North/South Lake Campground Introduce
Are you searching for "camping near me" in the Haines Falls, New York area, and prioritizing a tranquil natural setting? North/South Lake Campground, located at 874 N Lake Rd, offers a potentially serene environment within the scenic Catskill Mountains. However, recent customer reviews paint a picture of a campground with a very strong emphasis on quiet and strict adherence to rules, which may appeal to some local users seeking absolute peace while potentially deterring others looking for a more relaxed or lively camping experience. It's crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of these aspects to determine if North/South Lake Campground aligns with their expectations for a camping getaway.
The reviews, while critical of the management and rules, do acknowledge the inherent beauty of the North/South Lake area. Haines Falls is renowned for its stunning natural environment within the Catskill Forest Preserve, featuring picturesque lakes, cascading waterfalls (including the famous Kaaterskill Falls nearby), and extensive hiking trails. The campground's name strongly suggests its proximity to North Lake and South Lake, which are popular destinations for swimming, boating, and enjoying scenic views. Local users seeking "camping near me" to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Catskills will likely find the location of North/South Lake Campground appealing, offering easy access to hiking, potential lake activities, and the overall tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. The reviews mention the "site itself" being loved, indicating that the physical environment of the campground is indeed a positive aspect.
The services at North/South Lake Campground, based on the reviews, seem to be overshadowed by the strict enforcement of rules and the perceived demeanor of some staff members. While basic campground services such as designated campsites, restroom facilities, and potentially water and electric hookups are implied by its nature as a campground, the focus of the feedback is on the restrictive environment. One reviewer mentioned being required to keep their cooler inside the car at all times, which is an unusual and potentially inconvenient rule. The strict enforcement of quiet hours, extending from 10 pm to 7 am, is understandable for maintaining peace during sleeping hours. However, the reviews suggest that the staff also enforce a high level of quiet during the day, with complaints about even slight noise or activity. This indicates that the primary "service" offered appears to be the maintenance of an exceptionally quiet environment, potentially at the expense of a more relaxed camping atmosphere. There is no mention of typical campground amenities like a camp store, playground, or organized activities, further suggesting a focus on a more basic and quiet experience.
The features of North/South Lake Campground are largely defined by its commitment to maintaining a silent environment. This could be seen as a desirable feature for those specifically seeking absolute tranquility in nature. The potential proximity to North Lake and South Lake would be another key feature, offering opportunities for water-based recreation, although the reviews do not explicitly detail these activities. The location within the Catskill Forest Preserve also implies access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints in the surrounding area. However, the reviews strongly emphasize that the campground is "not suited for large groups or those who enjoy a lively atmosphere." This suggests that the features are geared towards individuals or small groups who prioritize silence above all else. The strict rules and the staff's apparent enforcement of them become defining features of the camping experience here. Prospective campers should consider whether these features align with their desired level of activity and social interaction during their "camping near me" trip.
Currently, there is no promotional information provided in the text. To inquire about any seasonal rates, discounts for quiet-seeking individuals, or special offers at North/South Lake Campground, local users would need to contact them directly via phone at (518) 589-5058 or mobile phone at +1 518-589-5058. Given the strong emphasis on a quiet environment, it's unlikely they would promote lively group activities or events. When calling, it would be wise to inquire specifically about the campground's rules and regulations to ensure it meets your expectations for a camping experience. Asking about amenities related to quiet enjoyment of nature, such as trail access or lake access rules, might also be beneficial.
In conclusion, for local users searching for "camping near me" in Haines Falls, NY, North/South Lake Campground offers a location within a beautiful natural environment. However, the overwhelming feedback from recent reviews highlights a campground with exceptionally strict rules and a strong emphasis on maintaining absolute silence, both during the day and night. While this might appeal to those seeking an extremely quiet retreat, it appears to be a significant drawback for families, larger groups, or anyone wishing to enjoy a more typical, relaxed camping atmosphere with some level of daytime activity and social interaction. Potential visitors should carefully consider these aspects and perhaps contact the campground directly to fully understand their rules and determine if North/South Lake Campground's commitment to silence aligns with their desired "camping near me" experience. The beauty of the location itself seems to be a positive, but the management style and strict regulations appear to be the defining characteristics based on recent customer feedback.
North/South Lake Campground Photos










North/South Lake Campground Location
North/South Lake Campground
874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA
North/South Lake Campground874 N Lake Rd
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North/South Lake Campground Reviews
Mary ruined our trip. Our family comes every summer and we won’t be returning this year . we are done with Mary waking up and wanting to ruin everyone’s fun . Get better staff that enjoy the job they have !
Feb 15, 2025 · Nicole murksWe recently visited the campground for the second time and while we love the site itself, our experience with the staff was disappointing. The rules are overly strict; for instance, we were required to keep our cooler inside the car at all times. Although we understand the need for rules and quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am, the staff seemed to have issues with even the slightest noise or activity during the day. They don’t allow music or any significant noise, which felt excessively controlling.If you are planning to visit this campground, be aware that it's not suited for large groups or those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. It seems to be designed for people who prefer absolute silence, to the point where it feels like you need to keep your mouth closed with tape. This approach can be frustrating if you want to enjoy time with family and friends without constantly worrying about warnings or being asked to leave.If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, you might be better off staying home. The staff, particularly the lady in charge, seemed consistently cranky and unapproachable. Even other staff members seemed hesitant to speak negatively about her. We go camping to escape the rigidity of corporate and city life, and it was disheartening to feel so controlled.Aside from these issues, everything else about the campground is great. However, if a quiet environment is what you seek, you might want to reconsider camping here.
Sep 03, 2024 · Z RJust here adding another experience where we showed up after 9 pm for a camping reservation made months in advance and were turned away (we drove 4 hours from Philadelphia). We had to get a hotel room and pay 200 dollars for the night and the women at the entrance booth were super unclear about what had happened to our campsite and why we couldn’t stay there. Was it given away to a walk in? Did someone else stay there? Would we be able to get it back? As it turns out - we went back in the morning, our site was completely vacant and we checked in/set up completely normally, they just don’t allow people to check in after 9 because it’s disruptive to quiet hours. Meanwhile quiet hours don’t start until 10 pm and pitching a tent is not disruptive. Give me a break. This is the only campsite I’ve ever stayed at where I’ve had this issue and we camp everywhere. Bureaucracy for the sake of bureaucracy.
Oct 26, 2024 · Kate La SpinaThis place was hands down one of the greatest camp experiences I have ever had! Lovely sites. Very clean. Friendly staff. The bathrooms were clean. I would go back in a heartbeat. Get a lakeside site if possible. Bonus…sweet waterfall hike right next to the campground. I had site 147 and it was epic btw.
Oct 24, 2024 · Jon MHad a great time camping overnight in late October, one of the last days you could book a campground. There were actually a lot of people in and around the campgrounds, and the nearby Kaaterskill Falls was awesome. When you book the camp spot make sure you read through the rules, there quiet hours after 10pm, max of 2 vehicles per camping spot, among other small restrictions. I think each spot has its own fire pit where you can cook or just warm up. It’s important to bring the right gear for overnight stays, especially in the colder months. Didn’t see any bears but I think one of our neighbors’ dogs paid us a visit throughout the night, kept hearing a sniff right by my tent haha. We were campsite 5 in loop 1. Getting there at night is a bit confusing but you just have to follow the signs or ask the park rangers.
Nov 05, 2024 · Dragos Petrescu
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