Green Lakes State Park and Whispering Woods Campground provide glamping options near Cicero, New York, with seasonal availability from spring through mid-October. The region features several state parks situated along bodies of water, including glacial lakes and Lake Ontario, with camping elevations ranging from 400-500 feet above sea level. Seasonal weather conditions can vary significantly, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F and occasional thunderstorms requiring proper shelter at glamping sites.
What to do
Lake activities at Delta Lake: Delta Lake State Park Campground offers numerous water recreation options beyond just swimming. Visitors can launch boats from two ramps and explore the reservoir stocked with game fish. According to one camper, "There's so much to explore, and town is right down the road" when using kayaks at the park's water-accessing sites.
Children's recreation at Jellystone Park: The Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico provides structured activities for younger campers, including parades with characters. One visitor shared, "So many activities for the little ones, a great pool, mini-golf, parades, just non stop action to keep them going and tire them out!" Another camper noted the diverse offerings: "Crafts, games, activities, playground, pool, bouncy pillow, twice daily wagon rides with Yogi and Boo Boo, bike parades."
Hiking and fishing: Several parks feature trails for hiking with varying difficulty levels. Selkirk Shores State Park Campground borders Lake Ontario with fishing opportunities. A visitor commented, "Lake Ontario has great fishing. The beach is smaller than it was before now that it is guarded."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer premium sites along lakes and waterways. At Delta Lake State Park Campground, campers appreciate the lakeside locations: "We had a waterfront hookup! So pretty especially in the morning with the sunrise... There's a few steps down to a gravel beach and an expansive view of the delta lake."
Clean facilities: Reviewers frequently mention the cleanliness of campground bathrooms and shower facilities. A camper at Treasure Isle RV Park noted, "There is a nice bathhouse, playground, basketball court, beach and walking trails." Delta Lake visitors appreciate that "Bathrooms and showers are immaculate and well stocked."
Privacy options: While many sites offer social camping environments, some provide more secluded options. At Mayfair Campground, "Sites are very large and well maintained. Sites along the creek and lagoon have shade trees." A reviewer at Whispering Woods Campground simply stated, "We camped there a few times, very people friendly place!"
What you should know
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds have specific loop characteristics that affect your experience. At Selkirk Shores State Park Campground, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping options near Cicero operate from spring through mid-October. Bass Lake Resort operates year-round, offering an extended glamping season compared to others in the area.
Pet requirements: State parks have specific documentation requirements for pets. As one camper noted, "NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Families can take advantage of various water activities beyond standard swimming. At Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort, "For the fisherman, it's located on Salmon River and appears to have quite a lot of large salmon this time of year. I was shocked at the size of the fish that were being cleaned."
Playground access: When choosing a family-friendly site, consider proximity to play areas. At Delta Lake, they "have recently added electricity to the sites and a new playground at the beach. The concession stand at the beach will deliver to your camp site."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs for children. At Selkirk Shores, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV campers should note the varying levels of hookups at different campgrounds. At Bass Lake Resort, "This is a membership/timeshare place but if you get a membership you can camp for free at any of 7 of campsites along the east coast." The resort offers 300 sites with full hookup options.
Shower facilities: RVers relying on campground showers should check facility details beforehand. One camper at Green Lakes noted issues with "the misting shower heads. Maybe TMI, but sorry ladies, you'll never get the soap out of your bits. It's best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer sewer connections at each site. A Jellystone Park visitor noted, "No sewer hookups available but does had a dump station on your way out." At Ta-Ga-Soke Campgrounds, sites are "very close to water and boat launch and that was great" for RVers who enjoy fishing from their campsite.
