Some of the best campgrounds near Rochester, New York (NY), are located on one of The Great Lakes, Lake Ontario. It is the only lake that does not touch the vast shoreline of the state of Michigan, where I am from and currently live.
When I was growing up, my family was a group of avid campers and travelers. We camped all over Michigan, through parts of Ontario, Canada, and Ohio near my grandmother’s best friend and on the Jersey Shore in Wildwood next to The Boardwalk.
We traveled and stayed in hotels in some of the following areas:
- Niagara Falls, Canada
- Daytona Beach, Florida
- Buffalo, New York
- Sandusky, Ohio
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Emerald Isle – Outer Banks, North Carolina
But we never had the opportunity to camp and have a fire beside Lake Ontario in Rochester. Here are some of the most searched and visited campgrounds we found that are in or near Rochester, NY:
- Hamlin Beach State Park
- Gravel Ponds Campground
- Genesee Country Campground
- Letchworth Valley Campground & Resort, LLC
- Canandaigua / Rochester KOA Holiday
- Junius Ponds Cabins & Campground
- Adventure Bound Camping Resorts – Southwoods
- Stony Brook State Park
- Webster Park Campgrounds
- Twilight on the Erie RV Resort
- Sampson State Park
- Cherry Grove Campground
- Conesus Lake Campground
- Camp Eastman
- North of the Ridge Camping
- Letchworth State Park Campground
- Red Rock Ponds RV Resort
- Golden Hill State Park
- Tamarack Campgrounds
Let’s see what the experts have to say about where the best spots are to camp in Rochester. According to Visit Rochester, they mention the following about the best camping in Rochester, “Rochester and the Finger Lakes have a variety of campsites to set up a home base and explore the beautiful outdoor and rustic activities of the region.
Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Ontario, you can enjoy camping at Webster Park or Hamlin Beach State Park. At Webster Park, you’ll discover 550 acres of beautiful evergreen-planed slopes, rolling lakeshore breakers, and cool green valleys. The park offers a fishing pier, tennis/pickleball courts, playgrounds, and more. Hamlin Beach State Park’s clear water, sandy beaches, and 264 tent and trailer campsites bring thousands of visitors to the park each year. Enjoy six miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as snowmobile and cross-country skiing. Visitors can launch car-top boats, fish for salmon and trout, and enjoy picnic facilities,”.
State campgrounds vs private campgrounds
In my opinion, I would like to check out Hamlin Beach State Park because it is located on the south shores of Lake Ontario, a Great Lake I do not know much about, nor do I remember swimming in it as a kid. Furthermore, Hamlin has other state parks nearby that are worthy of exploring, such as:
- Lakeside Beach State Park
- Golden Hill State Park, Darien Lakes State Park
- Letchworth State Park
- Stony Brook State Park
In my many years of camping experience, I found that I prefer State Parks versus private campgrounds, at least in Michigan, because they are typically much cleaner, have nicer updated restrooms, are well cared for by their state’s Department of Natural Resources, are much less rowdy and more natural amenities. However, they usually only have electric hook-ups and no water hook-ups, so you’ll have to fill your camper water tanks before setting up and empty them on your way out.
One of the largest RV camping dealerships, General RV, notes the differences, “Private campgrounds are operated by independent hosts. They can be owned by local residents who live on site or by private businesses, like KOA or Jellystone RV parks. They typically have a number of RV camping options available including sites with full hook-ups.
State and national campgrounds (also known as public campgrounds) are owned by the governments and operated by state and federal employees. These campgrounds are typically located within designated parks and forests. Most offer an array of choices from RV campsites to rustic and backcountry camping opportunities,”.
What are the three types of campsites?
Again, in my long history of camping experience, I have seen many types of campsites, but the top three would probably be:
- Rustic/primitive/dispersed (usually found in national forests or backcountry accessible off of two-track fire roads with no electricity, no water, and no bathrooms)
- Backpacking (even more remote than the type above that is only accessible by walking, boat/canoe/kayak, or even by a plane that drops you off literally, in the middle of nowhere)
- RV/Fron country (typically the most popular type of camping where you rent a spot at a campground, pitch a tent, pull a travel trailer on, or stay in a cabin)
In addition to these classic camping experiences, there are several more niche types of camping that cater to different preferences and levels of adventure.
One increasingly popular option is glamping, a blend of glamour and camping, which provides a more luxurious outdoor experience, usually including amenities like comfortable beds, electricity, and sometimes even private bathrooms in unique accommodations such as yurts, safari tents, or treehouses. While this type of camping sounds very comfortable and easy, I would almost feel like a traitor to my camping roots!
Another variation is car camping, where campers set up close to their vehicles, offering convenience and easy access to supplies -an excellent option for families, those new to camping, or for those of us who were in our early twenties and decided to go camping last minute after a night of partying coming up with crazy ideas.
Eco-camping is also gaining traction, emphasizing sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Campers often utilize solar-powered devices, compostable materials, and engage in activities that support conservation efforts. In my family, we call this “primitive” camping!
Lastly, themed camping events, such as music festivals or historical reenactments, provide immersive experiences that blend entertainment with outdoor living. These types cater to specific interests, offering a vibrant community atmosphere and often unique locations.
Best campgrounds near Rochester, NY
Exploring the variety of campgrounds near Rochester, NY, offers something for every camper. From rustic backcountry experiences to luxurious glamping, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.