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South Lake campsite
Public Campground

South Lake campsite

Old Forge, New York
4.5 (1388 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About South Lake campsite

Campground in New York.

South Lake campsite offers a wonderful escape into the natural beauty of New York's landscape, where visitors can experience the peaceful tranquility of waterside camping. Located in a picturesque setting, this public campground provides an ideal base for travelers seeking authentic outdoor recreation without venturing too far from civilization's conveniences.

The campground's proximity to South Lake creates a serene backdrop for your RV adventure. Water enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate, whether you're interested in fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the calming presence of the lake from your campsite. The area around South Lake has long been cherished by outdoor lovers who value both natural beauty and accessibility. The gentle ripples of the water and the surrounding woodlands create a peaceful atmosphere that encourages relaxation and connection with nature.

For visitors exploring upstate New York, South Lake campsite serves as an excellent jumping-off point for discovering the region's many attractions. The area provides convenient access to hiking trails, scenic byways, and local communities that showcase authentic New York charm. Whether you're a seasoned RV traveler or someone enjoying their first camping adventure, the location offers something meaningful for various interests and experience levels.

The campground appeals to families looking for a safe, welcoming environment where children can explore nature and develop outdoor skills. Couples seeking a romantic getaway will appreciate the quiet moments available at sunrise or sunset by the water. Solo travelers and retirees enjoy the peaceful pace and the opportunity to reflect in natural surroundings. Fishing enthusiasts particularly value access to South Lake's waters, while photographers find abundant natural subjects throughout the seasons.

With its strong 4.6-star rating from over 1,400 reviews, South Lake campsite has earned a reputation for providing visitors with memorable outdoor experiences. The positive feedback from countless travelers speaks to the quality of the camping environment and the appeal of this New York destination.
4.5

Rating

1,388

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Old Forge is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

New York weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Old Forge.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Old Forge. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

South Lake campsite Reviews

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brettlyjonesin

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by brettlyjonesin

Great place to stay. The basic cabins are very basic but arr clean amd warm even in the -20° we experienced this weekend. My only gripe was the "pads" they use as mattresses def leave younwith something to desire but other than that great place to stay and will def stay again.

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Karan Witham-Walsh

Mar 23, 2026

4.0

Google Review by Karan Witham-Walsh

We were there on what turned out to be a major Halloween weekend event in September. We had no idea that it was going to be occurring. Lots of loud music from the pavilion until about 10 o’clock at night. Extremely crowded. I think every site was full. By Sunday morning, the Campground had cleared out quite a bit, and the restrooms were locked due to plumbing issues. There were other restrooms ava... We were there on what turned out to be a major Halloween weekend event in September. We had no idea that it was going to be occurring. Lots of loud music from the pavilion until about 10 o’clock at night. Extremely crowded. I think every site was full. By Sunday morning, the Campground had cleared out quite a bit, and the restrooms were locked due to plumbing issues. There were other restrooms available, but further away. I prefer a more quiet and nature based camping experience, and if going in the fall again, would shoot for a weekday instead of the weekend, because there’s like five or six weeks of Halloween themed weekends. We loved the time there after the weekend! We had 30 amp service for our camper, but were told that we shouldn’t use our AC or electric heaters because they couldn’t support all the electric usage throughout the campground. That is crazy. Why do we have 30 amp then? We think after the weekend and most of the Campground cleared out it probably wouldn’t be a problem.

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David Bickford

Mar 23, 2026

4.0

Google Review by David Bickford

This place is by the water Safari in Old Forge. Went there for Snodeo 2025/2026. Had a good time. There was plenty of snow. Parking was a little iffy, due to trailer for snowmobile, but it got worked out well. Can ride snowmobile out of compound to Old Forge Trails. People seemed ok. Camp 2 was warm, clean for the most part. Shower was acceptable. Overall, a good experience. Sorry- no ph... This place is by the water Safari in Old Forge. Went there for Snodeo 2025/2026. Had a good time. There was plenty of snow. Parking was a little iffy, due to trailer for snowmobile, but it got worked out well. Can ride snowmobile out of compound to Old Forge Trails. People seemed ok. Camp 2 was warm, clean for the most part. Shower was acceptable. Overall, a good experience. Sorry- no photos.

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Valuable Gamer

Mar 23, 2026

1.0

Google Review by Valuable Gamer

Scammers! I had a booking a few months ago and I decided to cancel however they never sent me a confirmation email of the booking & they took money out of my bank account. I called within their cancellation window to cancel the booking as a change of mind. The degenerate lady told me since you never received the cofiemarion email there’s no need to cancel, I said whatever and let it be now their c... Scammers! I had a booking a few months ago and I decided to cancel however they never sent me a confirmation email of the booking & they took money out of my bank account. I called within their cancellation window to cancel the booking as a change of mind. The degenerate lady told me since you never received the cofiemarion email there’s no need to cancel, I said whatever and let it be now their charging me for the booking & I didn’t even make it. I disgusted with the bank and they rejected it. I’m not done! I’m going straight to small claims court and sueing for even more. All the proof is there! The call records on your system on the day I called & asked to cancel. I’ll see you in court you bunch of filthy scammers. Will be sending an intent to sue letter.

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lowclass21

Mar 23, 2026

2.0

Google Review by lowclass21

I've stayed several years here with not many issues, but since it sold last year I feel the cleanliness has been much less important to them. Our stay was for 5 nights in a cottage. Our group rents 4 cottages Not exactly cheap so with that you'd expect a clean quarters. The refrigerator, toilet, shower, and under beds (floor) visibly dirty. When I grabbed the toilet brush to clean the toilet my... I've stayed several years here with not many issues, but since it sold last year I feel the cleanliness has been much less important to them. Our stay was for 5 nights in a cottage. Our group rents 4 cottages Not exactly cheap so with that you'd expect a clean quarters. The refrigerator, toilet, shower, and under beds (floor) visibly dirty. When I grabbed the toilet brush to clean the toilet myself there was feces in the brush holder. There was a paper bowl of captain crunch in the cabinet. Absolutely disgusting. Never had an issue like this in the past. We've decided to find other arrangements for our future trips. Unfortunately I did not take pics of everything.

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David Callard

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by David Callard

I’ve been camping at North-South Lake Campground for decades. I return almost every year. For those who like hiking and beautiful vistas, this campground has trails to suit hikers of all different skill levels. There is a terrific day use area with grills, picnic tables, bathhouse and beach where people can picnic, BBQ, swim and enjoy the day for a small fee. The campsites are wooded and spacious... I’ve been camping at North-South Lake Campground for decades. I return almost every year. For those who like hiking and beautiful vistas, this campground has trails to suit hikers of all different skill levels. There is a terrific day use area with grills, picnic tables, bathhouse and beach where people can picnic, BBQ, swim and enjoy the day for a small fee. The campsites are wooded and spacious with fire pits, picnic tables and well maintained, modern communal bath houses in each site loop.

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David Callard

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by David Callard

I’ve been camping at North-South Lake Campground for decades. I return almost every year. For those who like hiking and beautiful vistas, this campground has trails to suit hikers of all different skill levels. There is a terrific day use area with grills, picnic tables, bathhouse and beach where people can picnic, BBQ, swim and enjoy the day for a small fee. The campsites are wooded and spacious... I’ve been camping at North-South Lake Campground for decades. I return almost every year. For those who like hiking and beautiful vistas, this campground has trails to suit hikers of all different skill levels. There is a terrific day use area with grills, picnic tables, bathhouse and beach where people can picnic, BBQ, swim and enjoy the day for a small fee. The campsites are wooded and spacious with fire pits, picnic tables and well maintained, modern communal bath houses in each site loop.

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Robert Quinn

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Robert Quinn

We enjoyed our night here, the sites on loop #7 were quite large and decently spaced. Of course sound travels and so a lot depends on your neighbors, overall we got lucky. Washroom had a nice sink for dishes and hot water. Pretty easy camping. The other loops are closer to the lakes and slightly smaller and closer together. The lake was pretty low at end of summer. The Park is pretty nice with a... We enjoyed our night here, the sites on loop #7 were quite large and decently spaced. Of course sound travels and so a lot depends on your neighbors, overall we got lucky. Washroom had a nice sink for dishes and hot water. Pretty easy camping. The other loops are closer to the lakes and slightly smaller and closer together. The lake was pretty low at end of summer. The Park is pretty nice with a fair number of healthy hikes available.

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Robert Quinn

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Robert Quinn

We enjoyed our night here, the sites on loop #7 were quite large and decently spaced. Of course sound travels and so a lot depends on your neighbors, overall we got lucky. Washroom had a nice sink for dishes and hot water. Pretty easy camping. The other loops are closer to the lakes and slightly smaller and closer together. The lake was pretty low at end of summer. The Park is pretty nice with a... We enjoyed our night here, the sites on loop #7 were quite large and decently spaced. Of course sound travels and so a lot depends on your neighbors, overall we got lucky. Washroom had a nice sink for dishes and hot water. Pretty easy camping. The other loops are closer to the lakes and slightly smaller and closer together. The lake was pretty low at end of summer. The Park is pretty nice with a fair number of healthy hikes available.

G
J D

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by J D

I spent my childhood summers camping at North Lake, and decided to go back after a long hiatus. Everything was just as beautiful as I remembered. I got a little water site (29) just based off map location, unsure of what it would look like when I got there. It was absolutely stunning, with a little mossy creek beside it that looked out into a thick forest. Neighbors are close enough that you feel... I spent my childhood summers camping at North Lake, and decided to go back after a long hiatus. Everything was just as beautiful as I remembered. I got a little water site (29) just based off map location, unsure of what it would look like when I got there. It was absolutely stunning, with a little mossy creek beside it that looked out into a thick forest. Neighbors are close enough that you feel safe from bears or predators (I was solo camping), but far enough that you feel like you have privacy. The attendants at the front were informative and kind. The bathrooms were clean and bright, albeit on the older side, but that's to be expected from any campground. The beach at North Lake is still as beautiful as I remember too, with lots of space to sprawl out and adore the beautiful mountains in the distance. Looking forward to going back soon.

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J D

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by J D

I spent my childhood summers camping at North Lake, and decided to go back after a long hiatus. Everything was just as beautiful as I remembered. I got a little water site (29) just based off map location, unsure of what it would look like when I got there. It was absolutely stunning, with a little mossy creek beside it that looked out into a thick forest. Neighbors are close enough that you feel... I spent my childhood summers camping at North Lake, and decided to go back after a long hiatus. Everything was just as beautiful as I remembered. I got a little water site (29) just based off map location, unsure of what it would look like when I got there. It was absolutely stunning, with a little mossy creek beside it that looked out into a thick forest. Neighbors are close enough that you feel safe from bears or predators (I was solo camping), but far enough that you feel like you have privacy. The attendants at the front were informative and kind. The bathrooms were clean and bright, albeit on the older side, but that's to be expected from any campground. The beach at North Lake is still as beautiful as I remember too, with lots of space to sprawl out and adore the beautiful mountains in the distance. Looking forward to going back soon.

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Kathryn Evans

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Kathryn Evans

Facilities and campsite are excellent. The ranger was lovely. Sadly, the a booth employee was obnoxious. We back packed the escarpment trail and after being a bit lost ended up at North South campground at 9 PM. We set up camp in loop 1, spot 4. The ranger came by at 10 PM to let us know that we need reservations and to check in at the booth the following day. We did as told but were met by an agg... Facilities and campsite are excellent. The ranger was lovely. Sadly, the a booth employee was obnoxious. We back packed the escarpment trail and after being a bit lost ended up at North South campground at 9 PM. We set up camp in loop 1, spot 4. The ranger came by at 10 PM to let us know that we need reservations and to check in at the booth the following day. We did as told but were met by an aggressive woman who reprimanded us. She said in a very angry tone "The ranger was wrong. You should of been escorted out of the park. You are trespassing. You can get a large fine for what you did." and on and on....... When asked where we should of camped, she gave us several campsites that are 10 miles away. Not ideal for us because we were on foot and it was 9 PM. We paid $28.75 for our camping spot and would of liked to camp there the next night but she said NO. I would like to thank the ranger that allowed us to camp in what she called "the open spot for situations like this". I'm grateful for her actions. I highly recommend hiking the escarpment and the Kaaterskill Fall hike, staying at North South campground, but avoid the entry booth.

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Kathryn Evans

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Kathryn Evans

Facilities and campsite are excellent. The ranger was lovely. Sadly, the a booth employee was obnoxious. We back packed the escarpment trail and after being a bit lost ended up at North South campground at 9 PM. We set up camp in loop 1, spot 4. The ranger came by at 10 PM to let us know that we need reservations and to check in at the booth the following day. We did as told but were met by an agg... Facilities and campsite are excellent. The ranger was lovely. Sadly, the a booth employee was obnoxious. We back packed the escarpment trail and after being a bit lost ended up at North South campground at 9 PM. We set up camp in loop 1, spot 4. The ranger came by at 10 PM to let us know that we need reservations and to check in at the booth the following day. We did as told but were met by an aggressive woman who reprimanded us. She said in a very angry tone "The ranger was wrong. You should of been escorted out of the park. You are trespassing. You can get a large fine for what you did." and on and on....... When asked where we should of camped, she gave us several campsites that are 10 miles away. Not ideal for us because we were on foot and it was 9 PM. We paid $28.75 for our camping spot and would of liked to camp there the next night but she said NO. I would like to thank the ranger that allowed us to camp in what she called "the open spot for situations like this". I'm grateful for her actions. I highly recommend hiking the escarpment and the Kaaterskill Fall hike, staying at North South campground, but avoid the entry booth.

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Tammy Russel

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Tammy Russel

Been coming to North South Lake for many years. On 10/10/2025 Had a issue with the campers in site 174 after quiet hours. Playing loud music, and very very loud til 3am. 10am is quiet hours! I was kept up all night with nonsense I Called the check in booth, was told by Karen, (always very obnoxious and rude by the way) she said she would send security and no one showed up! This year sadly, the e... Been coming to North South Lake for many years. On 10/10/2025 Had a issue with the campers in site 174 after quiet hours. Playing loud music, and very very loud til 3am. 10am is quiet hours! I was kept up all night with nonsense I Called the check in booth, was told by Karen, (always very obnoxious and rude by the way) she said she would send security and no one showed up! This year sadly, the employees at check in are very disrespectful, never was this way at all! This used to be a great campground but going to pieces fast! Management wants us to follow the rules and I expect Management to also follow the rules to protect other campers and follow the rules they put in place themselves. Dont lie and say you are gonna send someone and dont! Forest Rangers are great but the check in desk needs employees that are friendly! After working all day I come up here for peace!

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Tammy Russel

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Tammy Russel

Been coming to North South Lake for many years. On 10/10/2025 Had a issue with the campers in site 174 after quiet hours. Playing loud music, and very very loud til 3am. 10am is quiet hours! I was kept up all night with nonsense I Called the check in booth, was told by Karen, (always very obnoxious and rude by the way) she said she would send security and no one showed up! This year sadly, the e... Been coming to North South Lake for many years. On 10/10/2025 Had a issue with the campers in site 174 after quiet hours. Playing loud music, and very very loud til 3am. 10am is quiet hours! I was kept up all night with nonsense I Called the check in booth, was told by Karen, (always very obnoxious and rude by the way) she said she would send security and no one showed up! This year sadly, the employees at check in are very disrespectful, never was this way at all! This used to be a great campground but going to pieces fast! Management wants us to follow the rules and I expect Management to also follow the rules to protect other campers and follow the rules they put in place themselves. Dont lie and say you are gonna send someone and dont! Forest Rangers are great but the check in desk needs employees that are friendly! After working all day I come up here for peace!

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