Camping near Great Bend, New York offers access to the St. Lawrence River valley ecosystem, where elevations range between 400-500 feet above sea level with distinct seasonal variations. The region experiences heavy winter snowfall averaging 130 inches annually, followed by moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F. During peak summer months, campers should be prepared for humid conditions and occasional strong winds off Lake Ontario.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Burnham Point State Park, visitors can fish directly from their campsites. "Easy access to swim in the water. Very clean bathrooms. Electric site with water. Boat launch. Plenty of tree to hang your hammock," notes John B.
Paddling excursions: Launch kayaks from your site at multiple locations. "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," shares Donna C. about her experience at Association Island.
Outdoor activities: Multiple parks offer extensive recreation options. "Playground, private bathrooms, boat launch, docks, beach and fishing," explains Laura H. about facilities at Kring Point State Park.
Hiking trails: Explore wooded paths through the region. "This campsite is right down the road from the fire tower trail," reports Sam T. about Stillwater Reservoir, which offers more remote camping experiences.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. "Our waterfront pull-IN site was a level concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great. Oh, and the best part was our view of the St. Lawrence River with passing ocean liners and lots of migrating birds," writes Matt S. about his stay at Swan Bay Resort.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned. "This campground is part of the Long Point State Park, a long spit on the shore of Lake Ontario. The campground has some of the best amenities we have seen in a state park. Personal toilet, shower & sink are contained within separate rooms within the amenity block," notes Britt B.
Entertainment options: On-site activities and nearby attractions provide diverse options. "The park has 2 swimming pools, a tiki bar, a food truck, and nice communal hang-out areas. 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," reports Matt S.
What you should know
Site conditions vary: Be prepared for different terrain depending on location. At Kring Point State Park, Christopher notes: "Just didn't expect the plots to be so small with no privacy. Thought we chose a plot in an area with tents only, but there was a massive camper right beside us with noisy people."
Weather considerations: The region can experience significant wind and rapid weather changes. "It can get quite windy on the point so take a wind break or shelter," advises Britt B. about Long Point State Park.
Booking challenges: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "We've camped here every year but it's getting difficult to get in here... It's beautiful park. Goose bay on one side St Lawrence River on other," explains Laura H.
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities. "I came here a couple days ago only to realize that all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached. It's first come first serve," warns Kane about Stillwater Reservoir.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Southwick Beach State Park provides excellent swimming areas. "BEST beach in CNY-sandbar goes on forever-campsites roomy and well taken care of-bathrooms are meticulously cleaned-we always camp in the electric loop about 1/2 mile from the beach-sunsets are gorgeous from here as well," shares Theresa F.
Playground facilities: Multiple parks feature play areas for children. "There is also a sizable playground near the beach that is great for the kids," notes Matt G. about Southwick Beach.
Safety considerations: Some areas offer calmer waters suitable for younger swimmers. "Lake Ontario is an amazing lake to be on and the water is pretty warm in the summer time. The waves don't get too big, so it is very safe for kids," explains Matt G.
Dedicated youth programs: For structured activities, "Beaver Camp has it all. Weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course," explains Elizabeth B. about Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on size requirements. "We arrived on July 5th for 5 nights. Our original site was listed at 55', but there was no way our 43' camper would fit, nor make the tight turn into it. The owner quickly moved us to another site," shares Bryan about 1000 Islands Campground.
Wind precautions: Secure awnings and loose items due to frequent winds. "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," advises Nancy W.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are available at several campgrounds. "Blacktop roads, cement pads, big rig friendly, tiki bar, and a professional, polite, and efficient staff make this a great campground," notes Raymond C. about Swan Bay Resort.
Off-season advantages: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for more space. "We arrived on a weekend and it was pretty busy but loved it during the week when everybody left and things were quieter," recommends Nancy W.
