Rochester's pet-friendly campgrounds offer abundant outdoor recreation across varied terrain. The area features glacial lakes, hardwood forests, and river gorges with elevations ranging from 250 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Several campgrounds maintain dog exercise areas and pet-friendly trails that connect directly to campsite loops.
What to do
Golfing near campsites: Genesee Country Campground provides a unique opportunity to combine camping with golfing. One camper noted, "They have golfing here and tent areas back up to the 9th hole (but still separated so you don't feel like you are right on top of it) so you can easily knock around there and do a little golfing too!"
Hiking woodland trails: Monroe County Webster Park features several miles of wooded paths. As one visitor mentioned, "The sites are large and accommodating. It's clean, and that you have more privacy than other sites I've been to." Many trails connect directly to campsites, allowing for immediate access to nature.
Lake Ontario access: Hamlin Beach State Park Campground offers excellent swimming and shoreline exploration. A camper explained, "Great access to the shores of Lake Ontario from campground. Also few mile stretch of beaches. Short but pretty nature trail through the woods opposite the lake as well that goes through hard words and into wetlands."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Tent campers particularly appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. At Genesee Country Campground, one reviewer shared, "The sites for tents are amazing - so private and pretty. In fact it's so private we were able to set up our own portable toilet and have complete privacy."
Family-oriented activities: Southwoods RV Resort receives consistent praise for its kid-friendly environment. A camper mentioned, "Southwoods is a beautiful campground and accommodates campers of all ages. 2 well kept pools, playgrounds, laundry facilities, mini golf, soccer, basketball. The employees are so helpful and nice!"
Spacious camping loops: Webster Park earns high marks for its layout. As one reviewer explained, "We go to webster park family campground several times a year for the past few years... The small and large trailer sites are distributed around the loop. Nice central playground and bathroom/shower house. There is hiking in the park, lots of nice woods, big field for playing games/sports."
What you should know
Water hook-up logistics: At some campgrounds, water access requires planning. At Webster Park, "The difference is 30a power and no water or sewer, 50a power and water, and 50a power and water/sewer. There is a dump station."
Seasonal timing: Most Rochester area campgrounds operate from May through October. Check specific opening dates as they vary slightly. Webster Park runs "May 1st to October 31st" according to visitor reports.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Webster Park noted, "Cell phone coverage is poor by Verizon and T-Mobile, and there is no WiFi, and no camp store (but the town of Webster is nearby)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with young children. At Webster Park, families recommend, "We stay close to the playground these days in our pop up usually at site 5 so our 5 and 9 year old can walk or ride to campground."
Water activities: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA provides multiple water recreation options. One visitor explained, "We spent father's day weekend at the KOA. Our kids rented cabins and some used tents and others came for the day. The campground has so much to do between swimming, golf, bike and paddle boat rentals."
Dog-friendly trails: Many Rochester campgrounds maintain dedicated paths suitable for pet walking. At Hamlin Beach State Park, visitors note trails "through the woods opposite the lake as well that goes through hard words and into wetlands," offering pet exercise options regardless of weather.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: At some locations, site preparation requires attention. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, an RVer reported, "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. We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled."
Hose length planning: When booking water hookup sites, check connection distances. At Hamlin Beach State Park, a visitor advised, "Sites are electric only but with a 100' hose you can reach a spigot from most any spot to re-fill the camper."
Full hookup availability: Dog-friendly campgrounds with complete utilities can fill quickly. At Southwoods RV Resort, campers appreciate that the park "accommodates campers of all ages" with pet-friendly policies and well-maintained utility connections that work reliably even during peak season.
