This Massive Upstate New York Campground Has Hiking Trails, Lake Views And Boat Rentals For A Whole Fall Weekend

Presidents once traveled all the way up a mountain just to stand on one rocky ledge and stare. A grand hotel sat right there, about 2,250 feet up, with the whole valley spread out below.

The hotel disappeared long ago, but the view stuck around. During camping season, you can pitch a tent just down the trail and enjoy the same scenery for the price of a campsite.

A famous painter made this corner of New York a star long before campers showed up. Come fall, the cliffs turn warm shades of red and gold that he would have loved.

Two calm mountain lakes wait nearby, with kayaks and paddleboards ready to rent. I’d spend mornings chasing waterfalls and evenings by the campfire. So which would you tackle first, the trail or the lake?

You’re Camping Where America First Fell For The Wilderness

Few campgrounds come with a backstory this good. North-South Lake Campground and Day Use Area sits on land many people call America’s First Wilderness.

The official name is a mouthful, so most folks just say North-South Lake. It’s the largest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, spread across roughly 1,100 acres.

North Lake Campground first opened on Forest Preserve land back in 1929. Long before that, the area drew crowds for a very different reason.

The Catskill Mountain House, a famous resort hotel, once perched on the escarpment here. It attracted artists, eccentric travelers, and even U.S. presidents who wanted that jaw-dropping view.

The scenery is dramatic for a simple reason. The land rises from about 540 feet at the base to roughly 2,250 feet at the old hotel site.

That sudden climb caught the eye of Thomas Cole and other Hudson River School painters. Their work helped shape how Americans saw wild places.

So when you roast a marshmallow here, you’re part of a long tradition. People have been escaping to these New York cliffs for a very long time.

Honestly, that’s a pretty great excuse for a weekend away.

Seven Wooded Loops Mean Your Tent Gets Real Shade

Trees, trees, and more trees. Every one of the 219 tent and trailer sites here sits in a heavily wooded spot.

The sites are spread across seven camping loops. That layout keeps things organized, even when the campground fills up on busy weekends.

Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate. Pack your favorite foil-packet dinner recipe, because that grate is ready for action.

Here’s a heads-up for RV fans. Sites fit trailers up to 30 feet, and the maximum RV length is 40 feet.

There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at the sites. That makes the campground a natural fit for tents and self-contained rigs.

Generators are allowed, but only during set five-hour windows each day. The rest of the time, the forest gets to do the talking.

You’ll find the campground at County Route 18 in Haines Falls, NY 12436. Map apps may also show 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436, which points to the same area.

Some GPS units work better with Tannersville, NY 12485. Good to know before cell service gets shaky on the mountain.

Bring Strong Legs Because The Overlooks Keep Coming

Trail names here sound like a treasure map. Alligator Rock, Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, Boulder Rock, and North Point all wait nearby.

The best part is the access. Trails leave right from the campground, so you can skip the car and start walking.

These paths lead to big overlooks, waterfalls, and historic spots. One trail even reaches the former site of the Catskill Mountain House.

From the escarpment, the Hudson River Valley spreads out below like a giant quilt. On a clear day, some overlooks are said to show five states.

That’s a lot of geography for one snack break. Pack water, layers, and a camera with a charged battery.

Artist’s Rock makes a friendly early goal for many hikers. North Point asks for more effort, but the payoff matches the climb.

Fall mornings in the Catskills can start chilly and warm up fast. A light jacket you can stuff in a backpack is a smart move.

I’d probably save Sunset Rock for late afternoon, just because of the name. It feels rude not to.

A Famous Waterfall Is Practically Your Neighbor

Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in New York. Campers here get a trail to it straight from the South Lake parking area.

That convenience is a big deal. You can spend the morning on the falls and still make it back for lunch at your site.

The falls show up in classic Hudson River School paintings. Artists loved how the water drops through layers of rock and forest.

Fall adds a whole new color palette to the scene. Picture-takers, consider your weekend booked.

Wear real hiking shoes for this one. Wet rock near waterfalls gets slick, and flip-flops are not your friend.

Stay on marked trails and behind any barriers. The views are amazing from the safe spots, so there’s no need to scramble for a better angle.

Cell service is spotty along the escarpment. Download an offline map before you leave the campground loops.

Bring snacks, too. Waterfall views have a funny way of making people linger longer than planned.

Pair this hike with one of the overlooks for a full day of big scenery. Your legs might grumble, but your camera roll will be thrilled.

Rent A Boat And Let The Lake Set The Pace

No motors allowed. That one rule keeps North Lake and South Lake quiet enough to hear your paddle hit the water.

Together, the two lakes cover 83 acres. That’s plenty of room for an easy cruise along the shoreline.

You don’t need to haul your own gear up the mountain. Rowboat, canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available right on site.

Already own a boat? A paved boat ramp sits at the North Lake day-use area.

Paddleboarding on a calm fall morning sounds like a dream to me. Kayaking is a safer bet if your balance is still waking up.

Canoes work great for two people who get along. Rowboats suit anyone who wants a steady ride with room for a snack bag.

Fall water gets cold, so dress for a possible splash. A spare set of dry clothes in the car is cheap insurance.

The views from the water feel different than from the trails. You look up at the cliffs instead of down at the valley.

Honestly, both angles deserve a spot on your weekend list.

Two Beaches, One Fishing Platform, Zero Excuses

Sand in the mountains always feels like a small win. North-South Lake Campground and Day Use Area has two swimming beaches.

Swimming is unsupervised, since there are no lifeguards. Keep a close eye on kids and stay within your comfort zone.

By fall, the beach becomes more of a hangout than a swim spot. Spread out a blanket and enjoy the mountain views across the water.

Anglers get their own perk, too. Freshwater fishing is allowed, and a fishing platform gives you a steady place to cast.

The fish list is surprisingly varied. Chain pickerel, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, black crappie, and largemouth bass all live in these lakes.

Remember to bring a valid New York fishing license if you need one. State rules apply here, just like any other public water.

Picnic areas sit near the lakes with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills. Some spots make lunch with a view feel very easy.

A quiet afternoon by the water balances out a big hiking morning. Your sore calves will appreciate the plan.

Fish or no fish, it’s hard to call that time wasted.

Fall Weekends Go Fast, So Book Like You Mean It

Leaf season and this campground are a famous pairing. That’s exactly why fall weekends book up quickly.

Reservations open up to nine months ahead through ReserveAmerica. Set a calendar reminder if you have a specific weekend in mind.

Walk-ins aren’t allowed here. Same-day reservations are possible until 5 PM on arrival day, but only if a site is still open.

The camping season usually runs from May 15 to October 25. The 2026 schedule follows that same window.

That closing date covers a big chunk of foliage season in New York. Late September and early October give you a good chance at bright colors.

One more detail for 2026 planners. Construction of a new shower building in Loop 5 was scheduled for September 8 through October 8, 2026.

During the scheduled construction period, campers were advised to expect some noise Monday through Thursday during normal working hours. During construction, Loop 5 campers could use portable toilets or the restrooms and showers in other loops.

Weekend campers were less likely to encounter construction noise during the scheduled work period. Still, it’s smart to know before you pick your site.

Plan early, and the foliage does the rest.

The Local Bears Take Snack Security Very Seriously

Black bears live in these woods. Campers sign a waiver acknowledging that fact, so it’s clearly not a joke.

Proper food storage is required here. Keep coolers, food, and anything that smells tasty locked away when you’re not using it.

A hard-sided vehicle makes a handy storage spot. Clean up right after meals, and don’t leave trash sitting around.

It may feel strict, but it protects both you and the bears. A well-fed bear that learns about campsites is bad news for everyone.

Plan easy meals that create less mess. One-pot dinners and pre-chopped ingredients save time and cleanup.

Tech prep matters here, too. Cell service is spotty, especially along the escarpment, so download offline maps before you arrive.

A solar cell phone charging station is available on site. It’s handy for topping off your phone before a big hike.

Flush toilets and hot showers are spread across five buildings in the loops. There’s also a trailer dump station, a recycling center, and firewood for sale.

Follow the rules, and the bears can stay mysterious instead of becoming your dinner guests.

Day Trippers And Little Naturalists Get In On The Fun

Not every visitor needs a tent. The day-use area welcomes people who just want a few hours of lake views and trails.

There’s a per-vehicle fee during the season. New York State residents 62 and older qualify for free vehicle entry on non-holiday weekdays, and an Empire Pass also covers day-use entry.

Families have plenty to keep busy. A playground, volleyball courts, horseshoes, and a playing field are all on the grounds.

Younger campers can join the Junior Naturalist Program. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about the forest around them.

Picnic pavilions are available to rent, and some have electricity. That’s helpful for a family reunion or birthday with a mountain backdrop.

Group plans in New York’s busy fall season need some planning ahead. Book the pavilion early if you have a date in mind.

Day visitors can still hit the overlooks, beaches, and paddle rentals. You might just leave already plotting a full camping weekend.

That’s the real charm of North-South Lake Campground and Day Use Area. One visit rarely feels like enough.

Good luck stopping at just one trip.