Camping spots near Fairport, New York provide access to both Lake Ontario shoreline and the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes region. Located in Monroe County at approximately 480 feet elevation, Fairport experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging in the 80s and cold winters dropping well below freezing. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities operating from April through October due to harsh weather conditions and seasonal closures.
What to do
Hiking trails in Webster Park: The campground offers numerous trails through wooded areas for day hikes. According to one camper, "There is hiking in the park, lots of nice woods, big field for playing games/sports. It's close to town and home for us." Another visitor notes that Webster Park has "nice central playground and bathroom/shower house" making it ideal for families who enjoy outdoor recreation.
Lake Ontario swimming access: Hamlin Beach State Park Campground provides access to both rocky and sandy shorelines. A visitor reports, "Between Buffalo/Niagara Falls and Rochester on Lake Ontario, this park gives you a rocky and a sandy shoreline with gentle waves to lull you to sleep." The park also offers "excellent birding on site and in nearby Braddock Bay."
Fishing opportunities: Smaller bodies of water near camping areas provide additional recreation options. At Hamlin Beach State Park, "Not only is there great fishing off the piers into Lake Ontario but there is a pond easily accessed for most to fish for trout, bass, and other fresh water species. During the fall there is a huge salmon run where fish up to 30 lbs are caught regularly."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Monroe County Webster Park, campers appreciate the space between campsites. One reviewer states, "The sites are large and accommodating. It's clean, and that you have more privacy than other sites I've been to." Another camper notes that Webster Park has "sites mostly level, others a bit uneven. Sites are spacious, however specific to size of camper."
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. At Webster Park, visitors mention "clean restrooms with shower facilities" and "a sink available for dishes." One camper specifically notes, "Bathrooms and showers clean! Sink available for dishes."
Access to Lake Ontario: The shoreline location attracts many campers. At Hamlin Beach, visitors report "great access to the shores of Lake Ontario from campground. Also few mile stretch of beaches." Another camper mentioned, "It has a beautiful well groomed sandy white beach fully staffed by certified lifeguards."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have spotty connectivity. At Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, campers should prepare for potentially limited service. At Webster Park, one camper noted "cell phone coverage is poor by Verizon and T-Mobile, and there is no WiFi, and no camp store (but the town of Webster is nearby)."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April/May through October. Monroe County Webster Park is "open May 1st to October 31st" according to reviewers, while the Rochester-Canandaigua KOA operates "Apr 1 to Oct 31."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. For Junius Ponds, "reservations recommended especially during summer weekends" and some locations have high numbers of seasonal campers making spots limited.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for children: Junius Ponds offers family-friendly amenities. One camper notes, "Nice pool and playgrounds" and another reports, "There are many options for different sites. They offer themed weekends and have activities for kids."
Kid-friendly layout: Webster Park features a layout conducive to families with young children. A frequent visitor explains, "We stay close to the playground these days in our pop up usually at site 5 so our 5 and 9 year old can walk or ride to campground. We like site 1 as well. We stay on the outer ring on that side of loop as it gives access to the woods and trails behind the sites."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming facilities. At Junius Ponds, one visitor mentions a "well maintained-non heated pool although costs $2 per person to use even for campers." Hamlin Beach provides lake swimming with lifeguards during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Stay Bristol Woodlands offers full-service sites. A camper notes, "Site was level and well equipped (waste water disposal attach site!)" making it convenient for longer stays. Various parks offer different levels of services - some with water and electric only, others with full sewer hookups.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven terrain at some locations. At Webster Park, a visitor noted differences in sites: "It is a smaller single loop campground with sites for tents/small trailers, larger trailers, and motor homes. He difference is 30a power and no water or sewer, 50a power and water, and 50a power and water/sewer."
Length of hoses needed: Some campsites require longer hoses to reach hookups. One camper at Webster Park advised, "You need a long hose for fresh water in the RV. No sewer sites." Planning ahead with proper equipment makes setup easier at campgrounds with varied hookup placements.
