North/South Lake Campground - Haines Falls, New York

Kate La Spina

Just 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.

Z R

We 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.

Jamie Berger

Lovely campgrounds! You are given everything you could need: a fire pit, a table, ample space, and bathrooms everywhere! We loved our time here and we will definitely come again. Just note that the campground doesn’t sell firewood, but there are many places to get it on the road leading up to the campsite! Beautiful lake in the camp and Kaaterskill Waterfall is 4 minutes away by car! Signs are easy to follow to get to your camp and get around. Can’t wait to come back and we are going to book earlier this time because it does seem to fill up on Saturdays!

Bobbi S

There is something for everyone here: camping, hiking, swimming, corn hole, clean bathrooms, mostly clean showers (the grout between the wall tiles could use a good bleaching), playground, barbecue grills, large fire pits, well-marked trails, convenience to town & the main road, mountaintop views, history, boats to rent, fishing, and more! We camped in loop 3, site 59 and, although the driveway to it is tight, steep & short, the open area for tents was a good size, it was quiet enough (thank goodness fellow campers respect the 10 PM to 7 AM quiet time policy) & was clean & ready for our arrival (we left it the same way when we left). Its only down side is the long, switch-back filled drive up the mountain once you exit off the NY Thruway. It's dizzying & slow! Have a great time here!!

Marissa Citarell

Amazing time with friends hiking upstate! We booked a camp ground for the day to leave our stuff but will definitely be back for actual tent camping. Hikes were crowded in some spots (we did go on the weekend) but the views were amazing and everyone we passed was very kind and considerate. The trails we took the dogs on were difficult at parts - would only recommend a younger dog or one that is pretty active. The loop we did was about 2 miles and had many view “pull offs” that were stunning.

Samantha Schweiker

Our experience was absolutely terrible.

After a 3.5 hour drive, we arrived at 10 PM, only to be told we couldn’t check in because we missed the 9 PM cutoff—despite having a reservation. There was no clear warning about this on our reservation. The Reserve America site mentions check-in times, but doesn’t say you’ll be turned away after 9 PM. I go camping very frequently and this is not normal protocol. Usually if you miss the check in time, you can still stay over night and check in the next morning.

We were left stranded with nowhere to stay and the ranger suggested we could sleep in our tiny car on the side of the road. Wow thanks a lot - sounds really safe!! After an hour of calling hotels (which were mostly all closed or booked by that point), we finally found one for over $200, 30 minutes away from the camping area which we were planning to hike from in the morning. What was supposed to be a cheap, relaxing weekend now turned into a stressful, expensive experience.

It’s unacceptable that the campground turned us away for a time restriction that wasn’t clearly stated. They need to either make this policy extremely clear or let people in for the reservation they paid for.

Jane White

Went on a Monday, so almost empty beach and picnic area. The overlook at the Mountain House location is gorgeous. The trail to the Mt House is an easy hike, but there are other trails available in the area for experienced hikers.

CY Y_an

This was the popular campground that we couldn’t get our hands on for weekend booking. Ended up going with a group of others who were able to get this for Saturday until Monday. Camping experience is what you make of it, so I had fun and a relaxing day with my friends, hanging out and hiking.

A couple things to note.
#1 this camping REQUIRES at least 2days if booking.
#2 if you’re interested, the weekends run out extremely fast. Make sure you schedule day one of booking opening, may 18.
#3 depending on the location, sites are of different sizes and privacy level. Some may be more secluded others more closer to the adjacent site.
#4 trail around the lake is a must . Very beautiful scenery along the trail. And you get different angles of the lake both north and south.
#5 for those interest in kayak, make sure to confirm a few days before arrival if it is available, we went and it was closed. (This is for those who do not have their own kayak)
#6 kid friendly, pet friendly, also bear friendly ?so make sure to NOT leave your food outside. They get hungry and are out wandering these days.