Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has announced the addition of the Sterling/Lake Ontario KOA Holiday to its family of campgrounds, bringing a new destination for campers in upstate New York.
Owned by Sherstin Lauman and April Lewis, the campground is located in Sterling, minutes from Fair Haven and less than an hour from Rochester, Syracuse, and Oswego.
Lauman and Lewis aim to create a camping experience that celebrates the natural beauty and small-town charm of the region. “When we first visited this part of New York, we were struck by its beauty, serenity, and the charm of Fair Haven,” Lauman said.
“We love the mature trees, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for water sports. Our goal is to create a campground experience where families can connect with nature and each other, and engage with the local community,” Lauman added.
The Sterling/Lake Ontario KOA Holiday offers access to Lake Ontario’s shoreline and serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the area’s landscapes and towns.
The campground also features a range of amenities designed to appeal to families, including a pirate ship playground, outdoor movie area, recreation room, and themed weekends with activities.
Additional offerings include games such as tetherball, cornhole, and basketball, along with a KampK9 dog park. The campground also provides boat parking for those planning to fish on Lake Ontario and a community fire pit for evening gatherings.
Future plans include adding a walking trail along Sterling Creek, expanding the playground, and building more cabins and patio RV sites.
“When I spoke to Brian DiBernardo last year, I asked him what he campaigned for. He shared that he wanted to increase visitors and tourism to the area,” Lauman said.
“It wasn’t yet set in stone that we’d become a KOA campground, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that this would be a great partnership! KOA is a trusted brand that campers seek out and I believe it will positively impact the community and economy by attracting more people from outside the local area,” Lauman explained.
Another aspect of the campground is the popular areas nearby. Guests can explore nearby attractions like the Sterling Nature Center, offering hiking trails with views of Lake Ontario, and Fair Haven Beach State Park, known for sandy beaches and kayaking.
The campground is also located close to the Lake Ontario Wine Trail, local cideries and breweries, and the Sterling Renaissance Festival, held five minutes away.
The Sterling/Lake Ontario KOA Holiday is located at 14983 Juniper Hill Road in Sterling and will operate from May 9 through October 13.