Camping options near Lacona, New York center around Lake Ontario's southeastern shore, where sandy beaches meet forested areas at approximately 300 feet above sea level. The region experiences significant seasonal variation, with warm summers reaching into the 80s and cold, snowy winters that often close most campgrounds between mid-October and early May. Waterfront camping areas frequently experience strong winds coming off Lake Ontario, creating both cooling effects during summer and challenging conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Salmon fishing access: Stoneys Pineville Campground provides direct access to the Salmon River, creating optimal conditions for anglers targeting the area's famous salmon runs. "Great place on the river," notes camper Vito M., who appreciates the campground's riverside location. Eric F. confirms the quality fishing: "We have been out three [years] consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time."
Lake swimming: Sun Outdoors Association Island offers multiple lake access points around its perimeter for swimming in Lake Ontario. "Access to the water for our dogs to swim and for beautiful views," writes April L. about her lakeside site. The campground features "nice pool, swimming at Lake Ontario beach," according to Robert M., providing options for both lake and pool swimming.
Winter recreation: Winona Forest CCC Camp serves as a hub for cold-weather activities when most other campgrounds close for the season. "This is a hub for several snow mobile, cross country ski, and snow shoe trails. Several folks visited on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the last bit of the snow," explains Quade S. The primitive site requires self-sufficiency but provides access to extensive winter trail networks.
What campers like
Shoreline sunsets: Sun Outdoors Association Island delivers exceptional sunset viewing from waterfront sites. "You'll never see more beautiful sunrises and sunsets!" raves Keri, while Tracey G. calls the sunsets "phenomenal! I mean, jaw dropping gorgeous." The island's location provides panoramic water views from most campsites.
Marina access: Brennans Bay Campground combines RV camping with boat access. "A great park on Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario. Mostly permanent sites with 6 transient sites overlooking the marina," explains Jim G. The location provides "great area for fishing, bass, trout, salmon and walleye" directly from the marina.
Quieter camping loops: Different campground sections offer varied atmospheres at Selkirk Shores State Park. Laura M. explains, "This campground is 4 different loops- A loop is like the loop for people here for fishing, B loop is the mellower crowd, and C and D were our nightmares: mass chaos, children running amok, loud groups." Selecting the appropriate loop significantly impacts the camping experience.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Lake Ontario weather patterns frequently affect camping conditions. Bella J. reports from Southwick Beach: "After it rained one night our site & others around us were completely flooded." Similarly, Gabrielle C. noted challenging conditions: "Got to the park on Friday night with storms looming about. Our fire pit was underwater. Lake Ontario was so high, there was barely any beach."
Seasonal camping culture: Many campgrounds near Lacona primarily serve seasonal campers with permanent setups. At Ontario Shores RV Park, Tim W. observed, "The seasonal campers are friendly. There are 7 overnight pull thru full hookup sites with concrete patio." Similarly at Brennans Bay, Jim G. notes it's "mostly permanent sites with 6 transient sites."
Bug considerations: Proximity to Lake Ontario creates intense insect activity during certain periods. Tracey G. warns about "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 (ceilings, floors, walls) every night for about an hour."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico specializes in family programming. Cory W. lists numerous activities: "Crafts, Games, Activities, Playground, Pool, Bouncy pillow, Twice Daily wagon rides with Yogi and Boo Boo, Bike parades." Michael O. agrees: "So many activities for the kids, a great pool, mini-golf, parades, just non stop action to keep them going."
River wading: The Salmon River provides safe water play areas for children. Justin F. notes, "The river is awesome, wading, catching crayfish, cooling off," while Cory W. mentions families "always attend candy bar bingo, lounge by the river, play games with friends."
Recreation programs: Selkirk Shores State Park runs structured programs for children during summer months. Colleen S. explains, "They have a great recreation program for the kids. While we were there they had a reptile exhibit with huge snakes and crocodiles, another day they had tie dyeing t-shirts, other days they had bingo(candy was the prize), exercises, and crafty things to make."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Streamside RV Park & Golf Course provides cost-effective full hookup options for overnight stays. B M. reports, "All sites are back in yet it was long enough for us to stay hooked up. We had full hook up. The sites are tight like most RV parks... We paid $37.50 for a one night stay. That is a good price for full hook up."
Dump station facilities: For pet friendly camping near Lacona, New York, waste disposal facilities vary by campground. Frank W. notes at Selkirk Shores that sites have "all electric no water hook ups," while Laura M. adds the campground has "a nice new dump station with several dumps and potable water."
Adult-oriented options: Several campgrounds cater primarily to adult RVers rather than families. Paula G. notes that Streamside RV Park "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." This provides a quieter option for RVers seeking less activity.
