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Best Campgrounds near Sterling, NY

310 Reviews

Sterling, New York provides access to several established campgrounds along Lake Ontario's southern shoreline. Fair Haven Beach State Park contains multiple camping areas including Bluff, Lakeview, Drumlin A and B, and Pond Shore Cabin areas, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Additional campground options include Lake Bluff RV Park, SutterCreek Campground, and Sterling Creek Campground, creating a mix of public and private camping facilities within this lakefront region. Most campsites are concentrated around Fair Haven, approximately 5 miles north of Sterling.

Camping facilities throughout the area operate primarily from April through October, with most fully closing during winter months. "We love Fair Haven Beach State Park. It has something for everyone - fishing, boating, swimming, picnic areas, and of course, camping! You will see lots of wildlife from chipmunks to deer," notes one visitor. The campgrounds typically provide electric hookups at many sites, with water hookups and sewer connections available at select locations. Road access is generally well-maintained for standard vehicles, though some tent sites may require short walks from parking areas. Reservation requirements vary by property, with state park campgrounds typically requiring advance booking, especially during summer weekends and holidays.

The Sterling area offers distinctive camping experiences due to its proximity to both Lake Ontario and inland ponds. Many campsites provide water views or access, particularly at Fair Haven Beach State Park where campers can enjoy both lake and pond environments. According to one review, "You have Lake Ontario on one side of the road within the park and Sterling pond on the other. Very unique." Campers frequently mention the area's appeal for fishing enthusiasts and families seeking sandy beaches. Sites on the bluff overlooking Lake Ontario are particularly prized for their sunset views but can experience strong winds, especially during fall months. Bathroom facilities are generally well-maintained at established campgrounds, though amenities vary significantly between state park campgrounds and private facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sterling, New York (95)

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Recent Camping Photos near Sterling, NY

75 Photos of 95 Sterling Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sterling, NY

310 Reviews of 95 Sterling Campgrounds

  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Green Lakes State Park Campground

    Good camp sites

    The sites are good, level, and the campsite is pretty but as clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I’ll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads. Maybe TMI, but sorry ladies, you’ll never get the soap out of your bits. It’s best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands. I can’t say much about the amenities since we camped in the off season (really bummed not to rent a boat), but the trails around the lake are great! Beautiful water and various difficulties on the trails make it pretty fun to explore. Overall a good stay but took a star away for the showers and the landscapers. They spent at least 5-6 hours the Monday we were here mowing around our campsite, coming within inches of our power and Starlink cords. Really annoyed by that and when we called the park office, they said they’d take care of it but we still endured 4 more hours of multiple mowers going over the same areas multiple times. Honestly think they were messing with us at that point…

  • S
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Oneida Shores County Park

    Nice park for a reasonable price

    Campground is recently paved. Lots of geese, therefore lots of goose poop. Sites are small and close together. Nice wooded setting on the lake.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Pleasant Lake Campground

    Clean and Quiet

    I found this location to have very clean sites with plenty of amenities. Had no issues with the Wi-Fi watching Bills games and play a few video games.

  • T&J F.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico

    Unfortunate

    Pros: river is awesome, wading, catching crayfish, cooling off. Staff were consistently friendly. Sites were flat, easy to level travel trailer. Plenty of kid activities, foam party, obstacle course, balloon launch, etc. Large store. Game room. Bathrooms (at least near the playground) were spacious, with toilet, sink, shower. Cons: signs/photo ops were crooked/loose/broken. Planted annual flowers were dead, overgrown with weeds. Miniature golf holes were falling apart. Bounce pad had a hole in it. The sand from around the edge was blowing from that hole into kids eyes, nose, mouth. Bathrooms were dirty; each has a 2-roll toilet paper dispenser; by early evening two stalls had zero TP left. Tent sites had used toilet paper along the tree line where others had used it as a bathroom. Fire pits were old tire rims, which worked, but unable to cook anything on it

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Mayfair Campground NY

    Mostly for seasonals

    We called to make last minute reservations for a one night stopover enroute to Vermont. The person on the phone was friendly and accommodating to our needs. When we arrived after hours, the entrance was gated with a card reader access which we did not have a card for. We tried calling back several times but a recording said that the line was busy. Luckily, another camper let us in. There are no signs to direct you which way to go and the sites are poorly marked. With some help from friendly campers we were eventually able to find our site. The sites are have a poorly graveled parking spot and the ground is a little soft. Restrooms are basic and minimal, having a single toilet and sink, a tiny mirror and hand dryer, however it was fairly clean and functional. I was told that there are new owners and they are making improvements

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Canandaigua-Rochester KOA

    Lovely KOA

    The campground is clean and well maintained. The staff are ALL so nice. The amenities are plentiful and well cared for. The sites are level, in great shape, and has a wonderful large wooded area. Thank you!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Bluff Camping Area — Fair Haven Beach State Park

    Shaded camping with Great Lake access

    I booked this site for one night and ended up staying three. Trying to avoid the heat, I was relieved that the shaded electric camping area staved off most of the days heat. I was in site 63 the first night and 68 the other two. 63 has more shade but 68 is right next to the bathroom and water spout if that’s important. I was able to find shade.

    Some people may find the sites too close together, I didn’t mind since I’m solo camping and feel a bit of safety with closer neighbors. The loop was majority RVs and campers but it was still quiet all night and until late morning.

    The showers and bathrooms are mostly clean and well stocked and there is a dedicated sink outside the building for dishes.

    What I really loved is how far into the park the camping is, you’re really surrounded by woods. There is also excellent and easy access to Lake Ontario.

    The park store has firewood, ice, and lots of other items like corn hole for rent. There is also a small boat shanty for boat rentals.

  • Scott H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    SutterCreek Campground

    Close to the Ren Fest.

    Sutter Creek is a 4 minute drive to the Renaissance Festival. The camp was very quiet and the owners were friendly and helpful. The activity room is for seasonal people only. The showers get locked at night, so prepare to showers in the AM. There are swings and a tether ball for the kids. Golf carts look to be welcome there, but it's not that big.

Guide to Sterling

Camping near Sterling, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore local parks: Visit Cayuga Lake State Park Campground for a lovely lakefront area. One camper mentioned, "The lakefront area of the park was very nice and we enjoyed walking on the drive down in front of the lake."
  • Fishing and boating: At Oneida Shores County Park, you can enjoy fishing right on Oneida Lake. A visitor shared, "The campground was beautiful right on Oneida lake."
  • Hiking trails: Check out Fillmore Glen State Park Campground for great hiking trails. One camper noted, "Lots of hiking trails, great facilities, and very new playground."

What campers like

  • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate the helpful staff at Junius Ponds. One review said, "Well taken care of place. Friendly staff."
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer from Green Lakes State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers!"
  • Spacious sites: Campers at Lake Bluff RV Park appreciate the spaciousness of the sites. One camper mentioned, "The sites are spacious. The staff is amazing."

What you should know

  • Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Cayuga Lake State Park Campground noted, "Most of the sites don't have water or electricity and are squeezed together in tiny loops."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife at Cayuga Lake State Park Campground. One camper had a rough experience, stating, "I did not think that I would be living in a bat house, full of flies."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Oneida Shores County Park mentioned, "Only issue: Camp host actually came and took our wood for our campfire!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A family at Junius Ponds enjoyed, "Nice pool and games to play."
  • Choose your site wisely: Some sites are better for families than others. A camper at Cayuga Lake State Park Campground recommended, "If you stay, I'd recommend the 800 or 1000 loops--the sites were much bigger in those areas."
  • Plan for meals: Make sure to bring food or check if the campground has a store. A visitor at Lake Bluff RV Park mentioned, "Local shop had everything you need."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site spacing: RVers should be aware of site spacing. A camper at Canandaigua-Rochester KOA noted, "The sites here for the most part are lacking in privacy."
  • Bring extension cords: Some sites may require long power cords. A visitor at Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, "Bring an extension cord."
  • Look for full hookups: If you prefer full hookups, check the campground details. A camper at Brennan Beach Campground noted, "The only reason I've given this place two stars instead of one is that it is on Lake Ontario."

Camping around Sterling, NY, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Sterling, NY?

Sterling, NY offers diverse camping options centered around Lake Ontario and Sterling Pond. Fair Haven Beach State Park provides multiple camping areas with large, private sites and easy access to the beach. The park features both lakeside and pond-side camping experiences with swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Southwick Beach State Park Campground is another excellent option with extensive beach access on Lake Ontario. Additional camping areas in the region include Lakeview Camping Area, Bluff Camping Area, and Pond Shore Cabin Area, all offering varying levels of amenities from basic tent sites to cabins. The Sterling area's campgrounds are particularly popular during summer months when visitors can enjoy water activities and the small-town charm of the region.

Where can I find campgrounds near Sterling Renaissance Festival?

SutterCreek Campground is an excellent option for Renaissance Festival attendees, with many campers choosing this location specifically for festival weekends. The campground provides a convenient base for multiple-day festival visits, though be prepared for potential weather challenges during summer thunderstorms. Drumlin A Camping Area at Fair Haven Beach State Park is another great choice, with campers specifically mentioning it as an ideal location when attending the Sterling Renaissance Festival. While the campsite might require a short drive to the festival grounds, it offers the added benefits of swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and large private sites that make for a comfortable stay during the festival weekend.

Are there RV-friendly campgrounds near Sterling, New York?

Lake Bluff RV Park provides dedicated RV facilities near Sterling, with amenities designed specifically for recreational vehicles. The park offers a comfortable base for exploring the Sterling area and Lake Ontario shoreline. Sterling Creek Campground is another RV-friendly option, featuring big-rig-friendly sites with necessary hookups and toilet facilities. Many of the Fair Haven Beach State Park camping areas can also accommodate RVs, though some sites have unusual electrical post arrangements where one post serves two non-pull-through sites. When planning an RV trip to Sterling, it's advisable to check specific site dimensions and hookup arrangements before booking, especially during peak summer months when the most desirable RV sites fill quickly.

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