Tent camping near Port Byron, New York centers primarily around the eastern Finger Lakes region and nearby state forests. The area sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet with a mixed deciduous forest environment dominated by maple, oak, and pine trees. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day with overnight lows dropping to 55-65°F, creating favorable conditions for tent campers from May through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spruce Pond offers accessible shoreline fishing with multiple pond-adjacent sites for anglers. According to a camper at Stoneys Pineville Campground, it's a "Great site for fishing" with "friendly hosts and great place on the river."
Water recreation: Cross Lake Park provides swimming access along with paddling options. A visitor notes, "Fun place. Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun."
Trail exploration: The region features extensive trail networks connecting camping areas to scenic destinations. At Nature Lover's Paradise, campers enjoy "70 acres of hiking trails" that are "the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature," especially beneficial for "hikers and runners."
What campers like
Peaceful environments: Many campers appreciate the quiet surroundings found at state forest campgrounds. A visitor to Empire Haven Nudist Park notes, "The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals whenever you want."
Accessible fishing: Multiple camping areas offer direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. One visitor to Stoneys Pineville mentioned, "We have been out three consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time what a great place to stay."
Seasonal activities: The region supports various seasonal recreational pursuits throughout the camping season. A reviewer from Spruce Pond describes "an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads."
What you should know
Terrain variability: Sites in the region range from level to challenging for tent setup. A camper at Spruce Pond noted the presence of "great trees for hammock camping" at some of the sites.
Water sources: Many primitive sites require bringing your own water supplies. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, campers appreciate that despite being a more developed campground, it offers "full hook ups" including water access.
Wildlife activity: Expect nighttime sounds from local wildlife, particularly near water features. A Spruce Pond camper mentioned, "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. At many locations, campers should prepare for self-sufficient camping without nearby facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly locations: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. A visitor to Red's Twilight on the Erie noted, "Slow driving means kid friendly... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff."
Activity planning: Bring equipment for outdoor recreation to keep children engaged. Cross Lake Park offers "nice playgrounds" according to visitors, providing structured play spaces.
Weekend programming: Several campgrounds offer organized weekend activities. A reviewer mentioned that Red's Twilight on the Erie has "plenty of activities for the family on the weekends" and "live music on Friday Night (weather permitting)."
Accessibility considerations: Some camping areas offer more accessible options for families with mobility concerns. The PineApple Farm provides more developed camping options with drinking water, showers, and toilets available on-site.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for potentially uneven terrain at some campgrounds. One RVer at Red's Twilight on the Erie shared, "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. We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled."
Campground development: Some locations are continuously improving facilities. The same RVer noted, "I know they are really working hard to get this place up to speed and I hope they continue to improve it."
Seasonal availability: Most RV-friendly campgrounds operate from spring through fall. Red's Twilight on the Erie specifically operates from "Apr 15 - Oct 31" according to their listing information.
