Orwell, New York sits at the eastern edge of Lake Ontario where weather patterns create some of the heaviest snowfall in the eastern United States, with winter accumulations often exceeding 200 inches. The camping season typically runs from mid-April to mid-October with peak water temperatures for swimming reaching the mid-70s by late July. Late summer offers prime salmon fishing opportunities in nearby tributaries.
What to do
Fishing access points: Stoneys Pineville Campground provides direct river access for salmon fishing. "We have been out three is consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time what a great place to stay," notes Eric F.
Golf while camping: Streamside RV Park & Golf Course offers a 12-hole course that surrounds the campground. "There is a 12 hole golf coarse that surrounds the campground," reports B M., who adds, "There is a bar that serves food called Divots."
Explore nearby attractions: Take a short drive to see natural features. "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," writes Robert M. from Brennan Beach. "Mexico Point is another close attraction to see as well."
What campers like
Private camping away from crowds: Winona State Forest offers free, quiet primitive sites. "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp," writes Thomas E. Another camper notes, "While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added."
Kid-focused programming: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico offers organized activities for children. "So many activities for the kids, a great pool, mini-golf, parades, just non stop action to keep them going and tire them out!" says Michael O. Another camper adds, "We always attend candy bar bingo, lounge by the river, play games with friends, get the little ones in the bike parades."
Campground cleanliness: Parks in the region maintain clean facilities. "The bathsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks," observes Kevin C. about Winona State Forest. At Southwick Beach, a camper notes "bathrooms are meticulously cleaned."
What you should know
Site spacing and privacy concerns: Many campgrounds have tight sites. At Southwick Beach State Park Campground, "Sites are on top of eachother & there's no boarders inbetween, fine for some people but not for me," reports Bella J. At Brennan Beach, "It was PACKED on the weekend, but they have a really efficient check in process."
Seasonal camper culture: Many campgrounds have seasonal residents. At Streamside RV Park, "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." Kristen L. notes at Brennan Beach, "A lot of locals camp here seasonally, and if you're not from around there, you'll stick out."
Primitive camping logistics: Free sites lack amenities. At Hall Island State Forest, "There's not much to them, no facilities or running water, and certainly not as scenic as going up to the Adirondacks," reports Rachel P., who adds, "It's a short drive into town and to the local convenience store, which 'conveniently' enough, offers shower facilities and bathrooms for a fee."
Tips for camping with families
Look for structured recreation programs: Selkirk Shores State Park Campground offers daily activities. "While we were there they had a reptile exhibit with huge snakes and crocodiles, another day they had tie dyeing t-shirts, other days they had bingo(candy was the prize), exercises, and crafty things to make," shares Colleen S.
Choose campgrounds with water activities: Jellystone Park has water-based options for kids. "The kids had a blast playing the the river, heck the adults had fun too," writes Carrie N. Another camper mentions, "This campground has so many different activities, from gem mining to mini gulf, swimming to the water park."
Consider the campground layout: Some parks have family-friendly zones. At Selkirk Shores, "This campground is 4 different loops- A loop is like the loop for people here for fishing, B loop is the mellower crowd, and C and D were our nightmares: mass chaos, children running amok," explains Laura M.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric but not all have water and sewer. "Nice place to camp all electric no water hook ups bath house clean but could use more," notes Frank W. about Selkirk Shores. At Brennan Beach, "Site we stayed at had full hook ups."
Seasonal pricing considerations: Off-peak times offer better value. "We paid #37.50 for a one night stay. That is a good price for full hook up," reports B M. about Streamside RV Park. At Selkirk, "All sites are electric, some are 30 and some are 50amp. There's a nice new dump station with several dumps and potable water."
Cell coverage: Connectivity is important for many RVers. "Good cell reception for both Verizon and ATT," confirms Laura M. about Selkirk Shores. This makes it one of the best places to camp near Orwell, New York for remote workers needing to stay connected.
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