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 60 miles.

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, New York
⌖ 0.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Haines Falls, New York

Haines Falls offers a gateway to the Catskills with hiking trails, waterfall views, and charming local experiences. Ready yourself for wild adventures and natural beauty aplenty.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Tannersville, New York
⌖ 2.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tannersville, New York

Tannersville, NY in the Catskills is an outdoor playground with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and winter skiing. Its scenic mountains, waterfalls, and trails offer adventures year-round, making it a top basecamp for exploring natural beauty and outdoor thrills.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Palenville, New York
⌖ 3.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Palenville, New York

Palenville, NY is your outdoor gateway to the Catskills, with excellent hiking, rock climbing, paddling, and stunning waterfalls like Kaaterskill Falls. A quiet village basecamp close to nature and vibrant fall colors.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Hunter, New York
⌖ 6.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hunter, New York

Hunter, NY, in the Catskills, offers skiing, hiking, and camping amid stunning landscapes. Enjoy mountain biking in summer and ski adventures in winter at Hunter Mountain.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Cairo, New York
⌖ 8.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cairo, New York

Cairo, NY is a serene Hudson Valley town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, fishing, and winter skiing with easy access to the Catskills and tranquil river views.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Saugerties, New York
⌖ 10.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saugerties, New York

Saugerties offers a relaxing Hudson Valley escape with excellent hiking, paddling, and biking along the Esopus Creek and nearby Catskill trails. Ideal for fall foliage and seasonal outdoor sports, it’s a welcoming town for nature lovers year-round.

Spring through Fall, with winter for cross-country skiing
Explore 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.

Hudson in Fall: Shacks, Shipwrecks and Sandbars from the Water
ADVEXPEDITION
Hudson, New York
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Hudson in Fall: Shacks, Shipwrecks and Sandbars from the Water

A one-hour narrated cruise from Hudson that circles Middle Grounds Flats to photograph the Hudson‑Athens Lighthouse, abandoned canal barges, an old fishing village and Catskill Mountain views.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sunset on the Hudson: A Quiet Hour of Light and River
ADVEXPEDITION
Hudson, New York
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Sunset on the Hudson: A Quiet Hour of Light and River

A one-hour sunset cruise departing Hudson with onboard sips and snacks and a return stop in Athens—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring to make the most of the river at dusk.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip