Glamping destinations near Central Square, New York offer accommodations ranging from basic cabins to fully equipped yurts and cottages. The region sits within the eastern Lake Ontario plains at approximately 400-450 feet elevation, with a climate characterized by lake effect weather patterns that bring significant snowfall in winter but create pleasant summer camping conditions from May through October. Water features dominate the landscape with numerous lakes and rivers providing recreational opportunities within a 30-minute drive of Central Square.
What to do
Beach activities at Lake Ontario: Brennan Beach Campground provides direct beach access with swimming areas during peak season. "Spent time at the beach which is also very nice. Sites are close together, but kind of what is expected at an RV resort," notes camper Becky.
Fishing opportunities: Selkirk Shores State Park Campground sits along Lake Ontario with prime fishing spots. A visitor comments, "Lake Ontario has great fishing. The beach is smaller than it was before now that it is guarded."
River exploration: At Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort, campers can wade in the Salmon River. One reviewer shares, "The river is awesome, wading, catching crayfish, cooling off. Staff were consistently friendly. Sites were flat, easy to level travel trailer."
Mini-golf and activities: Many campgrounds offer structured activities for visitors. "There are a lot of activities for the kids to do, from mini golf, jumping pillow, water balloon fights and much more," reports Carrie N. about Jellystone Park.
Boat rentals: Several parks offer affordable boat rentals to explore the waters. "You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore," mentions a Cindy H. about Green Lakes.
What campers like
Unique lake waters: Green Lakes State Park Campground features distinctive meromictic lakes. "This park is beautiful and very clean. The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands," explains Kenneth S.
Comfortable shower facilities: While basic, shower accommodations vary by campground. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," notes Sheri S.
Organized activities: Campgrounds near Central Square excel at scheduled entertainment. "This campground offers so much for people of all ages: Crafts, Games, Activities, Playground, Pool, Bouncy pillow, Twice Daily wagon rides with Yogi and Boo Boo, Bike parades, River access, Fishing, Tubing, Lounging," lists Cory W. about Jellystone.
Privacy options: While many sites are open, some campgrounds offer secluded spots. "Sites 66 and 67 are the exception that we saw, they're off together to the side and would be a good choice for two groups camping together," mentions Laura M. about Selkirk Shores.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary: Be prepared for different shower setups. "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads," notes Chelsea B. about Green Lakes.
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping options close by mid-October. A reviewer at Ontario Shores RV Park explains, "Lake Ontario a short walk away, the lake level flooding a few yrs ago ruined the sandy beach, but it's still a great view."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially in loops C and D at Selkirk Shores. "Apparently C and D are always booked and full, because people like that it's closest to the beach trail, the playground, and the camp store," advises Laura M.
Pet restrictions: Some areas limit where dogs can go. "They don't allow dogs on the beach," mentions a reviewer about Brennan Beach Campground.
Maintenance concerns: Facilities may show wear in late season. "Signs/photo ops were crooked/loose/broken. Planted annual flowers were dead, overgrown with weeds. Miniature golf holes were falling apart," reports a visitor to Jellystone.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Whispering Woods Campground offers yurt glamping close to Central Square, New York with family-friendly options. "We camped there a few times, very people friendly place!" shares Arnie T.
Camp loops selection: Choose your campground section wisely. "This campground is 4 different loops- 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," advises Laura M.
Water safety considerations: Most swimming areas have restrictions. "The swimming is available at the large beach. You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake," notes Cindy H.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment. "Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim. Dogs are welcome," shares Kelly J. about Selkirk Shores.
Recreation programs: Look for campgrounds with structured activities. "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.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Travel Resorts of America Bass Lake Resort offers full hookups for RVs year-round. "Awesome resort. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Very peaceful and quiet," reports Karen S.
Site selection: Choose sites based on your privacy preferences. "The sites are a good size with water and electric on each site. There is a dumping station to use, some sewer sites," explains Heather R. about Treasure Isle RV Park.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations. "There's a nice new dump station with several dumps and potable water. Good cell reception for both Verizon and ATT," notes Laura M.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies by campground. "Sites are level and spacious. Open field to walk the dog or for children," mentions Tim W. about Ontario Shores RV Park.
RV size limitations: Larger rigs find accommodation at several parks. "The setting is absolutely gorgeous. Well treed, nicely sized spaces and fairly easy access for large rigs," shares Michael O. about Jellystone.
