Tent camping near Morton, New York offers sites with varied amenities and natural surroundings in western New York state. The area experiences four distinct seasons with average summer highs around 80°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds operate from early May through late October when weather conditions are most favorable for tent camping.
What to do
Canal activities: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort provides direct access to the historic Erie Canal. According to Rachel T., "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby. 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."
Swimming options: Dream Lake Campground features a swimming area popular during summer months. Camper Robyn M. notes, "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time." The campground maintains weekend swimming hours from 10am-7pm during peak season.
Local exploration: KOA Campground Medina Wildwood Lake serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions. Located just 20 minutes from Morton, this campground offers big-rig friendly sites and provides easy access to the Medina Railroad Museum and Erie Canal towpath trails for hiking and biking.
What campers like
Weekend entertainment: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort hosts regular events during summer months. Rachel T. describes, "Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting) and plenty of activities for the family on the weekends." The campground schedules most activities between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Convenient food options: Dream Lake Campground offers an on-site snack bar for campers who don't want to cook. As Nick O. mentions, "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love. Highly recommend. We will camp here again."
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to natural water features. Amy T. comments on Red's Twilight, "The pool is nice and staff friendly. Clean bathrooms with activity and entertainment on site and near by."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues that affect tent setup. Donna C. notes about Red's Twilight, "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."
Management differences: The PineApple Farm provides a more intimate camping experience with just one designated site, offering both tent camping and cabin options with access to basic facilities including toilets and showers. This smaller property contrasts with larger established campgrounds in the region.
Seasonal availability: The best tent camping near Morton, New York runs primarily from May through October. Dream Lake Campground operates from May 1 to October 25, while Red's Twilight extends slightly longer from April 15 to October 31. Most campgrounds close completely during winter months due to harsh weather conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Rachel T. recommends Red's Twilight for its "enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff."
Meal options: Riverview Camp Ground & Marina is located near local dining options in case cooking at the campsite becomes challenging with children. The campground's tent sites provide a convenient base for exploring local attractions while maintaining access to town amenities when needed.
Weekend timing: Plan for busier conditions during summer weekends when most family-oriented activities take place. Nick O. mentions at Dream Lake Campground, "Weekend activities. The snack house food is great... Lots to do for kids and adults."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For tent campers considering RV rental, Rachel T. notes about Red's Twilight, "Full hook ups and seasonal sites available." This provides flexibility for different camping styles within the same group.
Boat access considerations: Campers bringing watercraft should note proximity to water access points. According to Rachel T., Red's Twilight offers "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby," though Donna C. cautions, "Very few of the sites actually sit on the canal and access to the footpath is a good 1/2 mile or better walk or ride."
