Improvements Include New ADA-accessible Boathouse, Upgraded Bathhouses, and Energy-Efficient Lighting
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced improvements to the North/South Lake Campground in the town of Hunter, Greene County, under the State’s Adventure NY initiative to connect more New Yorkers with nature. The improvements, supported by a $150,000 state investment, include upgrades to several buildings, roads, and bathing areas throughout the campground.
“For more than 80 years the public has enjoyed the beauty and grandeur of North/South Lake campground and the upgrades announced today mean that people of all abilities can enjoy everything this campground must offer,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Part of Governor Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative, these improvements are just a sample of the upgrades to New York’s natural areas and campgrounds to better serve New Yorkers and visitors that want to enjoy our natural resources.”
Nearly half of the bathroom/shower buildings in the campground underwent tile replacements. The campground’s lighting was upgraded to energy efficient LED fixtures that will significantly reduce electricity costs.
A new accessible boathouse was built at South Lake, which includes a new sidewalk to the building and an accessible walkway leading to an accessible canoe/kayak launch system. In addition to the 28 canoes, 27 kayaks and 7 row boats available for rent, DEC purchased four new stand up paddleboards. These improvements will allow people of all abilities the opportunity to launch boats at the lake and enjoy the campground from an entirely new perspective.
DEC also upgraded the ticket booth, including a new exterior counter, interior cabinets, restored siding and new windows. In addition, more than 400 tons of sand were brought in to reclaim and improve the South Lake beach area. New kitchen floors and countertops were added to the caretaker cabin, and new culverts are being replaced throughout the campground.
Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources, and boost local economies. This initiative will support the completion of more than 75 projects over the next three years, ranging from improvements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds, and hiking trails. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative.
Senator George Amedore said, “North/South Lake is enjoyed by Greene County residents and visitors who want to take advantage of the beautiful scenic views and recreational opportunities. These improvements and new amenities will enhance their experience and encourage even more people to explore this wonderful natural resource.”
“I am thrilled with the recent improvements to the North/South Lake Campground,” said Assemblyman Lopez (R,C,I,Ref-Schoharie). “This very heavily used park is an important economic contributor to our region, and I am pleased with the investment the state has made to upgrade facilities at the campground, as it will mean cost savings and increased tourism. I am most proud of the new accessible boathouse, canoe/kayak launch and multiple pathways. These long-needed improvements will make this site available to people of all abilities so everyone can enjoy the true beauty of New York state. I am pleased to work with Gov. Cuomo, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos and DEC Region 4 Director Keith Goertz to ensure these improvements continue to take place, allowing many more New Yorkers to enjoy these beautiful sites.”
Additional improvements are planned for the campground in the upcoming months, including additional bathroom and pavilion upgrades, and an accessible pathway from the North Lake parking lot to the North Lake pavilion.
DEC manages 4.6 million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 52 campgrounds, 5 day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers.
Plan your next outdoor adventure at DEC’s website, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Instagram. For more information on DEC-managed campgrounds, visit DEC’s website.
