Camping around West Monroe offers diverse options with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet between Lake Ontario and Oneida Lake. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Most campers visit between May and October when water activities are in full swing and campground amenities are fully operational.
What to do
Water sports on Oneida Lake: At Oneida Shores County Park, the beach area provides swimming with lifeguards on duty. One camper noted, "Life guards around. Nice playground and bathrooms available. Staff was nice. Picnic areas available."
Fishing excursions: Selkirk Shores State Park offers prime fishing spots on Lake Ontario. A visitor mentioned, "Lake Ontario has great fishing. The beach is smaller than it was before now that it is guarded."
Trail exploration: Green Lakes State Park Campground features multiple hiking options of varying difficulty. As one camper shared, "The hiking includes an easy 3.1 mile loop with much shade around two glacier formed turquoise lakes."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events throughout the season. At Jellystone Park in Mexico, visitors enjoy "Halloween activities nicely. Yogi and the characters were very involved," according to one review.
What campers like
Unique water features: The distinctive color of the lakes at Green Lakes draws many visitors. One camper described, "The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands."
Family-oriented campgrounds: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico receives praise for its kid-friendly approach. A visitor reported, "This campground offers so much for people of all ages. Crafts, Games, Activities, Playground, Pool, Bouncy pillow, Twice Daily wagon rides with Yogi and Boo Boo, Bike parades, River access, Fishing, Tubing, Lounging."
Modern bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds have updated their facilities. At Green Lakes, a camper noted, "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground."
Lakefront views: Verona Beach State Park Campground offers prime waterfront locations. A visitor mentioned, "Right on water…can't drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with limited separation between sites. At Verona Beach, a camper observed, "The campsites are spacious but you're pretty much camping on the same lawn as your neighbors with very few trees in between you."
Reservation timing matters: For waterfront sites, book well in advance, especially at popular parks like Oneida Shores where sites fill quickly in summer months.
Weather considerations: Wind can be challenging at lakefront sites. A Verona Beach camper shared, "We attempted to set up near the lake, but found the wind to be overwhelming. We ended up in the corner site by the woods."
Shower facilities: Quality and accessibility vary across campgrounds. At Oneida Shores, a camper noted, "Showers not conveniently located," while another mentioned that despite clean bathrooms, "Showers could be closer and seem more accommodating to day users."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Pleasant Lake Campground offers dedicated children's programming. A visitor shared, "This is a fantastic place for kids and adults. There are rent, RV sites and cabins. Special events that the family will enjoy."
Consider campground layout and proximity to amenities: At Selkirk Shores, a camper advised, "This campground is 4 different loops- A loop is like the loop for people here for fishing, B loop is the mellower crowd, and C and D were our nightmares: mass chaos, children running amok."
Check beach safety features: Many campgrounds have guarded swimming areas with varying hours. At Oneida Shores, visitors appreciate that the "Beach area is nice and guarded."
Look for playgrounds and recreation areas: Multiple campgrounds feature play structures and open areas. Green Lakes visitors mention, "Great playgrounds" and that the park is "great for all ages."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: J and J Campground offers convenient sites for larger rigs. A camper noted, "A lot of pull thru sites" making it easier to maneuver larger vehicles.
Site leveling: Most campgrounds in the region have relatively flat terrain. At Pleasant Lake, campers find "The RV sites are spacious enough that you don't feel like you are too close."
Year-round accessibility: While many campgrounds close seasonally, J and J Campground operates throughout the year, providing options for off-season camping when other facilities are closed.
Dump station details: Selkirk Shores features upgraded facilities, with a camper reporting, "There's a nice new dump station with several dumps and potable water."
