Stillwater Reservoir offers primitive wilderness camping with 40+ sites that are primarily accessible by boat. Most locations feature natural, sandy beachfronts along the reservoir's shoreline. Free camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with only one site accessible by car. The reservoir sits at approximately 1,680 feet elevation, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas, especially during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Explore Francis Lake's secluded waterways with direct shoreline access for small watercraft. "My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there," notes a visitor to Stillwater Reservoir.
Fishing and wildlife viewing: Cast for native fish species at lakes throughout the region. "Fishing was fun…lots of places to go to fish and the scenery was awesome," reports a camper at Sun Outdoors Association Island. Look for bald eagles and loons that frequently visit the area lakes.
Hiking and exploration: Discover multiple trail systems connecting camping areas to scenic viewpoints. "This campsite is right down the road from the fire tower trail," mentions a visitor about Stillwater Reservoir. Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing at several locations that maintain seasonal access.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers prioritize lake access when selecting sites. "Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees," writes a reviewer at Stillwater Reservoir. Water views remain popular across all accommodation types.
Natural beaches: The sandy shorelines provide swimming opportunities throughout warmer months. "The beautiful beach is well attended with life guards on duty keeping you safe but still allowing much fun on the very clean white sand," says a visitor to Delta Lake State Park Campground.
Dark skies for stargazing: Limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Clean, well maintained property with lots of sidewalks around the property. Quite dark at night, but that was a bonus as we were able to see the Milky Way!" explains a camper at Swan Bay Resort.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Strong winds can impact water activities and campsite setups. "Our neighbor mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper and beware of winds if you want to be on the water," cautions a visitor to Swan Bay Resort.
Site accessibility varies: Many premium sites require watercraft access. "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 so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite," warns a Stillwater Reservoir camper.
Insect preparation: Lake proximity means insect activity, especially during early summer. "One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions 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 every night for about an hour," notes a visitor to Sun Outdoors Association Island.
Tips for camping with families
Select campgrounds with recreation programs: Some locations offer structured activities for children. "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 a visitor to Selkirk Shores State Park Campground, adding that they have "a great recreation program for the kids."
Consider loop location: Different camping areas have distinct vibes. "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," advises a Selkirk Shores State Park camper.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and protected swimming areas enhance family experiences. "There is a very nice playground for the children and ample bathroom facilities including showers," notes another Selkirk visitor. Many locations also feature educational programs about local wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Some campgrounds have challenging layouts for larger vehicles. "The roadways can get a little tight between the trees, and can make for some interesting backing in. Also, the roadways are mostly one-way, which can make getting creative with your trailer landing position tough," explains a visitor to Kayuta Lake Campground.
Hookup variability: Confirm site utilities before booking. "Not all sites have full hookups, some are just power, some are only grey water, and some are full," notes another Kayuta Lake camper. Sites with premium amenities typically book months in advance during peak season.
Access road conditions: Some locations require driving on unpaved roads. "A 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool!" reports a Stillwater Reservoir visitor. Check campground descriptions for access details, especially after heavy rainfall events.
