78 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Sackets Harbor, New York provides access to several waterfront camping destinations along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Campgrounds near Sackets Harbor range from developed RV parks with full hookups to primitive tent sites and cabin rentals, making the area a strong option for a wide variety of campers. Westcott Beach State Park Campground, located directly in Sackets Harbor, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with lakeside views. Bedford Creek Marina & Campground provides similar options with full hookup sites. The broader region includes Sun Outdoors Association Island on Henderson Harbor and Southwick Beach State Park in nearby Woodville, both offering beach access and a range of accommodation types from primitive tent sites to full-service RV spots and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the area feature water-based recreation opportunities with boat launches, swimming areas, and fishing access.
Camping season in the Sackets Harbor area typically runs from May through early October, with most facilities closing by mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. The region experiences significant seasonal variation with warm summers ideal for water activities and cold winters that close most camping facilities. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups to accommodate temperature fluctuations, especially in spring and fall when nights can be cool. Water access points may have limited availability during early spring due to high water levels on Lake Ontario. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote waterfront sites. A visitor to Westcott Beach State Park noted, "This is a great family beach with campsites along Lake Ontario where you can see amazing sunsets. The campsites are pretty spaced out."
Waterfront locations consistently receive the highest ratings from campers visiting the Sackets Harbor region. Sites with Lake Ontario views are particularly valued for sunset viewing opportunities and cooling breezes during summer months. Several visitors mentioned the spaciousness of sites at Southwick Beach State Park and the family-friendly atmosphere at most area campgrounds. Facilities vary considerably, with state parks generally offering more amenities like playgrounds, hiking trails, and nature centers. Private campgrounds like Bedford Creek Marina tend to provide more robust hookups and services for RV campers. Wind exposure can be significant at lakeside locations, with one camper at Association Island reporting, "Being right on the lake and on the west facing side allowed for the prevailing winds to be felt. One night we couldn't sit outside due to the high winds." Wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching, is commonly mentioned as an attraction during migration seasons.
"The sunsets were spectacular and our site was literally just steps from Lake Ontario. All sites are full hook up. Wifi is available and fairly good."
"Great location offering both sunrise and sunsets over the water of Lake Ontario. Loved the access to the water for our dogs to swim and for beautiful views."
from $53 - $116 / night
Check Availability"There is TONS of beach to explore at this little State Park in New York. I used to visit here as a kid years ago because my grandparents owned a cottage on the lake."
"Favorites are the beachfront sites, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario. Small campground but very nice."
from $24 - $39 / night
Check Availability"You can get campsites along Lake Ontario where you can see amazing sunsets."
"Nice hiking trail as well."
from $24 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Right on Lake Ontario and proximity to Saint Lawrence attractions make this a busy place. Its basically a field woth campsites."
"Almost always a breeze and storms can come up quickly off the lake - be sure to keep things put away and weighted down, and be ready to “batten down the hatches” as my dad used to say!"
from $21 - $30 / night
Check Availability"I love everyone riding around on golf carts"
from $65 - $999 / night
Check Availability"Our site is located adjacent to a mowed grass path that leads to the main road, close to the camp store. Beautiful area, lots of hiking and biking trails and swim area."
"Walking areas. Access to water for swimming."
from $24 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to swim in the water. Very clean bathrooms
Electric site with water
Boat launch
Plenty of tree to hang your hammock
Very relax on the rules
Small but quite"
"Down sides- lake front campsites are all on a slope- minimum flat space. Also- depending on day- EXTREMELY VERY WINDY AND COLD! But the view is beautiful."
from $27 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Cedar Point is in a very nice location,our site that I booked was not in a ideal location being on the road to the boat launch, ( my fault ) Camping went fine until the last couple of days when people"
"Biking and hiking trails through the woods and on the bluffs. The campground is deep in the woods with spacious camp sites. Very secluded. Take a walk down to the beach as well."
from $24 - $37 / night
Check Availability"It’s an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown. The staff was great— friendly and helpful."
"We paralleled Cayuga Lake (which is part of the Finger Lakes) for some time and then took the Great Lakes Seaway Trail."
ScoutVery nice campground, pool is awesome when it’s hot and, the water’s edge of the campground is beautiful, expect noise. Not a quiet place. From fellow campers to boats and sirens. No tru till station just a water line when you enter. Also check sites out was extremely up hill. Camper barely cleared.
GuideWe found this little gem when planning our trip. It is owned & operated by a Patrick who works very hard to keep it in great condition. There are at least twenty RV sites with thirty amp & some with fifty amp power all with full hookups. He also has several vacation rental cabins on the site, some of which he has built. All this is located right on the shores of lake Ontario about six miles from Oswego NY. Great lake views. An inground in pool, restrooms and showers all kept clean & in great condition. On-site firewood at a good price. Very short walk to a restaurant offering seafood sandwiches/ platters as well as burgers etc with lots of lakeside seating. Also a fantastic Ice-cream shop with dozens of flavors within 2 minutes walk. Well worth staying. We will return.
ScoutIts a small park with lots of campers that park year round. Super friendly golf cart riding community always ready to help out. Wifi isnt the best, but it was quiet and peaceful.
GuideVery nice night spent at Winona State Forest with my boyfriend and our dog, Michelob. Lots of horseflies and mosquitoes but big spray did help and the fire. We have a truck bed tent we used for this trip and a canopy tent to put all of our stuff under. Each site does have a fire pit of some sort.
TravelerWe thought the campground was beautiful, tight to your neighbors on majority of sites, and lack of trash cans for pet waste especially since the campground is so big. It has ball field, 2 playgrounds, rec room, camp store, lake Ontario to swim, trails for multi use, and pavillions. Down fall for us was small site , lack of trash cans to toss pet waste, not being told about fill station because there is no water faucets like most state parks along campground. We were there for first time so not familiar with park. Office did not offer us a map to get to our site or clue us in on filling our tank prior to parking camper. Main gate personnel not on same information. bathrooms could be cleaned more often. bathhouse building is all gender with bathrooms on one side of building and showers on other. Bathroom and showers are private space rooms. Beach is very rocky with little sand area. Life guards only guard one side of beach making everyone crowded to one side
ScoutNot very welcoming at night. Kinda creepy.
ScoutThe problems started before we even arrived. When I called to make a reservation, the owner was rude and impatient, repeatedly complaining that he couldn't hear me, despite me having full service. I discovered cell service at the campground was spotty, which made his attitude even more frustrating in hindsight. I told him it would be us and our dog, his immediate response was,"IT'S NOT A PIT BULL, IS IT?" in a hostile tone. I said no, she's an American Staffordshire, and my husband's service dog. He rudely replied that it was"THE SAME THING" and that they have breed restrictions. When I asked whether he was denying us, he avoided answering and demanded"legal paperwork" for her. I told him that no such paperwork exists, but she is trained to perform a task. He completed the reservation, took my payment, gave us a site number, and hung up. Since the office was closed and we had already been assigned a site number and paid, we assumed we could go directly to our site and finish any details in the morning. While setting up, the owner drove over and confronted us for not reporting to the office first. He then demanded proof of rabies vaccination, which is reasonable. We apologized that we had forgotten the paperwork and said we'd email it to him first thing in the morning. We were extremely annoyed that we saw multiple pit bulls as soon as we pulled in the campground. The next morning, we emailed the records to the campground around 10:10 AM, exactly as promised, as soon as our vet's office had opened. About 11:00, the owner left a voicemail demanding that we leave the property immediately because he had not received the paperwork. I called back and asked him to check his email again, he accused me of sending it to the wrong address. I told him that if he still couldn't find it after checking again, I would come to the office once I was dressed. 30 minutes later, he left another voicemail saying he had escalated it to the sheriff's office because we had not complied. Meanwhile, my husband was already walking to the office to handle things and the owner informed him that we were no longer welcome and that he had called the sheriff's office. Again, my husband told them to check their spam folder, and the email had been there all along. We communicated throughout the entire process and did exactly what we said we would do. The owner's son was far more reasonable and they did apologize, but it didn't make the situation right. The sites were tight, muddy, unlevel, and had awkwardly placed hookups. We were packed so close together that the row behind us overlapped the rear of our camper by a few feet. We had to share water with the neighboring site through a splitter at the spigot. We didn't use the restrooms or amenities because after our interactions with management, we felt completely unwelcome. We only stayed because we were in town for our grandson's first birthday and couldn't find another campground on such short notice.
TravelerGood place to fish and stay. Good welcoming friendly host also. Well come back
TravelerGreat camp. Easy in and out for big rigs. Right on the St. Lawrence River. Many amenities to include 3 bay R.V. wash as well as car wash. Nice sites and some on the water with docks and a boat ramp.
Camping options around Sackets Harbor extend from the eastern shore of Lake Ontario to the scenic St. Lawrence River, with distances between campgrounds averaging 15-30 miles. The region sits at approximately 300 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F. Most campgrounds in this area remain open from mid-May through early October, with some extending slightly later into fall.
Boat rentals and water access: At Sun Outdoors Association Island, visitors can launch kayaks directly from their campsites. One camper noted, "We were able to drop our kayaks right in the water in front of our rig and paddle to our heart's content. The water is clear and cool."
Fishing opportunities: Wellesley Island State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access to the St. Lawrence River. A visitor shared, "Great fishing on the St. Lawrence is awesome! Catch some perch and have a fish fry back at camp! If you fish near the boat rental there is a place to clean your fish!"
Hiking and nature trails: Cedar Point State Park features trails through wooded areas and along scenic bluffs. A reviewer mentioned, "Biking and hiking trails through the woods and on the bluffs. The campground is deep in the woods with spacious camp sites. Very secluded."
Waterfront views: Burnham Point State Park Campground provides direct access to the St. Lawrence River. A camper explained, "Beautiful view of the river. Easy access to swim in the water. Plenty of tree to hang your hammock."
Stargazing conditions: The limited light pollution at many campgrounds makes for excellent night sky viewing. At Swan Bay Resort, one visitor remarked, "Quite dark at night, but that was a bonus as we were able to see the Milky Way!"
Spacious sites: Southwick Beach State Park Campground offers large campsites that accommodate multiple tents. According to one review, "BEST beach in CNY-sandbar goes on forever-campsites roomy and we'll taken care of-bathrooms are meticulously cleaned."
Weather considerations: The region can be windy, especially at waterfront sites. A visitor to Sun Outdoors Association Island advised, "Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper."
Seasonal timing: Most facilities close by early October. Cedar Point State Park's season runs from "May 6 to October 10," while Westcott Beach State Park operates from "May 20 to September 4."
Bug preparation: Insects can be prevalent, particularly near the water. One camper at Sun Outdoors Association Island reported, "One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario."
Playground access: Cedar Point State Park offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor mentioned, "This is pretty kid friendly with a small maintained beach area, and was easy to get to."
Swimming areas: Southwick Beach State Park Campground features an extensive sandy beach. According to one camper, "There is TONS of beach to explore at this little State Park in New York... the waves don't get too big, so it is very safe for kids."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer organized recreational options. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, "There are gobs of activities for kids and adults. Plenty of rentals too – ranging from boats, kayaks, golf carts, etc."
Site selection: At Wellesley Island State Park Campground, certain areas better accommodate larger vehicles. One RVer advised, "All roads are paved with grass and gravel sites. We were on site H33 in the Heron Loop with 30A electric. There are water spigots around the loop to fill up your fresh tank before setting your jacks."
Hookup availability: Bedford Creek Marina & Campground provides full-service sites. While reviews are limited, the campground features "electric hookups, sewer hookups, showers, toilets, trash, and water hookups."
Parking considerations: Swan Bay Resort offers concrete pads for easy setup. A visitor noted, "All of their sites are on slabs, neat and clean hook ups. There is riverviews from just about every site which is nice and then there are sites right on the river."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities do Sackets Harbor campgrounds offer?
Sun Outdoors Association Island provides full hookup sites with waterfront locations just steps from Lake Ontario, daily trash pickup, and WiFi service. The sites include fire rings specially designed to block wind. Wellesley Island State Park Campground offers full hookup sites with asphalt pads, picnic tables, fire rings, hiking and biking trails, plus a swimming area. Many campgrounds in the region feature water access for boating and swimming, with some offering marina services, camp stores, and recreational facilities.
What campgrounds are available near Sackets Harbor, NY?
Several excellent campgrounds are available near Sackets Harbor. Southwick Beach State Park Campground offers extensive beach access on Lake Ontario, perfect for swimming and shoreline exploration. Black River Bay Campground near Dexter provides drive-in access with reservable sites and toilet facilities. Other nearby options include Bedford Creek Marina & Campground which accommodates larger RVs, and Fairgrounds Park in Watertown for convenient overnight parking with walking paths and recreational facilities.
What is the best time of year to camp in Sackets Harbor?
Summer (June through August) is the prime camping season in Sackets Harbor when the weather is warmest for enjoying Lake Ontario's recreational opportunities. Grass Point State Park Campground offers excellent summer swimming with lifeguards on duty and access to playground facilities. Early fall (September) can be particularly beautiful with fewer crowds, as noted in experiences at Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground. While some adventurous campers visit in early spring, most campgrounds in the area have limited services or are closed during winter months due to harsh weather conditions.
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