Kaaterskill Falls Proximity: An easy-to-access trail from the general area leads to Kaaterskill Falls, New York’s highest two-tiered waterfall, a stunning, world-famous attraction.
Historic Vistas: Short hikes lead to the former site of the Catskill Mountain House, Alligator Rock, Artist's Rock, and Sunset Rock, offering some of the most dramatic and far-reaching views in the Northeastern US.
Two Swimming Beaches: Designated swimming areas are available at both North and South Lake beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty during posted hours, making it perfect for families.
Non-Motorized Boating: The twin lakes are ideal for peaceful paddling, with on-site rentals of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats, allowing for serene exploration of the water and shoreline.
Fishing: The lakes are noted fishing spots, home to various species including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and brown bullhead, providing excellent opportunities for a relaxing day on the water.
Family Amenities: A playground, playing field, volleyball, and horseshoe courts provide recreation for all ages outside of the hiking and water activities.

Contact Information

As a New York State DEC facility, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for peak summer weekends, and can be made through the statewide reservation system.

General Campground Office Phone: (518) 589-5058

Address (General Location): Loop 5, Palenville, NY 12463, USA

Mailing Address: NORTH-SOUTH LAKE CAMPGROUND, P.O. BOX 202, County Route 18, HAINES FALLS NY 12436

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of the New York metropolitan area and the wider region, North/South Lake Campground is simply an essential destination. Its suitability for local users stems from its unparalleled combination of accessibility and natural wonder. It is one of the few places in the Catskills where you can park your car, pitch your tent, and have direct walking access to legendary hiking trails and New York's highest waterfall without ever having to re-enter your car and battle for a trailhead parking spot. The sheer beauty of the lakes, the cleanliness of the facilities—as noted in customer reviews—and the array of activities from swimming and boating to challenging hikes make it a comprehensive outdoor getaway. It offers the chance to truly "unplug" (cell service is noted to be limited), providing a genuine wilderness feel while still maintaining the comfort and security of a state-run campground. Whether you are aiming for the dramatic overlooks of the Escarpment Trail or simply seeking a clean beach for the kids and a quiet campfire under the stars, North/South Lake Campground provides a world-class outdoor experience just a short drive from home.