Carthage, New York sits in the western foothills of the Adirondacks with a continental climate featuring cold winters and mild summers. Average summer temperatures range between 65-80°F while winter temperatures typically drop below freezing. RV parks in the region provide access to both Lake Ontario shorelines and inland attractions with varying seasonal operations typically running May through October.
What to do
Water recreation on Lake Ontario: Several RV parks near Carthage offer direct water access to Lake Ontario. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, campers can launch kayaks directly from waterfront sites. "We were able to drop our kayaks right in the water in front of our rig and paddle to our heart's content. The water is clear and cool," notes one visitor.
Golf near camping sites: Streamside RV Park combines camping with golfing opportunities. "There is a 12 hole golf course that surrounds the campground," explains a camper who enjoyed the convenience of having recreation directly connected to their campsite.
Discover local waterfalls: When staying at Brennan Beach Campground, make time to explore nearby natural attractions. One camper mentions, "Mike told us about Salmon River Falls. We went and it is a 'must see' while there. Basically 15 minutes from the campground."
Visit Mexico Point: Just a short drive from several RV parks, this scenic area offers additional outdoor recreation options. "Mexico Point is another close attraction to see as well," recommends a visitor staying at Brennan Beach who enjoyed exploring the surrounding region.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Areas around Swan Bay Resort offer exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from urban light pollution. "Quite dark at night, but that was a bonus as we were able to see the Milky Way!" reports one camper appreciating the natural darkness.
Ship watching opportunities: The St. Lawrence Seaway provides unique entertainment at certain campsites. "Right on the Saint Lawrence River with passing ocean liners and lots of migrating birds," explains a visitor to Swan Bay Resort who enjoyed the maritime traffic.
Community amenities: HTR Adirondacks (formerly Singing Waters) offers facilities beyond individual campsites. "Big sites to put your Camper tent or Rv on...Nice play area for the kids!!! Overall a great camp ground," mentions a satisfied guest.
River activities for teenagers: The shallow creek at HTR Adirondacks provides safe water recreation. One parent notes, "The boys were having so much fun swimming and riding their inner tubes down the creek with little rapids. They spent almost every waking moment in the water."
What you should know
Electrical capacity limitations: Some RV parks near Carthage have infrastructure limitations. At HTR Adirondacks, one camper reported, "They do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have and we should not have our hot water on electric." Plan accordingly with alternative power sources.
Seasonal camper culture: Brennan Beach Campground has a significant seasonal population. "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," explains one visitor.
Weather considerations: Wind conditions affect water activities at certain locations. A Swan Bay Resort visitor cautioned, "It is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle. Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind."
Varying site quality: RV parks Carthage, New York and surrounding areas offer different site types. "Our waterfront pull-IN site was a level concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great," reports one satisfied camper at Swan Bay Resort, showing the benefits of researching specific site types.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Ontario Shores RV Park offers spaces for family activities beyond swimming. "Open field to walk the dog or for children. Lake Ontario a short walk away," notes a camper describing the layout.
Off-peak timing: For families seeking quieter experiences at popular RV parks, plan for weekday stays. "We arrived on a weekend and it was pretty busy but loved it during the week when everybody left and things were quieter," advises a visitor to Swan Bay Resort.
Swimming options: Multiple water access points accommodate different preferences. "There is a playground and a beach area," mentions a camper at HTR Adirondacks, while others note the availability of pools at several RV parks near Carthage.
Holiday weekend planning: Major holidays bring increased activity to campgrounds. "It was Memorial Day weekend but the spots were not very big," reports one camper at Sun Outdoors Association Island, suggesting families book well ahead or choose non-holiday periods for more space.
Tips from RVers
Arrival assistance: Fort Drum Recreation Area provides support for military families and visitors. "It is easy to get to and several forms of outdoor entertainment. Remington is a beautiful well kept place," notes a military family who appreciated the facilities.
Big rig considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs despite advertising as such. One visitor with a 45-foot Class A noted site access challenges at HTR Adirondacks: "The roads and turns are not wide enough for a 45' rig even with the tow disconnected to make turns."
Utilities reliability: Full hookups vary in quality across different parks. "Sites are long enough for us to stay hooked up. We had full hook up," reports a visitor to Streamside RV Park, while others mentioned inconsistent power at some locations.
Awning management: Wind conditions from Lake Ontario affect RV equipment. Multiple reviewers mentioned damaged awnings, suggesting RVers secure or retract awnings when leaving their site, particularly at waterfront locations.
