Last Updated: July 2017
Catskill, New York turned out to be one of our better work-and-rest stops of the summer. Juniper Woods Campground put us within easy reach of both Lake George and a quirky small-town Main Street where dozens of painted fiberglass cats stand guard year-round. Good internet, a hot tub for sore muscles, and friendly neighbors around the pool — exactly what we needed mid-trip.
Juniper Woods Campground
Our site at Juniper Woods had a few quirks — not perfectly level, no hookup for on-site internet, and 50-amp service — but the campground itself delivered where it counted. The pool and hot tub were a genuine luxury after long days on the road, and the rec building offered a healthy book exchange, a pool table, DVDs to borrow, and cable TV. Water pressure was excellent. Meeting new friends around the pool made the stay memorable in its own right.
Lake George, New York
Lake George is a long, narrow glacial lake at the southern edge of the Adirondack Mountains, draining north into Lake Champlain. The shoreline is lined with historic mansions and centuries of summer resort culture — alongside the inevitable amusement parks, miniature golf, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. It’s unapologetically touristy, but the lake itself is genuinely beautiful: clear, blue, and surrounded by wooded hills.
Boat Cruise on Lake George
We took a one-hour narrated boat cruise on the lake and it was well worth it. The captain wove stories about the grand estate mansions lining the shores — old money, summer retreats, and some genuinely impressive architecture visible only from the water. A cold drink in hand, a light breeze off the lake, and entertaining narration made for a relaxing afternoon. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Adirondack Winery
Adirondack Winery operates two tasting rooms in the Lake George area and focuses on grapes grown in the Adirondack region. Their wines tend toward lighter bodies and lower alcohol — around 12% — which works well in the summer heat. We particularly enjoyed their Merlot and Meritage Winemaker’s Reserve, both well-balanced and approachable despite the challenges of growing wine grapes in a cool northern climate.
Catskill’s Cat Sculpture Trail
The name “Catskill” is a transliteration of the Dutch “Kaatskil,” meaning Kaat’s Creek — a nod to the Dutch settlers who arrived here in the 1600s. But the cats you’ll find on Main Street today are a more recent addition. Each summer, local artists transform large fiberglass cat forms into one-of-a-kind painted sculptures that are displayed throughout the downtown. The project is a community fundraiser: at the end of the season, the cats are auctioned off to benefit local charities. Walking the street and spotting each unique cat — tropical, geometric, patriotic, surrealist — is genuinely delightful, and completely free.
Visitor Information
Catskill, NY is located in Greene County on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 30 miles south of Albany. The cat sculptures are displayed on Main Street and surrounding blocks throughout the summer months — no fee, no tour required, just walk. Juniper Woods Campground is a full-hookup RV park in Catskill with pool, hot tub, and recreation building. Lake George is about 50 miles north of Catskill, roughly an hour’s drive. Adirondack Winery has two locations in Lake George village; check adirondackwinery.com for current hours and tasting room locations.
Practical Tips
The Lake George boat cruises run from spring through fall; the one-hour narrated tour is the most popular and departs from the village docks. Arrive early in peak summer as lines can form. The cat sculptures are typically on display from late spring through early fall — the exact roster changes each year as new artists participate. If you want to bid on one at the end-of-season auction, check the Catskill business district website for dates. Juniper Woods works well as a budget-friendly base for exploring both the Catskills and the southern Adirondacks.
