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North-South Lake State Campground adventures

North-South Lake State Campground Adventures

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.

1,629
Acres Protected
30+
Miles of Trails
150,000+
Annual Visitors
1928
Year Established

About North-South Lake State Campground

North-South Lake State Campground
 

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.

Highlights

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Durant Nature Trail offering views of North and South Lakes

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Escarpment Trail providing access to panoramic Catskill Mountain vistas

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Historic sites related to the Hudson River School painters nearby

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Swimming beach and boat rentals on North Lake

Notable Natural Features

North and South Lakes

Twin glacial lakes offering fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating with scenic shorelines.

Escarpment Trail

A rugged trail featuring cliffs and sweeping views, linking several Catskill High Peaks.

Hudson River School Art Trail

Nearby historical locations that inspired America's 19th-century landscape painters.