Description
North-South Lake is the largest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty. Several lakes are located within the campground. The surrounding mountains contain numerous hiking trails, which lead to spectacular overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sights, like Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. On a clear day, five states are visible from some overlooksGeography:
North-South Lake Campground is located at the eastern edge of the Catskill Escarpment, in the Catskill Forest Preserve.
Recreation:
Park activities include camping, hiking, Playground, boating, fishing, swimming at the beach, and picnicking. There is also a Junior Naturalist Program that allows younger campers to earn a patch by completing several environmental education modules.
Facilities:
The park's campsites are heavily wooded and have tables and fireplaces. There are two swimming beaches and two picnic areas, with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills. Restrooms with showers, a boat launch, boat rentals, firewood sales, a trailer dump station and a recycling center round out the amenities.
Nearby Attractions:
Hunter Mountain, 10 miles away, offers ethnic festivals throughout the summer season. Local villages provide restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Inner-tubing, go-carts, miniature golf, golf courses, and horseback riding facilities are located within easy driving distance.
CAMPGROUND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
- Campers should be aware that they may encounter black bears in this area
- No motorized boats are allowed on North-South Lake
WHEN YOU ARRIVE-You must sign for your own site. Have your equipment with you and be ready to camp when you register. Names of all campers on a site must be listed on the permit at time of registration
CHECK-IN TIME-From 2pm until 9p.m. Campers must register for their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night of their reservation or the campsite will be subject to re-rental and all fees will be forfeited
CHECK-OUT TIME-10:00 a.m. on your departure date
OCCUPANCY-Limited to 6 individuals per campsite and 2 tents or 1 unit of hard wheeled camping equipment and 1 tent. Only 2 vehicles permitted on any campsite. Extra vehicles will be required to park in a designated area (additional fees will apply)
AGE REGULATIONS-Campsites must be registered and occupied by a responsible person 18 years of age or older
LENGTH OF STAY-Your camping permit can be issued for a maximum of 14 nights. From July 1 through Labor Day only 14 cumulative nights will be permitted at any campground.
QUIET HOURS-From 10 p.m. until 7 a.m., and are strictly enforced. Violators of this policy may be evicted
GENERATORS-The use of generators may be limited to no more than 5 hours per day and fall between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonably loud by the facility staff then individual use of a generator may be prohibited/limited
FIRES-Must be built in fireplaces provided. Only dead and down wood may be used for fuel. No chainsaws are allowed in campgrounds, and cutting down trees, alive or dead is prohibited.
FIREARMS-Are not allowed in campgrounds except during the Fall and Spring hunting seasons. Firearms must not be discharged within campground boundaries at any time
ACCESSIBLE SITES-At least one member of the camping party staying on the site must be mobility impaired (i.e. in a wheelchair or uses a walker) or the camping party may be turned away at the campground
SWIMMING-Is allowed at campgrounds with supervised bathing areas during designated hours when a lifeguard is on duty. Please note that there may be times when lifeguards are unavailable, and for the safety of our customers these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited. Not all campground locations offer swimming, to inquire please contact the campground directly
PETS-Are allowed with proof of a currently valid rabies vaccination in the form of a current year's tag or a certificate issued by the veterinarian. Campers can walk dogs on a leash no longer than six feet as long as the animal is under control. Dogs cannot be left unattended and are not allowed in facility structures, on the beach or in day use areas