Camping areas near Ontario, New York provide seasonal options with varying amenities from spring through fall. Most campgrounds in this region operate between April and October, with limited winter availability. While Verizon service is generally stronger in the area, campgrounds focus on different recreational opportunities based on their proximity to Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal, or nearby state parks.
What to do
Canal activities: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort offers canal-side access with kayak launches nearby. "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," notes Rachel T.
Golf options: Campers staying at Hickory Ridge Golf & RV Resort can combine camping with golfing. "This spot is all right, but it's not really the vibe for weekend campers. It's definitely more of a 'locals only' kind of feel as it is a country club and golf resort primarily," explains Mariah G.
Hiking trails: Lake Bluff RV Park provides nature trails for day hikes. "Had a large, private plot in drumlin loop. Close to the beach which was very pretty and clean. Hiking trails, kayaking, and lots of other fun activities," reports Jay P.
What campers like
Family entertainment: Southwoods RV Resort features organized activities for families. "Family friendly park, lots of activities, park hosts/owners are hands on and awesome," writes Cheryl M. The resort offers "2 well kept pools, playgrounds, laundry facilities, mini golf, soccer, basketball," according to Hope C.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel at certain campgrounds. "We had a huge site near a little stream, overall the campground isn't very big with lots of seasonsals. Lots of activities for kids, and just around the corner from chimney bluff state park which are a must see," shares Keri about Lake Bluff RV Park.
Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance is frequently mentioned in reviews. "Quite campground, well maintained, clean bathhouse, definitely will stay again," notes Jeff F. about South Shore RV Park.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites require additional work to level properly. "This was my first camping trip with the new travel trailer. I enjoyed it here. Full hook ups for my camper. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, there is to be no interaction with other campers and a mask must be worn when walking around campground," explains Eric B. about Lake Bluff RV Park.
Campground layouts: Many campgrounds have separate sections for seasonal and transient campers. "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," describes Nancy W.
Proximity to attractions: Locations vary in distance to main attractions. "Small and quiet... just around the corner from chimney bluff state park which are a must see," recommends Keri, highlighting a key nearby natural attraction.
Tips for camping with families
Speed restrictions: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort enforces strict speed limits to ensure child safety. "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 and watchful eye of the staff," explains Rachel T.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular family events. "They do events for kids every weekend. If you camp 6 nights in one season you get a night free," notes Sara H. about Lake Bluff RV Park.
Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreational options. "Near the play ground they have a nice game room pool, air hockey, video games. There is a change machine too," reports Sara H.
Tips from RVers
Weekend crowding: Southwoods RV Resort can become busy during peak times. "We stayed four nights (which included a weekend) and experienced the park going from half full and quiet to packed with lots of music, all-day fires, and big gatherings," reports Nancy W., noting the significant change in atmosphere between weekdays and weekends.
Site selection: Pay attention to site surface types when booking. "All campsite pads are gravel except for three long pull-thrus that are paved(M24-M26)," advises Nancy W., providing specific site numbers for RVers seeking paved options.
Seasonal camper presence: Many RV parks near Ontario have large seasonal camper populations. "It was kinda close to other campers. Geared toward more seasonal campers," notes Eric B. about Red Rock Ponds RV Resort, indicating the permanent resident atmosphere common in several area campgrounds.
