Best Cabin Camping near Great Bend, NY

My family and I have been visiting Old Forge Camping Resort for 20+ years. This is one of the most family friendly resorts and a perfect weekend getaway for those living in other parts of New York State. The visitors/welcome center has everything you need, including firewood, sweatshirts and homemade breakfast sandwiches. There is endless RV camping, tent camping, cabins and cottages available. Make sure you book far enough in advance. We typically book 1 year prior for the cottages.

The bathrooms and grounds are well maintained and accessible from wherever you are in the park. There are hiking, biking and running trails galore. A volleyball court, playground and even a lake to fish or rent paddle boards. There is a bus from the campground that takes you to enchanted forest safari, which is a great way to avoid parking. Would recommend 100%

NYS may get tons of flack for its politics and politicians. However they're doing it all correct in their state parks. This park is amazing. The views of the ST. LAWRENCE River are amazing. You're around some of the best fishing in the country. We'll. Manicured campground. It's huge by the way. Tons of playgrounds and swimming. Always clean everything. Always friendly staff and campers. Inexpensive I mean really inexpensive. You're 10 min from Alexandria Bay. Boldt castle, singer castle, you can go on river cruises and view these beautiful islands and homes on them. Watch the cargo ships cruise the channel. Electric and water on many sites. Cottages cabins and primitive sites available. Hiking trails all over the park. There's a marina, boat launch and boat rentals. Docking. You can even day trip it use public grills and still enjoy everything the park has to offer. We have so much fun here. It's hard to pack and go home.

There is TONS of beach to explore at this little State Park in New York. I used to visit here as a kid years ago because my grandparents owned a cottage on the lake. Since they sold it, visiting Southwick is the next best thing. 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. Southwick itself has great camping spots right next to the beach. It is a little pricey if you only want to visit for the day, $8, but you can get a tent spot for $18 which is comparable to other state parks. Showers are available, and there are some short trails that are good for running or probably cross country skiing in the winter. There is also a sizable playground near the beach that is great for the kids.

We stayed at Association Island on Lake Ontario in Henderson, NY, for a three-night excursion to celebrate my daughter’s end-of-9th-grade and start-of-summer. We’re so glad we did! 

When I made the reservation, this campground was a KOA, but has since changed owners and dissociated. They’re owned by Sun Outdoors who was willing to honor the reservation, site request, and discounted pricing.(Thank you, Sun Outdoors!) 

The approach by way of a single lane bridge to the island is beautiful. Once on the island, it’s obvious that this is a great place for retreat. Surrounded by Lake Ontario, it’s a secluded and idyllic setting for a RV campground. 

Our site(#G07) was on the sunset-side of the island and the last of the row beside a walking trail. 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. 

The sites all seem to be well maintained, the campground has paved roadways, a marina for small boats, swimming pool, and ice cream shop. We didn’t explore off the island and didn’t use the bath or shower facilities. 

Each of our interactions with staff was warm and friendly. We especially appreciate this when staying anywhere. 

We met a bunch of people who’ve visited the park for several consecutive years- all of whom told us there have been many upgrades and improvements since the ownership change. 

Except for the 9-hour drive through three states, we can’t wait to return. We paid a KOA-discounted rate of$88 per night plus a$25 site lock fee. We stayed in our 37’ Class-A motorhome.