Camping options near Adams, New York include both state parks and private campgrounds along the Lake Ontario shoreline. The area sits at approximately 470 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Waterfront sites often experience strong winds coming off Lake Ontario, particularly in late afternoon when weather patterns shift.
What to do
Hiking at nearby natural areas: Salmon River Falls is accessible about 15 minutes from Brennan Beach Campground in Pulaski. "We went and it is a 'must see' while there... Mexico Point is another close attraction to see as well," notes a camper who visited with his wife.
Boat rentals and water activities: Sun Outdoors Association Island offers marina facilities for small boats plus kayak and paddleboard rentals. A visitor explains that "fishing was fun... lots of places to go to fish and the scenery was awesome," though they caution that strong winds can limit paddling opportunities.
Golf near campsites: Streamside RV Park & Golf Course in Pulaski combines camping with a 12-hole golf course surrounding the camping area. "This is a privately owned very nice campground! The owners take pride in their business and the grounds are meticulously kept. Everyone here is a golfer," writes one reviewer.
What campers like
Lake Ontario sunsets: Waterfront campsites provide spectacular evening views. At Southwick Beach State Park Campground, campers appreciate "access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario. Small campground but very nice," with another noting "sunsets are gorgeous from here."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. One camper at Southwick Beach mentioned "bathrooms were immaculate," while another noted "bathrooms are meticulously cleaned." Similarly, at Swan Bay Resort, visitors appreciate the "paved roadways" and well-maintained sites.
Star viewing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Sun Outdoors Association Island stated, "The stars were everywhere," while another mentioned it was "quite dark at night, but that was a bonus as we were able to see the Milky Way!"
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close by mid-October. Streamside RV Park operates from April 15 to October 15, similar to other area campgrounds, with Bedford Creek Marina & Campground having a slightly shorter season from April 15 to September 15.
Weather conditions: Wind from Lake Ontario can impact camping gear. One reviewer cautioned: "Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind."
Insect activity: Midges and mayflies can be numerous near the lakeshore. A camper reported: "One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario. Be prepared to deal with this."
Cash requirements: Some facilities have limited payment options. At Southwick Beach State Park, a camper noted "Store only takes cash," so bring currency if planning to make purchases within the park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Southwick Beach offers extensive shoreline exploration. "There is TONS of beach to explore at this little State Park in New York... the waves don't get too big, so it is very safe for kids," writes one visitor.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer recreational facilities. One reviewer at Fort Drum Recreation Area noted, "They offer regular camping sites and RV sites, they also have a dog park for the little furry ones... several forms of outdoor entertainment."
Playground amenities: Several parks provide play equipment for children. A reviewer noted one campground has "a playground that is awesome and huge with lots of cool features for kids to explore."
Tips from RVers
Gate card access: Several RV parks use secured entry systems. At Swan Bay Resort, "the park is gated so you get a gate card to enter the park," providing added security for equipment.
Site selection considerations: Choose locations based on weather patterns. "Our site (#38) was a 'standard site' near the pool, boat launch, activities, and Tiki Bar," noted one RVer, adding that pricing varies significantly between standard sites and premium waterfront locations.
Car wash access: RV cleaning facilities exist near some campgrounds. One RVer at Swan Bay Resort mentioned, "Adjacent to the entrance is a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes."
Site spacing variations: Site privacy differs between campgrounds. A visitor to Ontario Shores RV Park noted "Sites are level and spacious," while at another facility a camper mentioned "sites don't have much privacy."
