Visitors to Copenhagen, New York can find several RV campgrounds within driving distance of this small village. Copenhagen sits in the western foothills of the Adirondacks at an elevation of 1,450 feet, where summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F. Fall brings vibrant foliage and cooler nighttime temperatures, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
What to do
Boating and paddling opportunities: At Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina, guests can rent pontoon boats directly from the marina. "There's a marina with pontoon boat rentals. They put on Octoberfest during our stay which featured a live band and food and craft vendors," notes one visitor.
Fishing excursions: The St. Lawrence River offers excellent fishing access. "Fishing was fun…lots of places to go to fish and the scenery was awesome," reports a camper about their experience at Sun Outdoors Association Island.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming amenities. "Spent time at the beach which is also very nice," mentions a review of Brennan Beach Campground. Many campgrounds feature both pool and natural water swimming options, though water temperatures can be quite cool until mid-summer.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Sun Outdoors Association Island impresses campers with its generous site sizes. "It was wooded, roomy, and has full hookups, a fire ring, and picnic table. I could probably have fit another RV in the site and still had space to stretch," shares one visitor.
Waterfront access: Waterfront sites provide memorable experiences. "Our site was a pull in and we faced a western view of Lake Ontario. We were treated to gorgeous sunsets and minimal light pollution at night. The stars were everywhere," reports another camper about Sun Outdoors Association Island.
Concrete pads: Ontario Shores RV Park receives praise for its well-maintained sites. "There are 7 overnight pull thru full hookup sites with concrete patio, Sites a level and spacious," states a reviewer. Concrete pads help prevent muddy conditions during rainy periods.
What you should know
Limited winter options: Most RV parks in the region operate seasonally from May through October. Streamside RV Park & Golf Course has a typical operating season of "Apr 15 - Oct 15," similar to most campgrounds in the area.
Bug preparation: Insects can be abundant, particularly near Lake Ontario. "One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario. Be prepared to deal with this as we were not and had to vacuum inside the RV every night for about an hour," warns a camper.
Wind conditions: Strong winds affect some waterfront locations. One camper notes about Association Island: "Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: HTR Adirondacks offers engaging water features for children. "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," shares one parent who visited with teenage boys.
Budget-friendly options: Price points vary significantly between campgrounds. "We paid a KOA-discounted rate of $88 per night plus a $25 site lock fee," notes one camper, while another mentions Streamside RV Park offering "a one night stay. That is a good price for full hook up" at $37.50.
Age-specific considerations: Some campgrounds cater to specific demographics. One reviewer notes about Streamside RV Park, "Everyone here is a golfer and there are no children," making it less suitable for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Power supply challenges: Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA provides both 30-amp and 50-amp service, but not all campgrounds maintain consistent power. One camper reported at another location: "We contacted the office and a staff member came and advised us that they do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have."
Accessibility concerns: Wheelchair users should research accessibility before booking. "The facilities are not wheelchair accessible. The owners said that they are working on that," reports a visitor to Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA.
Big rig considerations: Width of roads and turns affect maneuverability. "This is NOT a place for big rigs," warns one RVer about a campground with tight turns. RVers with larger units should call ahead to confirm access routes and site dimensions before booking at Copenhagen area RV campgrounds.