Camping options near Great Bend, New York include several established parks within 45 minutes of the town. The region sits at the northern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau with elevations around 760 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing with significant lake effect snow from October through April, making most campgrounds seasonal operations.
What to do
Kayaking on the St. Lawrence River: Swan Bay Resort has direct river access with boat launch facilities for personal watercraft. "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," reports one visitor about similar shoreline access at Association Island.
Fishing opportunities: HTR Adirondacks offers riverside fishing with beach access. "Big sites to put your Camper tent or Rv on. Owners are very friendly and helpful!!! We had a blast and will definitely be going back!!!" notes one camper. The creek has small rapids suitable for inner tubes, making it popular with teens.
Golfing access: Streamside RV Park includes a 12-hole golf course surrounding the campground area. "This is a privately owned very nice campground! The owners take pride in their business and the grounds are meticulously kept. Everyone here is a golfer and there are no children," explains one reviewer, highlighting its appeal to adults seeking quieter rv parks near Great Bend.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Association Island sits entirely surrounded by Lake Ontario with premium waterfront sites. "We stayed at 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," notes one camper about the views.
Swimming access: Brennan Beach Campground offers direct beach access to Lake Ontario for swimming during summer months. "Spent 3 nights with our 2 sons and my husbands 2 granddaughters, all under age 12. Bathrooms/showers were clean. Site we stayed at had full hook ups. Very nice camp store, pools, playground, and restaurants," reports one family.
Proximity to local attractions: Fort Drum Recreation Area provides a convenient base for military families. "With my family and pets in tow, we took a weekend and committed it to nature and ourselves. Remington is a Military campground, but for the several military families looking to disconnect a couple of miles from home this would be it," notes a reviewer about this option near Great Bend RV parks.
What you should know
Variable weather conditions: Waterfront sites experience significant winds at multiple campgrounds in the region. "Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind," cautions a visitor to Brennan Beach, explaining why extended awnings should be secured or retracted when campers leave their sites.
Site conditions vary significantly: Streamside RV Park offers basic but functional sites. "All sites are a back in site yet it was long enough for us to stay hooked up. We had full hook up. The sites are tight like most RV parks," notes one camper who paid $37.50 for a night with full hookups—a competitive rate among rv parks near Great Bend, New York.
Varying accessibility standards: Some campgrounds have limited accessibility features. "The facilities are not wheelchair accessible. The owners said that they are working on that," notes a visitor to Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA, which is otherwise well-regarded for clean facilities and helpful owners.
Tips for camping with families
Consider camper demographics: Ontario Shores RV Park appeals to quieter family groups. "A well kept quiet place. The seasonal campers are friendly. There are 7 overnight pull thru full hookup sites with concrete patio, Sites a level and spacious. Open field to walk the dog or for children," reports one visitor describing the layout.
Look for water recreation options: HTR Adirondacks offers creek-based activities kids enjoy. One visitor noted: "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."
Pool alternatives: Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA provides an indoor pool option when lake conditions are rough. "The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept," notes one visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: RVers should monitor power usage at some campgrounds where electrical capacity is limited. At HTR Adirondacks, one camper noted: "We were advised that they do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have and we should not have our hot water on electric."
Concrete pad availability: Swan Bay Resort provides level concrete pads at all sites. "All of their sites are on slabs, neat and clean hook ups. There is riverviews from just about every site which is nice and then there are sites right on the river," notes one RVer who appreciated the stable parking surfaces.
Check for utility locations: At some rv parks near Great Bend, utilities are positioned differently than standard. At Association Island, fire rings are specifically built to block prevailing winds: "Our site backed up to the water and although it was windy they thought ahead and built the fire pit up to block it."
