Best Campgrounds near Cato, NY
Developed campgrounds surround Cato, New York, with most properties located within a 10-mile radius of this central New York community. Cross Lake Park Campgrounds sits directly in Cato, while several established campgrounds can be found in nearby communities like Fair Haven and Wolcott. The camping landscape includes a mix of state parks and private facilities offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Fair Haven Beach State Park provides multiple camping areas including Bluff Camping Area, Lakeview Camping Area, and Drumlin Camping Areas, all featuring access to Lake Ontario and Sterling Pond.
Many campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically open from April through October. The Lake Bluff RV Park specifically operates from April 15 to October 31, while Cayuga Lake State Park welcomes campers from April 21 to October 23. "We have been coming here for years. Nice large beach, swimming, fishing in Ontario or Sterling pond," notes one regular visitor to Fair Haven Beach State Park. Winter closures are standard throughout the area due to harsh New York winters, with most facilities shutting down completely during colder months. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when waterfront sites fill quickly.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Cato area, with Lake Ontario, Cross Lake, Duck Lake, and Cayuga Lake all offering recreation opportunities. Campers consistently praise the beach access at Fair Haven Beach State Park, with one reviewer noting that "sites were very large and private. The swimming area was a bit of a walk, but was worth it." Several campgrounds provide electric hookups and water access, though amenities vary significantly between properties. Tent campers have fewer options than RV travelers, as many facilities cater primarily to recreational vehicles with electric, water, and sewer connections. Some reviews indicate occasional issues with mosquitoes at certain properties, particularly those near wetland areas or during early summer.
