Tent camping options in the Mendon area range from small, private campsites to more developed family-oriented campgrounds. Located in western New York approximately 20 miles southeast of Rochester, Mendon sits in the rolling hills of Ontario County where elevations range from 500-800 feet. Most campgrounds near Mendon operate seasonally due to the regional winter weather, with temperatures typically allowing comfortable tent camping from late April through early October.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort offers convenient access to water activities. "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby," notes Rachel T., who appreciates the various recreation options available to campers.
Trail exploration: The Warsaw area provides numerous hiking opportunities for tent campers. Dream Lake Campground serves as a good base for area exploration, with one visitor stating, "Nice friendly environment, clean facilities. Lots to do for kids and adults. Weekend activities."
Local lake recreation: The region's lakes provide additional recreational outlets beyond just the campgrounds themselves. A Holiday Hill camper points out, "Hemlock and Canadice Lake so close by. Mostly known for Reynolds GUlly, and Johnson Hill trails! Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far."
What campers like
Family-focused activities: Dream Lake Campground organizes regular weekend events during peak season. As Robyn M. explains, "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."
Clean facilities: Maintaining hygiene remains important for tent campers, and several campgrounds receive positive reviews for their standards. One Holiday Hill Campground visitor notes, "The campground has clean bathrooms and Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars."
Pool amenities: Some campgrounds offer swimming options beyond natural water bodies. A visitor to Twilight on the Erie mentions, "The pool i# nice and staff friendly. Clean bathrooms with activity and entertainment on site and near by."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Tent campers should be prepared for potentially uneven ground at some locations. One camper at Twilight on the Erie RV Resort observed, "Almost all of the sites are not even close to level. Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach."
Limited availability: Some smaller campgrounds have very restricted capacity. The PineApple Farm offers just one tent campsite, requiring advance planning and reservations.
Speed restrictions: Safety measures include strictly enforced speed limits at several campgrounds. Rachel T. points out about Twilight on the Erie, "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play spaces: When tent camping with children near Mendon, seek out campgrounds with designated recreation areas. At Dream Lake Campground, one camper notes, "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."
Consider campground atmosphere: Management styles can significantly impact family camping experiences. Some campgrounds maintain stricter rule enforcement than others, affecting the overall environment.
Check weekend programming: Several campgrounds offer organized activities. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, "Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting) and plenty of activities for the family on the weekends," according to a regular visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Holiday Hill Campground, RVers note specific considerations for camping areas. "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side," reports one camper.
Seasonal site availability: Many campgrounds in the Mendon area cater to long-term seasonal campers, which affects availability. A Holiday Hill visitor observed, "There seemed to be a lot of regulars and seasonal sites here, which meant that short term full hook up sites were harder to get."
Check management policies: Different campgrounds enforce varying rules that may impact tent camping experiences. While some maintain a relaxed atmosphere, others have more restrictive policies regarding noise levels, visitors, and site usage.
