Tent camping opportunities near Pittsford, New York extend beyond established campgrounds to include diverse settings along the Erie Canal and within the Finger Lakes region. The area sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. Seasonal availability varies widely, with most campgrounds operating from May through October due to the region's cold winters.
What to do
Erie Canal exploration: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort provides direct canal access for water activities. "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby. The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it," notes Rachel T., highlighting the family-friendly environment.
Hiking nearby trails: The area surrounding Springwater offers numerous hiking opportunities. One camper at Holiday Hill Campground mentions, "Lots of trails, and Hemlock and Canadice Lake so close by. Mostly known for Reynolds Gully, and Johnson Hill trails! Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature pools for family recreation. At Dream Lake Campground, visitors appreciate the range of activities. One camper notes, "Nice friendly environment, clean facilities. Lots to do for kids and adults. Weekend activities."
What campers like
Entertainment and activities: Weekend programming keeps campers engaged at Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort. According to Rachel T., there's "Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting) and plenty of activities for the family on the weekends."
Food convenience: Some campgrounds offer food services for campers who don't want to cook. Nick O. from Dream Lake Campground shares, "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."
Cleanliness and maintenance: Clean facilities rank high on campers' priority lists. Terry F. noted at Holiday Hill Campground, "The campground has clean bathrooms and Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for larger rigs. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, one camper observed, "Almost all of the sites are not even close to level. Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach."
Seasonal considerations: Most tent camping facilities near Pittsford operate seasonally. Holiday Hill Campground runs from May 1 to October 14, while Dream Lake Campground extends slightly longer from May 1 to October 25.
Management variations: Campground ownership significantly impacts the camping experience. The PineApple Farm offers just one tent site, providing an intimate camping experience with basic facilities including drinking water, toilets, and showers.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with structured recreation programs. At Dream Lake Campground, Robyn M. shares, "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."
Site selection strategy: Families seeking quieter camping should select sites strategically. Terry F. advises at Holiday Hill Campground, "There is a lot to do for kids & teens, but that makes it loud with kids running through your site. So if that bothers you, plan ahead to get a site away from the main area."
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas for children. Rachel T. notes that at Red's Twilight on the Erie, the "pool [is] far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff."
Tips from RVers
Site navigation challenges: Larger rigs may face difficulty at some campgrounds. Terry F. mentions, "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side" at Holiday Hill Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited at some campgrounds. According to Terry F., "There seemed to be a lot of regulars and seasonal sites here, which meant that short term full hook up sites were harder to get."
Leveling preparation: Bring leveling blocks and equipment. Donna C. suggests at Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, "We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled."
