Sterling's camping sites sit along Lake Ontario's eastern shore at approximately 250 feet above sea level. The area experiences warm summers with average highs around 80°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. Camping season typically runs April through October, with most facilities closing completely during winter months due to heavy lake-effect snow common to this region.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Sterling pond within Fair Haven Beach State Park offers excellent freshwater fishing opportunities separate from Lake Ontario. "My grand kids love to fish on the pond and then go to the huge beach at the lake," notes one visitor at Pond Shore Cabin Area. The park provides diverse fishing environments within walking distance of campsites.
Renaissance Festival attendance: Campers staying at SutterCreek Campground often visit the nearby Sterling Renaissance Festival during summer months. "Sutter Creek is a 4 minute drive to the Renaissance Festival. The camp was very quiet and the owners were friendly and helpful," reports a camper. The festival typically runs weekends from early July through mid-August.
Beach and pier walking: Lake Ontario's shoreline provides recreational opportunities beyond swimming. "Every time we go to fair haven we have a great time... The beach is great. We love walking the pier. My boys love riding their bikes," mentions a visitor to Drumlin B Camping Area. The main pier extends approximately 300 feet into Lake Ontario, offering fishing spots and sunset viewing.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at Bluff Camping Area. "Spacious sites, not all are enclosed with trees but still plenty of room to spread out, we had two tents, two cars, a boat & a pop up table over tent and had plenty of room," notes one visitor. Most sites accommodate standard camping setups plus additional equipment.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness receives frequent positive mentions from campers. "Showers were super clean & wicked spacious. Staff was friendly and extremely helpful when we needed to switch our site due to unkind neighbors," reports a camper at Bluff Camping Area. Most facilities include flush toilets and hot showers.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Thorndon Meadows, visitors can "Come lay under the stars and enjoy this gorgeous, native land." Another camper at Little Creek Camp noted, "I heard a Great Horned owl... Lovely weekend weather, curious creatures."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies significantly between camping loops. "The non-electric sites were pretty much all on hilly areas, most would be impossible for an RV to get level, though there were a few that would have worked," notes a camper about Lakeview Camping Area. Topography affects site leveling, especially for larger units.
Weather factors: Lake Ontario influences local conditions, particularly wind. "Get a site by the buffs if you have a tent that can take some serious wind (especially in fall). Avoid Drumlin loop, it's sandier and smaller sites," advises one camper. Lakeside sites experience stronger winds than inland locations.
Seasonal dynamics: Campground atmosphere changes throughout the operating season. At Lake Bluff RV Park, "We camped so much here we got a free nights stay!" The campground offers loyalty incentives: "If you camp 6 nights in one season you get a night free!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Children find numerous recreation options at most campgrounds. "Nice playground for kids. Access to park trails. A very nice sand beach on the lake," mentions a visitor to Bluff Camping Area. Most facilities maintain dedicated play areas with equipment suitable for various age groups.
Swimming options: Multiple beaches accommodate different swimming preferences. "Sterling pond on the other... Very unique," remarks one visitor. The pond offers calmer waters compared to Lake Ontario, making it suitable for younger swimmers. As one camper notes, "Great place to camp or even go for the day. Beach is a nice place to go and relax."
Family-centered amenities: Some campgrounds provide additional entertainment options. At Lake Bluff RV Park, "Near the play ground they have a nice game room pool, air hockey, video games. There is a change machine too." These features become particularly valuable during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger units: RVers should carefully consider campground layout when booking. "We drove through the 'bluffs' loop (electric sites), thinking it would be beautiful and look out on the water, but it was a nightmare for us, with huge RVs jam packed side by side like a parking lot," reports one RVer who ultimately moved to a different park.
Hookup availability: Sterling Creek Campground offers full hookup sites for RVers requiring complete connections. "Nice large, flat spot with full shade," notes one visitor, though they also mentioned, "Maybe I'm still on Midwest pricing, but I get annoyed when I have to pay for a shower when I've paid $25 for a non-electric and no water tent site."
Loop characteristics: Different camping loops offer varying experiences for RVers. "The lakeview loop was nicer, but still too many RVs all in a row," observed one visitor comparing different sections of Fair Haven Beach State Park. Sites in most loops are arranged to maximize capacity, with electric sites typically placed closer together than non-electric areas.
