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North-South Lake State Campground wilderness guide
State Campground · NY

North-South Lake State Campground

North-South Lake State Campground offers a scenic outdoor experience in New York’s Catskill Mountains, featuring lakes, hiking trails, and historic sites ideal for camping and year-round recreation.

State Campground1,6294+ Trails

Designation

State Campground

Total Wilderness Area

1,629

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About North-South Lake State Campground

North-South Lake State Campground offers a scenic outdoor experience in New York’s Catskill Mountains, featuring lakes, hiking trails, and historic sites ideal for camping and year-round recreation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located within the Catskill Forest Preserve in Greene County, New York, North-South Lake State Campground is one of the largest and most popular campgrounds in the region. The campground is situated between two lakes, North Lake and South Lake, surrounded by rolling hills, hardwood forests, and striking mountain views. The area is characterized by a rich mixed forest ecosystem that includes oak, maple, birch, and beech trees, as well as wildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species.

The campground lies near several historic sites and is the gateway to some of the most renowned hiking trails in the Catskills, including the Escarpment Trail and the challenging routes to South Mountain and Kaaterskill High Peak. North-South Lake has long been a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to fish, paddle, hike, mountain bike, or simply relax by the water. The lakes themselves are stocked with trout and bass, offering tranquil fishing experiences.

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy seasonal activities such as swimming and biking in the summer, vibrant foliage viewing in the fall, and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter. The campground’s proximity to the renowned Hudson River School Art Trail highlights the region's artistic heritage, as many famous painters once drew inspiration from the surrounding landscape.

North-South Lake State Campground is a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural history, making it a prime destination for families, solo campers, and outdoor adventurers alike.

Field Guide · State Campground
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near North-South Lake State Campground

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Waterfall Wonder: Kaaterskill Falls★ 8.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head

Waterfall Wonder: Kaaterskill Falls

Explore the 1.5-mile Kaaterskill Falls Trail near Haines Falls, NY. This moderate trail offers views of one of New York's tallest waterfalls, perfect for photographers, especially in spring and fall. Drive-in access and a scenic trail make it a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts.

Majestic Cascades at Kaaterskill Falls★ 8.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Kaaterskill Falls, Viewing Platform

Majestic Cascades at Kaaterskill Falls

Explore Kaaterskill Falls, a 260-foot waterfall in the Catskills, near Palenville, NY. An easy drive-in access spot, this area offers hiking and photography opportunities. Late spring to early fall visits provide optimal conditions for enjoying the falls and surrounding trails.

Kaaterskill Falls: A Majestic Cascade★ 8.5⌖ 1 miHiking
Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls: A Majestic Cascade

Explore the iconic Kaaterskill Falls, a 260-foot two-tiered waterfall in Catskill Park near Hunter, NY. The moderate hike offers stunning views from the base and top, perfect for photographers. Best visited in spring and fall, but expect crowds in summer.

Scenic Serenity: Woodstock's Natural Charm★ 5.0⌖ 11 miHiking
Woodstock

Scenic Serenity: Woodstock's Natural Charm

Explore Woodstock's natural charm and rich cultural history. Enjoy hiking in Catskill Mountains or kayaking along the Hudson River. With vibrant fall colors, it's a peaceful retreat perfect for adventure seekers.

The Scenic Hudson River Experience★ 8.0⌖ 20 miKayaking
Hudson River

The Scenic Hudson River Experience

Experience the beauty of the Hudson River, a historical waterway flowing through New York. Ideal for kayaking and cycling with picturesque views, the area is bustling in the summer. Parks and trails offer outdoor activities, celebrating both nature and city life.

Waterfalls & Wonders at High Falls★ 7.8⌖ 22 miSwimming
High Falls

Waterfalls & Wonders at High Falls

High Falls in Hudson Valley, NY, is a stunning waterfall offering a peaceful retreat with swimming and hiking. Accessible by car, it's a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Durant Nature Trail offering views of North and South Lakes✦ Escarpment Trail providing access to panoramic Catskill Mountain vistas✦ Historic sites related to the Hudson River School painters nearby✦ Swimming beach and boat rentals on North Lake
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in North-South Lake State Campground

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in North-South Lake State Campground
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in North-South Lake State Campground.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fees apply; camping requires reservation and fee payment; no permits required beyond reservation.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in North-South Lake State Campground

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

North-South Lake Campground

Spanning over 300 sites, this campground offers tent and RV camping with modern amenities like showers, restrooms, and a camp store, centrally located between the two lakes.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near North-South Lake State Campground

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Haines Falls
⌖ 0.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Haines Falls, New York

A charming Catskills town that offers diverse landscapes, outdoor adventures, and scenic wonders for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Tannersville
⌖ 2.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tannersville, New York

A classic Catskills mountain village offering year-round outdoor adventures from forest trails to winter slopes, blending rustic charm with rugged natural beauty.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Palenville
⌖ 3.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Palenville, New York

A gateway to the Catskill Mountains offering classic hiking, climbing, and paddling adventures with rich natural scenery and a quiet small-town feel.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Hunter
⌖ 6.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hunter, New York

A small mountain town offering year-round outdoor adventures within the heart of the Catskill Mountains.

Fall and WinterExplore Town
Cairo
⌖ 8.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cairo, New York

A quiet Hudson Valley town offering a peaceful gateway to varied outdoor activities including paddling, hiking, and winter sports amid scenic woodlands and waterways.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Saugerties
⌖ 10.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saugerties, New York

A scenic Hudson Valley town offering diverse outdoor activities along the Esopus Creek and Catskill foothills, blending river adventures and forest trails with seasonal charm.

Spring through Fall, with winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in North-South Lake State Campground

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Curator's Tour at Thomas Cole National Historic Site: Behind-the-Scenes Art Walk in Catskill, NYCatskill, New York · 11.81 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Curator's Tour at Thomas Cole National Historic Site: Behind-the-Scenes Art Walk in Catskill, NY

A monthly, behind-the-scenes Curator’s Tour at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill offers rare access to family collections, rotating exhibitions, and curatorial spaces. Led by Associate Curator Amanda Malmstrom, the 45-minute walk is limited to 15 guests and changes focus each First Friday—book early.

45 minutes—1 hour

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.