Camping near Rodman, New York offers access to Lake Ontario's southern shore and the Saint Lawrence River region. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during peak season from May through October, with cooler evenings requiring extra layers. The area's glacial terrain features a mix of waterfront and inland camping options with varying accessibility based on rig size and hookup requirements.
What to do
Salmon fishing trips: At Swan Bay Resort, visitors can arrange fishing excursions on the Saint Lawrence River. "There is a free boat launch and boat slips for guests. I was hoping to spend a bit of time on my paddleboard but soon realized it is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle."
Golf while camping: Streamside RV Park & Golf Course combines camping with a 12-hole course for enthusiasts. "There is a 12 hole golf coarse that surrounds the campground... There is a bar that serves food called Divots. They had prime rib on the menu yet Sundays they close early."
Local waterfall hiking: Drive approximately 15 minutes from Brennan Beach to discover natural attractions. "One staff member Mike told us about Salmon River Falls. We went and it is a 'must see' while there. Basically 15 minutes from the campground. That is by RV as we had no toad this time. Mexico Point is another close attraction."
What campers like
Sunrise and sunset views: Sun Outdoors Association Island provides panoramic Lake Ontario viewing spots. "Small island that you get to by a causeway. You'll never see more beautiful sunrises and sunsets! Nice pool. Not a lot to do if you don't have a boat, but great for a short weekend."
Beach access: Despite recent changes to shoreline conditions, Ontario Shores maintains water access points. "Lake Ontario a short walk away, the lake level flooding a few yrs ago ruined the sandy beach, but it's still a great view. Spent 4 nights in a motorhome looking to return next year."
Kid-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds near Rodman feature recreational options for families. "Spent 3 nights with our 2 sons and my husbands 2 granddaughters, all under age 12. Bathrooms/showers were clean. Site we stayed at had full hook ups. Very nice camp store, pools, playground, and restaurants."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Wind conditions can affect camping comfort, particularly at lakefront sites. "Our neighbor who has camped here seasonally for the last four years mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper."
Military access: Fort Drum Recreation Area provides camping for service members near Watertown. "Remington is a Military campground, but for the several military families looking to disconnect a couple of miles from home this would be it. They offer regular camping sites and RV sites, they also have a dog park for the little furry ones."
Seasonal camping dominance: Many rv camping sites near Rodman, New York serve primarily seasonal campers. "There are a lot of seasonal campsites that have decks, nice furniture out at their spots. They all left Sunday afternoon yet the rigs stay there."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Most waterfront campgrounds offer both pool and lake swimming opportunities. "Spent time at the beach which is also very nice. Sites are close together, but kind of what is expected at an RV resort."
Playground amenities: Check for recently updated play facilities when booking with children. "The playground is awesome and huge with lots of cool features for kids to explore."
Budget camping limitations: HTR Adirondacks provides waterfront sites with activities for teens. "The boys were having so much fun swimming and riding their inner tubes down the creek with little rapids. They spent almost every waking moment in the water..rain or shine that's what they did."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Many RV sites can accommodate larger rigs but require planning. "We stayed at Swan Bay Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY, for our last trip this year. Our waterfront pull-IN site was a level concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great."
Electrical reliability: Power capacity varies between campgrounds in the region. "Power sucks. 30amp only but not truly providing that. We kept blowing the breaker and noted our lights flickering. We can easily run on 30amp. This is typical of an overbuilt park with not enough power for the campers onsite."
Site surface considerations: Concrete pads improve leveling and stability at premium locations. "All of there sites are on slabs, neat and clean hook ups. There is riverviews from just about every site which is nice and then there are sites right on the river, the river sites do face west, so you do get beautiful sunsets."
