Campgrounds near Sodus Point sit on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, approximately 30 miles east of Rochester. The region features a mix of lakefront and inland camping options, with elevations ranging from 250 feet at the lakeshore to about 400 feet in surrounding areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with cooler nights near the water, where temperature drops of 15-20 degrees aren't uncommon after sunset.
What to do
Fishing at Sterling Pond: Fair Haven Beach State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities in both Lake Ontario and Sterling Pond. According to one visitor at Drumlin B Camping Area: "Every time we go to fair haven we have a great time. The campsites are good size and give you privacy. The beach is great. We love walking the pier. My boys love riding their bikes."
Explore Chimney Bluffs: Located just a short drive from Lake Bluff RV Park, these dramatic erosional features offer unique hiking opportunities. A camper noted: "We had a huge site near a little stream, overall the campground isn't very big with lots of seasonsals. Lots of activities for kids, and just around the corner from chimney bluff state park which are a must see!"
Water recreation options: Multiple swimming areas cater to different preferences and age groups. At Lakeview Camping Area, a visitor shared: "Range of camping available from non electric to sites with electric also cabins are available. 2 swimming, sand beachs on lake Ontario with diving area in the canal that leads to a pond that has excellant fishing. Canoes and paddle boats available."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the ample room at campsites in the area. A visitor to Bluff Camping Area noted: "We camped here two nights at the lake view area and loved it! Spacious sites, not all are enclosed with trees but still plenty of room to spread out, we had two tents, two cars, a boat & a pop up table over tent and had plenty of room to have other come and visit."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers enhance the camping experience. One camper at Bluff Camping Area stated: "The showers and bathrooms are mostly clean and well stocked and there is a dedicated sink outside the building for dishes."
Lake views and sunsets: The proximity to Lake Ontario provides memorable evening vistas. A camper at South Shore RV Park shared: "Quite campground, well maintained, clean bathhouse, definitely will stay again."
What you should know
Water quality notices: Public water systems occasionally issue boil water advisories. A camper at Lakeview Camping Area observed: "When we were there the city was under a water advisory- all water had to be boiled before any kind of use."
Wind exposure on bluffs: Sites along elevated areas experience stronger wind conditions. According to a visitor: "Get a site by the buffs if you have a tent that can take some serious wind (especially in fall)."
Site variations across loops: Different camping loops offer distinct experiences. A camper at Junius Ponds advised: "We were in a long pull through near the front of the campground and it had a large grassy section to the side. There were a lot of seasonal campers here and they were all friendly."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events and facilities for children. A visitor to Lake Bluff RV Park shared: "Have been to lake buff twice this year and will definitely be back next year! The owners are so personable, accommodating and kind! Kids activities are great. Even with COVID they have stuff to keep them busy."
Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with game rooms and playgrounds. One camper noted: "Near the play ground they have a nice game room pool, air hockey, video games. There is a change machine too."
Beach access for children: The sandy beaches at Fair Haven are particularly well-suited for families. A visitor remarked: "We love this place it has just enough waves that the little kids can jump them. But small enough that they don't get pulled over by the waves."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some non-electric sites have terrain issues. One RVer at Lakeview Camping Area observed: "The non-electric sites were pretty much all on hilly areas, most would be impossible for an RV to get level, though there were a few that would have worked."
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies by loop and campground. A camper at Drumlin A Camping Area noted: "One downside, NYS needs to upgrade electricity and make more sites electric."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging interior roads. An RVer at Junius Ponds shared: "The roads are narrow and hilly, but we pull a 36' 5th wheel (mid-profile) and we had no issues with branches."
