Seasonal RV campgrounds near Sackets Harbor, New York offer diverse options for campers exploring Lake Ontario's southern shoreline. Located in Jefferson County at approximately 350 feet elevation, this region experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-80°F and cool nights around 55-60°F. Lake Ontario influences the local climate, creating consistent breezes that moderate temperature but can challenge awning and tent setups.
What to do
Fishing access points: Bedford Creek Marina & Campground provides convenient lake access for anglers. According to one visitor, "Wonderful staff, wonderful setting, just always have a wonderful time there. I love everyone riding around on golf carts."
Beach walking options: Southwick Beach State Park Campground features extensive sandy shoreline. A visitor notes, "BEST beach in CNY - sandbar goes on forever. Sunsets are gorgeous from here as well."
Boating opportunities: Association Island includes a marina for small watercraft. "The approach by way of a single lane bridge to the island is beautiful. Once on the island, it's obvious that this is a great place for retreat. Surrounded by Lake Ontario, it's a secluded and idyllic setting," reports one camper.
Golf activities: Streamside RV Park & Golf Course combines camping with a 12-hole course. A reviewer states, "This is a privately owned very nice campground! The owners take pride in their business and the grounds are meticulously kept. Everyone here is a golfer and there are no children."
What campers like
Concrete pads: Swan Bay Resort maintains level concrete sites throughout the park. "All of their sites are on slabs, neat and clean hook ups. There is riverviews from just about every site which is nice," notes one reviewer.
Lake Ontario sunsets: Ontario Shores RV Park positions sites for optimal sunset viewing. A visitor writes, "Sites are level and spacious. Open field to walk the dog or for children. Lake Ontario a short walk away, the lake level flooding a few years ago ruined the sandy beach, but it's still a great view."
Clean facilities: Southwick Beach State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses. "Bathrooms were immaculate," confirms one camper, while another adds, "Beautiful new buildings on site, variety of campsites. Favorites are the beachfront sites, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario."
Grocery access: Swan Bay offers walking-distance shopping options. "Within walking distance is a Price Chopper Grocery, Dollar General, gas station, and wine and liquor store," explains a camper who stayed there.
What you should know
High winds: Association Island experiences significant lake breezes. A seasonal camper reported, "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 and beware of winds if you want to be on the water."
Seasonal operation: Most rv campgrounds Sackets Harbor, New York close by mid-October. Streamside RV Park operates April 15-October 15, while Ontario Shores RV Park runs May 1-October 15.
Site privacy variations: Fort Drum Recreation Area offers more secluded options. "They offer regular camping sites and RV sites, they also have a dog park for the little furry ones. It is easy to get to and several forms of outdoor entertainment," explains one military family.
Water level fluctuations: Lake Ontario experienced significant flooding in recent years, affecting shorelines at multiple campgrounds. A visitor to Ontario Shores noted, "Lake Ontario a short walk away, the lake level flooding a few years ago ruined the sandy beach, but it's still a great view."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Association Island provides extensive play facilities. "The playground is awesome and huge with lots of cool features for kids to explore," reports one family.
Swimming options: Brennan Beach Campground maintains both pool and beach access. A family visitor noted, "Spent 3 nights with our 2 sons and my husband's 2 granddaughters, all under age 12. Bathrooms/showers were clean. Site we stayed at had full hook ups. Very nice camp store, pools, playground, and restaurants."
Local attractions: Campgrounds provide access to regional highlights. "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. Mexico Point is another close attraction to see as well."
Seasonal population shifts: Brennan Beach experiences significant occupancy variations. "We really enjoyed our stay at Brennan Beach! It was PACKED on the weekend, but they have a really efficient check in process and the staff is super nice," reports one family.
Tips from RVers
Self-service wash stations: Swan Bay Resort provides specialized RV cleaning facilities. "Adjacent to the entrance is a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes," notes one RVer.
Site recommendations: Association Island offers varied configurations. "Our site (#G07) was on the sunset-side of the island and the last of the row beside a walking trail. It was wooded, roomy, and has full hookups, a fire ring, and picnic table. I could probably have fit another RV in the site and still had space to stretch."
Overnight options: Love's RV Hookup provides 5 dedicated RV sites with full connections for travelers passing through the area.
Navigation concerns: Some waterfront campgrounds have tight access roads. Swan Bay Resort is "an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown," making it accessible for larger motorhomes.
