Middlesex sits in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes region, where glacial valleys and rolling hills create a diverse landscape between 700 and 1,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 75°F to 85°F with cooling evening breezes off the lakes. The region experiences peak camping season from late May through early October with fall color displays starting in late September.
What to do
Winery walking access: At Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, campers can directly access nearby vineyards on foot. "They are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground," notes Craig F., who enjoyed the convenience of exploring local wine country without driving.
Waterfall exploration: The Finger Lakes area offers numerous waterfalls within a short drive. "Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region," reports Matt S. about staying at Finger Lakes RV Resort as a base for waterfall adventures.
Kayaking opportunities: Several campgrounds provide water access for paddling. At Lake Bluff RV Park, visitors enjoy "kayaking, and lots of other fun activities," according to Jay P. The park's location offers easy water access for paddlers of all skill levels.
Nearby historic sites: The region contains interesting historical landmarks worth exploring. Ryan M. noted that when staying at Frost Ridge RV Park, campers are "close to the birthplace of Jello," referencing the nearby town of LeRoy where Jell-O was invented in 1897.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at certain RV parks. At Southwoods RV Resort, Nancy W. reported, "We had a fire pit and picnic table and there was nice grass between sites," noting the comfortable arrangement even when the park fills up.
Clean facilities: Consistently clean bathrooms and showers rank high on camper satisfaction. "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort," according to Craig F. about Finger Lakes RV Resort, while Sydney W. found "Bathrooms were very clean" at Southwoods.
Strong utilities: Reliable services matter to campers, particularly those working remotely. "Water pressure is great," noted Steve A. about Finger Lakes RV Resort. At Stay Bristol Woodlands, jody M. appreciated that "Site was level and well equipped (waste water disposal attach site!)."
Family activities: Many campgrounds offer programmed events and play areas. "2 well kept pools, playgrounds, laundry facilities, mini golf, soccer, basketball," lists Hope C. about the amenities at Southwoods RV Resort, showing why families choose this destination.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Middlesex operate on limited schedules. Southwoods RV Resort runs from May 1 to October 31, while Lake Bluff RV Park operates from April 15 through October 31, requiring advance planning during shoulder seasons.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that can create setup difficulties. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, Donna C. 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."
Weather considerations: The region experiences occasional severe weather. Matt S. reported, "We experienced a severe thunderstorm one evening which resulted in an area-wide power outage that lasted a couple days," during his stay at Finger Lakes RV Resort.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience periodic railway disturbances. Nancy W. mentioned that at Southwoods RV Resort "There is a train track near the park which occasionally is quite noisy," something light sleepers should consider when selecting sites.
Tips for camping with families
Speed restrictions: Parents appreciate campgrounds that enforce driving rules. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, Rachel T. observed, "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... 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."
Activities schedule: Many campgrounds offer organized events. "Weekend sites would be pretty tight together if they were fully booked. Golf carts not available," notes Sydney W. about Southwoods, providing useful information about site spacing and rental options.
Farm-based alternatives: For a different experience, consider agricultural settings. At Woonton Family Farms, Willemien V. enjoyed "a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing."
Pool facilities: Swimming options vary between campgrounds. Lake Bluff RV Park visitor Sara H. mentioned, "Pool, frog pond, catch and release fishing. Has a nice camp store. They do events for kids every weekend," highlighting amenities that keep children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend researching specific site characteristics. Nancy W. explained about Southwoods RV Resort, "The campground is quite large and has separate sections for seasonal and transient campers and has a variety of different campsites from back-ins to pull-thrus, 50 to 30-amps, and full hook-up to water and electric only."
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between rv parks in Middlesex, New York and surrounding areas. Donald R. appreciated "Great amenities, real Wi-Fi and a great pool" at Stay Bristol Woodlands, while Nancy W. noted at Southwoods, "There was free WiFi which worked well except during peak hours and over the weekend when the park was full."
Grocery access: Plan for supply runs based on location. Nancy W. shared that while staying at Southwoods RV Resort, "Rochester is about a 45-minute drive but the town of Batavia is about 15 minutes away and has groceries, fuel, restaurants, shopping, etc."
Trash service: Daily waste collection adds convenience for longer stays. Steve A. noted at Finger Lakes RV Resort, "They also drive by each site every morning to collect trash and recycling," eliminating the need to locate dumpsters.
