Cabins near Oswego, New York offer year-round accommodations across a variety of state parks and private campgrounds along Lake Ontario's southern shore. The region experiences cold winters with lake effect snow and warm summers with average July temperatures around 80°F. The shoreline features a mix of sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings with elevation changes of 20-30 feet at bluff areas.
What to do
Fishing at the salmon river: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico provides direct river access for fishing. "For the fisherman, it's located on Salmon River and appears to have quite a lot of large salmon this time of year. I was shocked at the size of the fish that were being cleaned," notes Justin F.
Visit nearby attractions: SutterCreek Campground is minutes from the Sterling Renaissance Festival. "SutterCreek is a 4 minute drive to the Renaissance Festival. The camp was very quiet and the owners were friendly and helpful," reports Scott H.
Explore hiking trails: Fair Haven Beach State Park offers multiple trail systems. "Many hiking trails are around the campground some that lead to secluded trails and secluded areas of other Lake Ontario beaches," explains Nancy B.
Water recreation options: Selkirk Shores State Park Campground offers diverse water activities. "This campground is 4 different loops- A loop is like the loop for fishing, B loop is the mellower crowd, and C and D were our nightmares: mass chaos, children running amok," advises Laura M.
What campers like
Sandy beaches with swimming areas: Bluff Camping Area — Fair Haven Beach State Park features excellent beach access. "We camped here two nights at the lake view area and loved it! Spacious sites, not all are enclosed with trees but still plenty of room to spread out... Awesome beach & plenty of fishing areas, super cute town to go into if you please," shares Bella J.
Quiet, wooded sites: Campers appreciate shaded areas during summer heat. "Trying to avoid the heat, I was relieved that the shaded electric camping area staved off most of the days heat... What I really loved is how far into the park the camping is, you're really surrounded by woods," notes Layla P.
Family-oriented activities: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico offers organized entertainment. "This campground offers so much for people of all ages. Crafts, Games, Activities, Playground, Pool, Bouncy pillow, Twice Daily wagon rides with Yogi and Boo Boo, Bike parades, River access, Fishing, Tubing, Lounging," lists Cory W.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Seasonal rental cabins near Oswego allow extended stays for nature observation. "You will see lots of wildlife from chipmunks to deer and there was even a bear there this year! Wonderful family friendly park!" shares Laurie G.
What you should know
Site privacy varies dramatically: Location within parks determines how much space you'll have. "None of the sites at the campground have any privacy from your neighbor, you're all sort of camped in a big circle. Sites 66 and 67 are the exception that we saw, they're off together to the side and would be a good choice for two groups camping together," advises Laura M.
Seasonal considerations: Brennan Beach Campground has limited amenities in shoulder seasons. "We went late summer show it was becoming offseason. Most amenities close down. Pool, swimming at Lake Ontario beach, etc.," notes Robert M.
Bathroom facilities vary by loop: Shower availability can be restricted. "The showers get locked at night, so prepare to showers in the AM," warns Scott H. about SutterCreek Campground.
Reservation requirements: Cabins near Oswego fill quickly during summer months. "We drove through the 'bluffs' loop (electric sites), thinking it would be beautiful and look out on the water, but it was a nightmare for us, with huge RVs jam packed side by side like a parking lot," reports Laura M.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for inclement weather: Lake Ontario weather can change rapidly. "Selkirk is quiet and peaceful... 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.
Select sites strategically: Lake Bluff RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Have been to lake bluff twice this year and will definitely be back next year! The owners are so personable, accommodating and kind! Kids activities are great. Even with COVID they have stuff to keep them busy. Large wooded sites are our favorite as well," reports Victoria.
Check beach conditions: Lake access points vary in child-friendliness. "2 swimming, sand beaches on lake Ontario with diving area in the canal that leads to a pond that has excellent fishing. Canoes and paddle boats available," notes Nancy B. about Fair Haven Beach State Park.
Consider noise levels: Different camping loops have distinct atmospheres. "B loop is the mellower crowd, and C and D were our nightmares: mass chaos, children running amok, loud groups, no thanks. Apparently C and D are always booked and full, because people like that it's closest to the beach trail, the playground, and the camp store," explains Laura M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Level sites can be difficult to find. "The non-electric sites were pretty much all on hilly areas, most would be impossible for an RV to get level, though there were a few that would have worked," warns Laura M.
Book early for prime locations: The best spots at rental cabin facilities book quickly. "If you camp 6 nights in one season you get a night free!" shares Sara H. about Lake Bluff RV Park.
Verify hookup availability: Water and electric services vary widely between sites. "Nice place to camp all electric no water hook ups bath house clean but could use more," notes Frank W. about Selkirk Shores State Park.
Use local resources: Staff can provide valuable information about regional 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 to see as well," recommends Robert M.
