The camping areas surrounding Phoenix, New York sit near Lake Ontario's southern shore, where spring thaw can create muddy conditions from April through early May. Most RV parks in this region operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October due to harsh winter conditions. The elevation ranges from 400-500 feet above sea level, with sites often positioned to maximize lake views or provide shelter from prevailing winds.
What to do
Lake access activities: Brennan Beach Campground offers direct access to Lake Ontario with swimming areas and beach activities during summer months. "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," reports Robert M.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds near Phoenix provide access to salmon fishing spots during fall runs. "Salmon River Falls" mentioned by reviewers at Brennan Beach Campground is worth visiting, located just 15 minutes from the main camping areas.
Golf outings: Streamside RV Park & Golf Course features a 12-hole course surrounding the camping area. "There is a 12 hole golf course that surrounds the campground," notes B M. The course attracts many seasonal campers who enjoy combining camping with golfing.
Hiking trails: Many campgrounds connect to local trail systems, including historic canal paths. Near Butternut Hill RV Campground, visitors can access "a trailhead for a hiking trail along the historic Chenango Canal, an offshoot of the Erie Canal."
What campers like
Large site spacing: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone receives consistent praise for its well-designed layout. "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins," notes Boomer B. Another camper mentions, "The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between."
Swimming pools: Several RV sites near Phoenix, New York offer pool amenities during summer months. "Bathrooms/showers were clean. Site we stayed at had full hook ups. Very nice camp store, pools, playground, and restaurants," reports Becky at Brennan Beach.
Quiet atmosphere: Lake Bluff RV Park gets high marks for its peaceful setting. "We had a huge site near a little stream, overall the campground isn't very big with lots of seasonals," writes Keri. The campground maintains a family-friendly environment with organized activities.
Convenience to attractions: The Villages RV Park provides "24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained," according to April L., making it popular for those wanting entertainment options beyond camping.
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds near Phoenix close by mid-October. For example, Woonton Family Farms and similar small operations may have limited availability outside peak season. "We had an excellent stay at the farm of the Woonton Family Farms with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner," reports Willemien V.
Variable pricing: Costs for camping vary widely between parks. Some tent sites at premium locations can run $70 per night, while more basic RV setups average $37.50-50 per night for full hookups.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks or highways that create background noise. As one reviewer at The Villages RV Park notes, "The only real negatives would be the proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots."
Beach conditions: Lake Ontario water levels fluctuate, affecting beach access. "The lake level flooding a few yrs ago ruined the sandy beach, but it's still a great view," explains Tim W. about Ontario Shores.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Ontario Shores RV Park provides open areas for children to play. "Open field to walk the dog or for children. Lake Ontario a short walk away," mentions Tim W. Several parks organize weekend activities specifically for children.
Playground access: Lake Bluff offers "a nice game room pool, air hockey, video games. There is a change machine too," according to Sara H., making it suitable for families with older children who need entertainment options.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature both pools and lake swimming. "Spent time at the beach which is also very nice. Sites are close together, but kind of what is expected at an RV resort," notes Becky about Brennan Beach.
Seasonal activities: "Kids activities are great. Even with COVID they have stuff to keep them busy," reports Victoria about Lake Bluff, indicating organized programming continues throughout the camping season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Butternut Hill RV Campground, "The campsites all back to the woods on the west side, so this serves as a good windbreak too," notes Janet R. This protects against prevailing winds common near Lake Ontario.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer full hookups including 50-amp service for larger RVs. "We scheduled a pull through for 1 night last minute due to an unexpected change in plans. We are a full-time traveling family (2 kids - 8 & 13) and 2 English Bulldogs. We have a Class A motorhome and flat tow a Jeep," reports Jen O. about The Villages RV Park.
Level sites: Streamside RV Park offers back-in sites long enough for trucks to remain hitched to trailers. "All sites are a back in site yet it was long enough for us to stay hooked up. We had full hook up," notes B M.
Road conditions: After heavy rain, access roads may become muddy, but campsite drainage is generally good. "It rained really hard one day of the event, and though the access roads got a little muddy, the campsites seem well drained and did not get muddy," according to a reviewer at Butternut Hill.
