Tent Camping on Lake Ontario (New York, Rochester: RV park, homes, cabins)

[Campingbuddy]

We're headed on a circle tour road trip of Lake Ontario Memorial Day weekend. The plan is to start in PA, camp somewhere in NY on Lake Ontario (Fairhaven Beach SP?), head west to Toronto, head east around Lake Ontario, camp at a midpoint on Lake Ontario, then head home to PA. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding NY state parks along the Lake Ontario coast? Specifically, in the Watertown/Alexandria Bay area and the Fairhaven Beach/Rochester area? We're minimalist tent campers who enjoy good views, privacy and peace/quiet. Showers, electric, fancy amenitites are not required. We'd prefer a campground that isn't a "parking lot." We'll be camping on weekday nights (so we don't anticipate crowds). Thanks so much!

[ckhthankgod]

Perhaps Westcott Beach State Park between Henderson and Sackets Harbor, Sandy Pond, Brennan's Beach, Fair Haven State Park between Hannibal and Red Creek and maybe Sodus Point. I believe that there is space just west of the SUNY-Oswego campus near Bev's Ice Cream stand and Rudy's.

[ckhthankgod]

Here's another place to consider: Selkirk Shores State Park - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

and more information: Central Region - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

Thousand Islands Region - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

Finger Lakes Region - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

[Campingbuddy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've heard Selkirk isn't that nice. We were leaning towards Wescott or Southwick Beach. Has anyone been to either?

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Campingbuddy

Thanks for the suggestions. I've heard Selkirk isn't that nice. We were leaning towards Wescott or Southwick Beach. Has anyone been to either?

I've been to Westcott, but not to camp. It is a nice park. If you go there, you may want to check out the village of Sackets Harbor too: The Village of Sackets Harbor NY - Experience the Treasures!

Also, I believe that this is the area near SUNY-Oswego that I was talking about: Oswego, NY RV park, Oswego NY campgrounds, Sunset RV Park Cabins & Campground - Lake Ontario I'm not sure about using tents there or if you could do so somewhere else close by. You may want to check these places out as well: sunsetcamp

http://www.rainbowshorescampsite.com/index.htm

RV Campgrounds - Brennan Beach RV Campgrounds & Resort in New York, Largest RV Park in the Northeast

[Jeromeville]

Selkirk is NOT an enjoyable place to camp. It's like a parking lot. (It also doesn't have a very nice beach, unless views of nuclear power plant cooling towers fascinate you.) Selkirk IS a nice place for a picnic.

Southwick and Westcott are both nice (Southwick is my favorite Lake Ontario beach). One of these - Westcott, I believe - has campsites on a bluff overlooking the lake. My advice to you is to search these parks on Flickr for campsite pictures people may have posted.

You might also want to consider Fair Haven, which is a more crowded beach, but also has campsites.

The state parks along Lake Ontario are mostly much alike - the only exception I'd say is Selkirk, which is a must-avoid for camping.

But do plan on camping in New York, rather than the Canada side. The Canadian side of Lake Ontario is very built-up. The New York shore is mostly rural.

BTW, the Thousand Islands area is chock full of state parks and campgrounds. Too many to list here. If you're going during a weekday, you may very well find nice tenting spots.

This book is also a great resource:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Tent-.../dp/0897326415

[Campingbuddy]

Thanks so much for the advice. I own several of the Best in Tent Camping series and, I love those books.

As for now, our plan is to camp at Fairhaven Beach SP on the way up and Wescott or Southwick SP on the way back. If anyone else has any other information regarding these three parks, I'd love to hear your feedback, particularly about the campgrounds.