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Alright, I don't camp- never liked it personally ( a Motel 8 is creepy enough- and that is REALLY pushing it in my opinion)... but I have married a true to goodness boy scout and he misses it. I gave him a tent last year for Father's Day- but we have yet to use it outside of the yard. I am trying to plan a camping trip for this Father's Day for our family- a BIG gift from me LOL. What would you suggest as the best Camping Spots for a Newbie Camper who knows very little about the idea- something within a short drive from Rochester, kid friendly, and not going to be too much of a shock to my system when I get there, OH and I prefer a short walk to a restroom than a tree... Thanks for you suggestions...
There are a number of nice places around Rochester to go camping. If you want to stay close to home, I'd suggest going to either Hamlin Beach State Park or Letchworth State Park.
Hamlin Beach -- Located on the Parkway, about 20 miles west of Rochester. The thing I really like about Hamlin Beach is the large, wooded campsite area. At many campgrounds, campsites seem to just run into each other, and are generally located in some sort of field with patchy trees and shrubbery. At Hamlin, you actually have some privacy, and feel like you're (almost) in the wilderness because the campsites are so wooded. Despite the trees, I have never had any problem with bugs, and I've been three or four times.
Hamlin also has quite a few paved trails, so you may want to consider bringing bikes/rollerblades/scooters along. There are open fields and playgrounds as well. Don't forget the bathing suits either--the water will be brisk, but warm enough to swim in by mid-June. The beach is quite nice, and doesn't smell like it sometimes does in Charlotte. The only downside to Hamlin Beach is the lack of nice hiking trails.
Letchworth -- I've visited, but never camped. It's about 35 miles south of Rochester, and has incredible hiking trails with spectacular views of the Genesee River as it passes through a gorge that at some points reaches heights close to 600 feet. It's a huge park with a number of trails, so if you enjoy hiking, this is the place to go.
Hiking is great... love to hike... it is the camping thing I am not so comfortable with. I didn't realize you could Camp at Hamlin Beach. I have been to all three locations and they are fun day trips... so perhaps camping there would be good too.
If you are looking for more amenities, you can always try the KOA in Canandaigua. It's only about 5 minutes from the Thruway and has amenities handy (bathrooms, small store, fishing pond, sites with water/electric, etc). I believe there is even a small restaurant on site. It's only about 10 minutes into Canandaigua, so there are lots of restaurant options - and there is always the wine trail for a day trip!
Alright, I don't camp- never liked it personally ( a Motel 8 is creepy enough- and that is REALLY pushing it in my opinion)... but I have married a true to goodness boy scout and he misses it. I gave him a tent last year for Father's Day- but we have yet to use it outside of the yard. I am trying to plan a camping trip for this Father's Day for our family- a BIG gift from me LOL. What would you suggest as the best Camping Spots for a Newbie Camper who knows very little about the idea- something within a short drive from Rochester, kid friendly, and not going to be too much of a shock to my system when I get there, OH and I prefer a short walk to a restroom than a tree... Thanks for you suggestions...
skbs,
i love to camp---we are seasonal campers at skybrook campground in dansville- short drive approx. 45 minutes from rochester, they have many things for kids and adults there. swimming pool, karaoke , fishing etc. very family oriented. if you love to hike--stoneybrook park is only minutes away --great for hiking . yes the bathrooms are close by--with showers, flushing toilets --lol we started in a tent and worked our way up to a fifth wheel---didn't like sleeping on the ground--my bones don't like it..haha would recommend inflatable mattress . keep your food in in plastic bin or such due to criters- you'll have a great time....we are opening the camp this coming weekend and i can't wait to sit next to the fire soooo relaxing
good luck
skbs,
i love to camp---we are seasonal campers at skybrook campground in dansville- short drive approx. 45 minutes from rochester, they have many things for kids and adults there. swimming pool, karaoke , fishing etc. very family oriented. if you love to hike--stoneybrook park is only minutes away --great for hiking . yes the bathrooms are close by--with showers, flushing toilets --lol we started in a tent and worked our way up to a fifth wheel---didn't like sleeping on the ground--my bones don't like it..haha would recommend inflatable mattress . keep your food in in plastic bin or such due to criters- you'll have a great time....we are opening the camp this coming weekend and i can't wait to sit next to the fire soooo relaxing
good luck
I just checked the site out and it looks like there is a lot of fun family activities to do... THanks a lot for the suggestion... I think I am going to do that...
You could also go to Darien Lake Resort and tent camp there, plus go to the theme park. You will need to make reservations to camp anywhere in NY through the Reserve America website. Lots of information about the various campgrounds and what facilities and activities they offer. Campgrounds and Camping Reservations - ReserveAmerica
Just about any of the NYS campgrounds is worth the effort. As previously mentioned, ReserveAmerica.com is how you can make a reservation, and also check site availability and amenities. State campground are usually going to provide a clean bathroom and interesting camp sites. KOA's are nice, but do tend to cater to the trailer & RV crowd, plus are a bit more expensive. But they have it all!
Give camping a try! Sitting around your site chatting with friends you've just met, watching caveman TV (campfire), with a cold beverage in hand is very relaxing.
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