Pet-friendly camping options near Canandaigua, New York provide access to the western Finger Lakes region, with elevations ranging from 689 feet at the lake to nearly 2,000 feet at the surrounding hills. Canandaigua Lake extends 15.5 miles long and reaches depths of 276 feet, creating a microclimate that moderates temperatures for campers. Spring through fall camping typically sees daytime temperatures ranging from 65-85°F with cooler evenings dropping to 45-65°F.
What to do
Kayak Mud Creek: Creek n Wood Campground offers direct water access where pets can enjoy the creek alongside their owners. "This is a private campground located in Bloomfield, NY right on the Mud Creek. Located close to shopping, wineries, hiking, and concert events," notes reviewer Sheri S.
Visit military history sites: Sampson State Park Campground preserves regional military history with educational exhibits. "It has a very nice military museum. Right on the water front of Seneca Lake. It was a Naval training base during WWII. About 45 minutes from Rochester and about hr and half from Syracuse," shares reviewer Brian O.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer stocked ponds with easy fishing access for beginners. "This KOA has all that you need for a relaxing family trip. It is close to the finger lakes, is clean, has kid activities and a pond where the fish are easy to catch with hotdogs!" according to Amy T.
Explore the gorge system: The region features dramatic gorges within driving distance. "Letchworth State Park is considered the 'Grand Canyon of the East'. With three serious drops in as many miles, the Genesse River winds it's way through what locals call the 'Grand Canyon of the East,'" explains reviewer Shari G.
What campers like
Scenic overlooks: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding region. "Stunning overlook that is breathtaking. Great for day use too. Numerous pavilions that are wonderful for parties or weddings," says Sarah C.
Swimming access: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained swimming areas. "Keuka Lake State Park is located on the east side of the west branch of beautiful Keuka Lake. The lakefront area of the park is just beautiful! There is plenty of shade, picnic tables and grills for those who choose to be out of the sun," notes Helen H.
Walkable town amenities: Some camping locations provide easy access to Canandaigua's town services. "The Village of Penn Yan at the north end has several quaint shops, restaurants, two grocery stores, a movie theater, a department store, pharmacies and more," adds Helen H.
Year-round seasonal activities: The area hosts special events throughout the camping season. "It is an easy drive around Keuka Lake which is surrounded by award winning wineries, breweries and distilleries. Hammondsport, at the south end, tied for the #1 Coolest Small Town in America in 2012," explains reviewer Helen H.
What you should know
Topography and site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have variable terrain requiring preparation. "Make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level," warns Jonathan G. about Ontario County Park.
Weekday vs. weekend experiences: Keuka Lake State Park Campground and others see significant differences in crowd levels. "The trails leading from the campground down to the boat launch, pavilions, large playground and beach area could be marked a bit better but the walk through the woods and along gullies was beautiful," notes Helen H.
Campground layout considerations: Some facilities have unique arrangements for utilities. "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough. There is only source for water fill up. This could end up being a very very long wait if you arrive at the same time as other campers," cautions Amanda K.
Tick prevention: Spring and summer visits require tick awareness after woodland activities. "I live close by and visit a few times a month," mentions Sarah C., highlighting the need for regular tick checks during the warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA provides extensive children's activities. "We've stayed at a lot of KOA sites over the years and this one is as pleasant as expected. It is an excellent campground for families. Our 3 and 5 year olds really enjoyed the jump pad and woods obstacles," shares Greg S.
Traffic safety: Speed limits protect children on bikes at many campgrounds. "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff," explains Rachel T.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Some camping areas offer excellent wildlife observation. "I'm a birder and my tent site here is next to a little grove of trees where I counted 12 species of birds this morning," says Jenise P.
Local attractions: Canandaigua offers family-friendly destinations near camping areas. "Canandaigua is a really cool little town too and has a beautiful lakefront park with beach and playground, only ten minutes from this campground. The water in Lake Canandaigua was very clear!" notes Greg S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Stay Bristol Woodlands offers varying degrees of seclusion. "Campground is adorable, you can see a lot of other campers, but the spots are spaced out. Site was level and well equipped (waste water disposal attach site!)," reports Justine I.
Hookup logistics: Many campgrounds offer full hookups with specific arrangements. "The sites for large rigs are very close together but that is not surprising. Our site was clean and reasonably level but there was no shade at all. We were comfortable, though, after putting out the awning and setting up our portable gazebo," explains Frank M.
Seasonal considerations: Different camping seasons present varying challenges. "Almost all sites have electric. Potable water fill station and dump tanks at entrance/exit. Bathrooms were very clean and had dish washing stations in them," notes Stephanie C.
