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The Altmar area of upstate New York sits at the gateway to diverse camping experiences, with proximity to Lake Ontario and the Salmon River creating a water-focused outdoor destination. State parks and private campgrounds dominate the landscape, with Selkirk Shores State Park Campground offering lakefront sites approximately 15 miles northwest of Altmar. Nearby options include Stoneys Pineville Campground along the Salmon River and Streamside RV Park & Golf Course, both providing electric hookups and varying levels of amenities. The region supports tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations, with most facilities concentrated along the Lake Ontario shoreline and river corridors.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with weather conditions limiting winter camping options. Reservations become essential during summer weekends and salmon fishing season when anglers flock to the region. As one visitor to Hall Island State Forest noted, "There were fire rings set up with a view of the water, and for an able-bodied person, just a short walk up the path." Lake Ontario's shoreline can experience significant winds, particularly in early and late season. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and spotty reception in more remote areas. Campground roads are generally well-maintained, though some primitive sites may require higher clearance vehicles.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers visiting the area. According to one reviewer at Sun Outdoors Association Island, "Great location offering both sunrise and sunsets over the water of Lake Ontario. Loved the access to the water for our dogs to swim and for beautiful views." Many campgrounds feature fishing access, with the Salmon River being particularly popular during spawning runs. Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with state parks typically offering more spacious sites than private facilities. Families appreciate the playgrounds and beaches at locations like Brennan Beach Campground, while those seeking more solitude might prefer the primitive sites at Hall Island State Forest, where campers report "enough space to set up a few tents or kitchen, whatever else you really wanted."
"Lake Ontario has great fishing. The beach is smaller than it was before now that it is guarded."
"Very nice rustic camping, amazing location, rocky beach. Love it there"
from $24 - $135 / night
Check Availability"For the fisherman, it's located on Salmon River and appears to have quite a lot of large salmon this time of year. I was shocked at the size of the fish that were being cleaned."
"Well worth the short drive up from Syracuse, or a longer drive from elsewhere!"
"There is a 12 hole golf coarse that surrounds the campground. There are a lot of seasonal campsites that have decks, nice furniture out at their spots."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Very nice thousand trail campgrounds. Very large I believe it's 1300 + sites. We went late summer show it was becoming offseason. Most amenities close down."
"A lot of locals camp here seasonally, and if you're not from around there, you'll stick out. We had a few awkward interactions but nothing serious. Mostly just funny."
"Very nice and great to see kids ridding bikes and walking around without adults. It is safe and they can be kids."
from $59 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Close to a small farm stand that Jeff tows a hay wagon down to for pumpkin picking in the fall. Great overall campground!"
"It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though. There were fire ring set up a view of the water and for enable body person just a short walk up the path."
TravelerThe MWR shop was excellent to work with!
The sites, under 15, are pull through and full hookups. They are spaced fast enough apart that privacy is a plus consideration!
Check in at front gate was courteous and quick!
ScoutI would never return to this campground. We rented a golf cart, and while going downhill, the rear wheel came completely off because the lug nuts were not secured. My 1-year-old and 6-year-old were on the cart, and we were extremely fortunate that no one was injured. When I expressed how serious and upsetting this was and how close my children were to being injured the owner’s response was,“But were they?” When I explained that my children were thankfully not injured but were shaken up by the incident, he sarcastically questioned whether my 1-year-old could be traumatized. They did provide us with another golf cart afterward, but I consider that the bare minimum after being given an unsafe rental. After the apparent lack of proper inspection of the cart and the ill-mannered response to such a serious safety issue, I would never recommend this campground.
LegendHad an overnight stay here and it was really peaceful. The reservoir had been drained but it was still lovely to look out across the property. You definitely can’t beat $30 for an electric site! Restrooms were a bit dated but clean. Staff was very friendly. Our site was spacious and next to a short walking trail through the trees.
ScoutWe just enjoyed being outside, made dinner at camp, and stayed up talking around the fire. This was a pretty spontaneous getaway for us and ended up being one of the more relaxing weekends we have had this summer.
TravelerClean, safe RV park off a small lake. Functioning electric and water hookups as well as sewage. Very kind and helpful owners and friendly campers.
ScoutWhat I liked about Riverbend East is that our trip could be as simple as we wanted it to be. We brought some food, a couple of chairs, books, and not much of a plan.
ScoutMy favorite memory from our trip is probably the simplest one. I got up before everyone else, made coffee, and sat outside while the campground was waking up. No rushing anywhere and nothing that needed to get done. Sometimes those quiet mornings are the whole reason we go camping.
ScoutI didn’t realize how much I needed a few days away from screens and work until we got here. Most of our time was spent reading outside, making food at the campsite, and taking walks. By the second day I had completely stopped checking the time. That is exactly what I want out of a camping trip.
GuideOverall best camp in the area. Cabins A++,Bathrooms A+, swimming,activities,views,location,nearby town. All the best.
Camping spots near Altmar, New York center around the Salmon River region, with elevations ranging from 400-600 feet and a humid continental climate experiencing significant lake effect snow in winter. The area sits within the Eastern Lake Ontario Plain ecoregion, characterized by sandy soils and mixed northern hardwood forests. Seasonal temperature swings can be extreme, with summer highs averaging in the low 80s and winter lows frequently dropping below 20°F.
Fishing the Salmon River: Prime salmon fishing occurs from mid-September through November at Stoneys Pineville Campground, which offers direct river access. "We have been out three is consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time what a great place to stay," notes Eric F.
Golfing and camping together: The unique 12-hole course at Streamside RV Park & Golf Course allows campers to combine both activities. "There is a 12 hole golf coarse that surrounds the campground," explains one reviewer, adding that "There is a bar that serves food called Divots."
Exploring nearby waterfalls: The 15-minute drive to Salmon River Falls provides a spectacular 110-foot waterfall view. Robert M. at Brennan Beach Campground recommends it as a "must see" while in the area, stating "We went and it is a must see while there."
Direct beach access to Lake Ontario: Selkirk Shores State Park Campground features a rocky beach and sunset views over the lake. "We camped here on a holiday weekend. Great place to watch the sun set. They have nice hiking/biking trails," shares Carrie N.
Organized children's activities: The recreation programs at campgrounds keep kids entertained. "While we were there they had a reptile exhibit with huge snakes and crocodiles, another day they had tie dyeing t-shirts, other days they had bingo(candy was the prize), exercises, and crafty things to make," reports Colleen S. about Selkirk Shores.
Private river camping: Primitive camping at Hall Island State Forest provides secluded riverside sites. A camper notes, "I like this place enough space to set up a few tents of kitchen whatever else you really wanted."
Loop selection matters: Different camping loops offer distinctly different experiences. Laura M. at Selkirk Shores explains, "A loop is like the loop for people here for fishing, B loop is the mellower crowd, and C and D were our nightmares: mass chaos, children running amok, loud groups."
Site privacy varies greatly: Most campgrounds feature open sites with limited seclusion. "None of the sites at the campground have any privacy from your neighbor, you're all sort of camped in a big circle," notes a Selkirk Shores reviewer, though they mention "Sites 66 and 67 are the exception."
Free dispersed camping options: Towsley Road Dispersed Camping provides no-cost sites with minimal facilities. "Nice place to sleep, good for someone who doesn't want something too off the road," explains Noah D., adding that access requires going "a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch."
Choose campgrounds with dedicated activity programs: Look for scheduled events that appeal to different age groups. At Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort, "There is a lot of activities for for the kids to do, from mini golf, jumping pillow, water balloon fights and much more," according to Carrie N.
River access for cooling off: The Salmon River provides safe wading areas for children at some campgrounds. "The kids had a blast playing the the river, heck the adults had fun too," shares a Jellystone Park reviewer.
Look for spacious bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly bathroom setups. One camper notes about Jellystone, "Bathrooms (at least near the playground) were spacious, with toilet, sink, shower."
Electric hookup specifications: Most campgrounds offer 30 or 50-amp service, but check before booking. Frank W. notes about Selkirk Shores, "Nice place to camp all electric no water hook ups."
Site drainage concerns: After rainfall, some sites can become waterlogged. A Jellystone visitor cautions that "The sites were muddy, especially when it had recently rained."
Long-term and seasonal options: Many RV parks around Altmar host seasonal campers. At Streamside RV Park, a reviewer observed, "There are a lot of seasonal campsites that have decks, nice furniture out at their spots. They all left Sunday afternoon yet the rigs stay there."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fishing-friendly campgrounds near Altmar's Salmon River?
The Salmon River area near Altmar offers excellent fishing-friendly campgrounds. Selkirk Shores State Park Campground provides boat-in access and is well-positioned for anglers targeting the famous salmon runs. Stoneys Pineville Campground offers a convenient location for Salmon River fishing. For RV campers, Streamside RV Park & Golf Course combines fishing accessibility with added amenities. The Salmon River is renowned for steelhead, chinook salmon, and brown trout fishing, with peak seasons in fall and early spring. Many campgrounds in this area cater specifically to anglers with fish cleaning stations and easy river access.
What campgrounds are available in Altmar, NY?
Altmar and the surrounding area offer several camping options. Nature Lover's Paradise provides access to an extensive trail network in upstate New York, making it ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. For those seeking RV accommodations, Butternut Hill RV Campground offers a small, peaceful setting on the periphery of Butternut Hill farm in nearby Bouckville. Other nearby options include Selkirk Shores State Park Campground, Stoneys Pineville Campground, and Streamside RV Park & Golf Course, all providing various amenities for different camping preferences.
What camping is available near Altmar, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Altmar, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Altmar, NY and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Altmar, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Altmar, NY is Selkirk Shores State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Altmar, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Altmar, NY.
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