North-South Lake Campground

Escarpment views, two beaches and Kaaterskill Falls.

One of the Catskills’ largest campgrounds, set on two connected, motor-free lakes on top of the escarpment above the Hudson Valley. Trails lead from camp to the Catskill Mountain House site, Sunset Rock and the Escarpment Trail, and Kaaterskill Falls is a short drive. It suits hikers, paddlers and families; summer weekends are busy, and fall color here is among the best in the state.

At a glance

Sites

219 wooded tent and trailer sites in 7 loops

Beaches

2, on North Lake and South Lake

Rentals

Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, SUPs and paddle boats

Hookups

None; dump station

Reservations

Opens 9 months ahead on ReserveAmerica, rolling daily

What’s here

• Tent sites
• Showers
• Lake or riverfront
• Swimming beach
• Pets allowed

Gear, rentals and guides

• North-South Lake boat rentals

  Rowboats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and paddle boats for the motor-free lakes.

• Town Tinker Tube Rental

  Tubes and shuttles for floating the Esopus Creek in Phoenicia.

Where to stay

• lodgeScribner’s Catskill Lodge

  Remade mountain lodge near Hunter with a pool, fire pits and a farm-to-table restaurant.

  20 min drive
• hotelHotel Lilien

  Small boutique hotel on Route 23A near Tannersville.

  15 min drive
• innDeer Mountain Inn

  Arts-and-crafts mansion turned inn and restaurant in the woods near Tannersville.

  15 min drive

Nearby

• Kaaterskill Falls · 5 min drive

  A two-tier, 260-ft waterfall, among the tallest in New York; the viewing platform on Laurel House Road is the easy, safe way to see it.

• Catskill Mountain House site and Sunset Rock · From the campground

  Easy walks from the campground to ledges with views across the Hudson Valley.

• Thomas Cole National Historic Site · 35 min drive

  Home and studio of the Hudson River School founder, who painted these lakes and falls.

• Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café · 15 min drive

  Tannersville institution for hearty food, cheese and beer among the antiques.

• Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride · 20 min drive

  Lift ride up Hunter Mountain for big views, best in foliage season.

Getting there

• Albany International (ALB) · about 1 hr 35 min drive
• Verona, NY · about 3.25 hr
• Albany · about 1.25 hr
• New York City · about 2.75 hr

Directions in Google Maps