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North-South Lake State Campground

North-South Lake is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty, and historical sites.

The summer season offers swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hiking, camping, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Canoe, kayak, paddleboat,  and rowboat rentals are available. The park features marked hiking trails, pavilions, bathhouses, and playground.

Day Use Facilities 

Swimming is permitted at both North and South Lake beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty.

Two picnic areas: one on North Lake with two picnic pavilion rentals a 20' X 32' and a 44" X 24' (the larger of the two with electricity) and one on South Lake with a 40' X 60' picnic pavilion rental.

* Please take note that at facilities that offer swimming beaches, there are days which lifeguards are unavailable. For the safety of our customers, these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited.

Boating

No motorized boats are permitted. Rowboats and canoes permitted. A paved boat ramp is located at the North Lake day-use area. Rowboat, kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals are available at the North-South Lake campground.

Fishing

North-South Lake is also a fantastic fishing spot. Fish in the area include chain pickerel, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, black crappie, and largemouth bass.

Hiking

The campground offers access to numerous hiking trails including the Escarpment Trail. The short hike to the site of the Catskill Mountain House provides the reward of incredible vistas. Longer and more strenuous hikes can bring you to such spots as Artist's Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman's Ledge, Boulder Rock, and the Kaaterskill Hotel and Laurel House sites. Kaaterskill Falls lies outside the campground and is reached by a trail beginning on Route 23A. The two-tiered falls of 175 and 85 feet is the highest in New York State. The trails also offer spectacular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the winter months.

Address & Directions

North-South Lake is located on County Route 18 in Haines Falls, NY. 

Traveling from the South: Take NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 20 at Saugerties. Follow Route 32 north for approximately 6 miles to Route 32A and follow until you reach Route 23A west. Stay on Route 23A into the village of Haines Falls. Make the first right in Haines Falls onto County Route 18, campground entrance is 2 miles to the end of the road.

Traveling from the North: Take NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 21 at Catskill. Turn left on Route 23 East to Route 9W South. Follow Route 9W through the town of Catskill to Route 23A. Follow 23A West to Haines Falls. Make first right turn in Haines Falls onto County Route 18, campground entrance is 2 miles to end of the road.