Just camped here again and was extremely impressed with the cleanliness of this campground. The…read morebathrooms and showers were meticulous, and every campsite in loop 4 was flat and well-maintained, perfect for any tent. While we were here, we saw staff removing tree roots that were impeding the campsite next to ours. I also appreciate that the DEC drives around and ensures that campers are abiding by the fire and bear safety rules and wish that other NYS parks did the same. There was SO much wildlife we saw just on the grounds - friendly deer, baby turkeys, and baby ducks. We were fortunate to have a few nights here without any neighbors and it was so serene and beautiful even in intense rain and fog. There are boat and canoe rentals on South Beach, and so many hiking trails that lead to breaktaking views. I really can't say enough good things about this campground and am already looking forward to our next trip here!

I don't normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at…read moreNorth-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband's childhood campground for the first time with our three kids (ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child. We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s'mores before heading home. At around 2:15-2:30 p.m., the "SUPERVISOR" in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to "sleeping in someone else's hotel room." She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said, "Someone else reserved this spot." We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I'm sorry. She said, "They aren't supposed to talk to you; that's why they send me here." She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s'more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn't park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn't use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us "for hours" and that it's "common sense" not to park in a campsite. She actually said it's considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don't know that "day use" doesn't mean "park in any empty campsite," just for the day, you're officially a trespassing criminal--at least according to the manager. Yes, really. Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it's unclear how they could have been looking for us "for hours." We were right there at 2pm. The website also states: Day Use * Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. We were not camping but didn't realize we couldn't park in an empty campsite. I think "common sense" would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband's childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers' stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake The photo is the space we took up and the stuff we had with us. Lol

We love camping here! The staff is always helpful and friendly. The full hook up sites are wooded…read moreand spacious. Family friendly atmosphere. Also great for older folk!

The Good: 1. The…read morelocation 2. The actual campground itself. There are roomy sites with trees. The Bad: 1. If you are lucky enough to get an assigned campsite away from the busy road, it is a HALF MILE walk to the only showers in the ENTIRE campground. They have nearly 200 campsites and ONE set of showers. 2. The speed bumps are beyond ridiculous. Two humpers and high as Bob Marley. The Ugly: 1. The owners Jennifer and Brian Ellsworth are not friendly, hospitable or kind in any way shape or form. They are rude and condescending. In my 40 years of camping I have never been treated so poorly. 2. Brian is a narcissist who talks down to women. 3. The campground lost power on my electrical post and tried to blame ME for it. I own a Bulldog surge protector, yeah, so it wasn't me. If you are a woman travelling solo or a gay couple, stay far, far away from this homophobic place. They are too many other beautiful campgrounds in the region. The friends we were travelling with said even they got yelled at when they checked out!

This is an old fashioned camp ground. I mean that in a good way. If you like to get away to a…read moresimpler time at an affordable campground this is the place. If you are looking for water slides, giant pools, mini golf and chaos, this is not the place for you. Choose differently. This is the kind of camp ground I grew up going to. There are really great tent sites overlooking the pond. There are a number of sites for any size camper. The owner has done a good job of cleaning up some of the seasonal sites which needed some TLC. I find it quiet, peaceful and safe. They keep the bathrooms clean. Owner is attentive. Friendly atmosphere. Well stocked store with essentials. There are occasional activities like a DJ, fishing tournament, bingo and a fun Halloween weekend in September. Big rain does produce some mud (shocking, eh?) so plan accordingly. Have fun fishing and sitting by your campfire. Put the smart phone away.

Can't say enough good things about this place. This is our third year coming here. We go about…read moretwice a month. It is mostly seasonal sites (I hope to become one eventually). They are all so friendly. I feel like we make new friends each time we go. The pull thru sites we use are great. All the staff is super friendly and helpful. The owners are very engaged in the campground and making sure everything is running smoothly. Bathrooms are nice, lots of activities for kids and adults. My husband loves fishing in the lake.

Margaret and Bernie are really really nice. They even deliver firewood. Prices are very affordable…read moreand the location is very close to Windham Mountain

Stayed there for 20 years , laid back place love Bernie and Margaret , been thinking of going back…read moresoon

I kicked and scream...(well no...not really) because as much as I enjoy walking in the woods, I…read moredon't like sleeping in it. My time came to rough it in the woods because I don't do camping. Dominicans don't do camping. Period! But hubby's a Nuyorican and he loves all this stuff. In a Yurt? Well...That's the question I got when I told folks where I was staying for the weekend. But...it's a give and take and all in the name of love. Right? Caryn & Mark own Awakening Garden grounds. There's a Yurt, 2 Cabins, a Tepee and a Buddha Hut to choose from. (Call or check website for prices). Pitching a tent was definitely out of the question. Now you're asking......what the heck is a Yurt? Well Google says its a, "circular tent"- and that's precisely what it is- but bigger. Our Yurt, has no bathroom- but the 'Bathhouse' is literally 5 steps away (and no...it's not a latrine- by the way). It doubles (or triples) as a small kitchenette with a small fridge, sink and 2-burner hot plate, a full bathroom with a shower, 'Dining Area' and a gorgeous carpeted nook if you want to do Yoga (perfect). Yurt rental for us (at this time of year was $370 ($135 for each of the first two nights and $100 for the third night) plus $30 cleaning fee. It's super comfortable with a Queen-size bed, but there's extra room within the Yurt that could easily sleep at least 2 more people (please double check with the owners first for a payment scale and/or if more people are allowed before you bring your posse). Coming at this time in the Fall was perfect and we didn't need to worry about freezing up here. The Yurt has 2 portable heaters and kept us super toasty for this time of the year. Plus there's a potbelly stove as an added measure. Additionally, there's a baseboard heater in the "Bathhouse". Don't want to pitch a tent? Or do the Hut or cabin stay? But you still want to get that outdoorsy, woodsy feel? Then staying in a Yurt is your best bet to give you a bit of both worlds. Oh by the way...it's just you and Nature at it's finest because there's no TV. And WiFi? If you're lucky- because it comes and goes! Didn't realize how much more I'd appreciate Nature and sleeping in a Yurt made me feel like I was right in the thick of it- which we were. This is totally off the spectrum for me compared to my new fave and up-to-trend hotel- The Emerson- but we wanted to switch things up. I'm really not taking points off because there isn't a TV. Or because we had to walk 5 little steps out of our Yurt and into a Bathhouse. Or because there wasn't a thermostat to regulate the heater. All I kept saying to myself was- 'things could be a lot f*cking worse in the woods'. This Yurt is up to standards and met me in many ways for it being in the woods. 4+1/2! Both Caryn and Mark run Awakening Garden very nicely. It's truly Zen here.

We've been looking for the right mix of nature and comfort for several years and finally found it…read moreat the Awakening Garden. It is off the road and the area is quite large to walk around and feel yourself alone in the woods. At the same time, there is absolutely everything one would need from civilization: hot shower and electricity. We stayed in Thoreau house which has eclectic, but very cosy interior with old furniture and it was very romantic to sleep in the attic. Also, this place is very close to gorgeous Kaaterskill Falls and several nice lakes.

We love this campground! It's peaceful, quiet and relaxing with good friends and good times!read more

everything about this place is amazing. Staff is awesome and bends over backwards to lend a helping…read morehand.

This place blew us away! I had went as a kid and it was always good but they really kicked it up a…read morenotch. The grounds are immaculate and well groomed. The bathrooms are SPOTLESS. My wife (who is not much of a camper) couldn't believe how nice and clean everything was. The staff was so incredibly friendly and accommodating. They have so many activities planned throughout the day. The splash park was a blast. The kids (and adults) loved it. We will absolutely be returning in the future.

This was our first time visiting this campground and we would definitely not recommend. Right off…read morethe jump staff seemed very discombobulated. There was lack of hospitality and friendliness when checking in. They hand you your keys and it's basically a free for all. No welcome, no "let me show you around" basically a "find it yourself". For Father's Day weekend the Sun Retreats web page posted there would be a welcome gift to all dads. This was not the case, no one knew anything about this which was extremely misleading. The only good thing about this campground was the water park where we spend more of our time. With a 2.5 hr drive and $1000 to rent a camper for the weekend with a golf cart I would never come back here. I'd only come back here If you want to get nickled and dimed by employees who have no clue what is going on half the time.VERY DISAPPOINTING. SAVE YOUR MONEY! ALSO FORGOT TO MENTION. When we booked this campground in February it was a JELLYSTONE PARK. And They never informed us that there was a company change to Sun Retreats. We only realized this a week or two before our arrival in June. If you are looking for a true Jellystone park experience you will not find it here.

This wasn't my first stay in a tipi, teepee, tepee, however you want to spell it, all are correct…read more It wasn't even my second time. It was my third magical stay in one of these cone shaped wonders which bring me so, so much peace. So, I guess you can say I'm a "tipi expert", comparatively speaking. A night's sleep in a tipi is certainly a very spiritual experience, one I believe everyone who is even the slightest bit a nature lover or even just a tad boho should definitely try! I completely understand they aren't for everyone, but if you're somewhat adventurous, I say it's an absolute must!! This tipi was made very well. The flooring was made of stone and pieced together perfectly as if it were grouted which was new to me. There were scattered pallets around the fire for relaxing, covered in faux fur throws as well as tree stump end tables, some with candles and naturally shed antlers. It was like my own home right here in the middle of NY state. Fresh towels were waiting, neatly folded on our cozy, comfy bed. The fire pit which is traditionally placed inside the tipi, in the middle, was very well constructed and safe. It was deeper than most I've seen, surrounded by larger stones around the perimeter. Small kindling wood peices were ready and waiting for us as were candles, matches and directions on how to care for the structure. The top of the tipi remained opened all night which I personally prefer for star-gazing and waking up naturally by the daylight. The flaps can normally be closed during rain or colder weather. There was a hammock located just feet away from the tipi. We spent the morning rocking along in nature, listening to the birds fly above and just staring at the tipi which has just given us an amazing nights sleep. The outhouse was a little ways down the trail and was the cleanest I've ever seen! Even the tp was folded into a tip! There's pump water for washing, even a mirror. No shower. Please consider that when booking. And if you're too chic for a little saw dust sprinkle after you do your business, stay elsewhere. On the way out we fed two beautiful horses and a couple chickens which for me just added to the experience. Have no fear, they're far enough away from camp base you won't smell them. They were extremely friendly and hay bails were there waiting. Please no people food! We took a drive around the massive property, 225 acres to be exact!! There were many secluded sites besides the tipi! I definitely see us coming back here, with the kiddos too! It was about 3 hours or so from Philly and was literally on our way to Canada. It's about 20 minutes from my favorite grocery store in Albany, Honest Weight which will have anything you may need. Note, there's not much directly around so come prepared. The closest coffee shop was about 15 minutes away. The land was very rural, but it's about 10 minutes down the hill to the highway, which you could not hear from the site. We had no interaction with anyone here as we arrived after dark, so if you're used to concierge and camp hosts, this isn't the place for you. You can leave your car lights on to set up or if you're like me and have lanterns in your car, one would come in handy at night as it's pitch black. Aka perfect. Jason was readily available for directions and any communication leading up to our stay which we booked through Airbnb. I have a coupon code for $35 off if you're interested, just inbox me. Even in the dark we really didn't have an issue finding our site, but it may be tricky for some. Stay patient and follow the signs. Siri doesn't know her way around the grounds. The Magic Forest also hosts trips and does composting, farming and other environmental projects daily. Check their site for more info! It's a very special space. I highly recommend this experience. Just for a night!

From the owner: Our slice of paradise consists of 225 acres of forested land nestled in the foothills of the…read moreCatskills near Albany. We are a homestead and developing Eco village devoted to the principles of organic farming and self reliance. Modern agriculture and big business are unsustainable, destroying farmland at a accelerating pace. It is important for us to teach the next generation, there is a alternative. We produce much of our own food. It is a great place to forage many types of wild mushrooms, and are willing to teach those interested. We milk our own cow, also making cheese and butter. We own a sawmill, and have many natural building projects started. We have friendly goats, chickens, ducks, white peacocks, donkeys and horses the guests can pet and feed. A beautiful koi pond with a waterfall is available for the guests to feed fish. If you do not like the site you booked, contact the host and other accommodations will be found. Miles of hiking trails are available for your enjoyment. Fres

The hostess Marian is a true gem! The park is kept up very well by her son…read more Very private sites with good amenities. Also they have LP gas

Stay here! The campground is very nice and an incredible value!! It was nice to support a family…read morebusiness and the value cannot be beat. There are so many features. State parks charge more for less. - Quiet setting - Wooded sites - All sites have water and some have water and electric - Clean bathrooms and showers (only 2 of each but in 2 evenings, I never had an issue. I was gone during the day and not sure what it's like in that timeframe. it's not a large campground and there are multiple RVs and I suspect they use their own facilities.) - You will receive a welcome bag at check-in with a site map to help you get to your site, the rules and regs, a guide to The Berkshires, a large garbage bag, and a pen. - The On-site laundry is in a small cabin-like building. It is clean and has a table, two chairs, and many books - On-site propane station - Large playground, an entertainment pavilion, a rec room (I didn't use them so not sure what's included) I will definitely stay again if/when I'm the area.