Best Camping in and near Chimney Bluffs State Park

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Thorndon Meadows

6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Sterling, NY

Up for an adventure? Looking for some peace and quiet? Our property was once part of a much larger business farm. It has not been under a tractor since 2007, except for mowing. We have been hosting for HipCamp since 2019 and we are eager to meet you and hear what you think of our acres. The gorgeous sunsets over Lake Ontario are world renowned, and our primitive camp sites are just one half mile from the lake. The terrain is hilly, elevation ranges from 320' - 380'. Due to the location on the hill, great views of the spectacular sunrise can also be seen (from the ground). Excellent opportunities for bird watching, we have seen everything from goldfinches to bald eagles, with sightings of indigo buntings, sparrowhawks, snow and Canada geese, according to season. Wildflowers, berries and herbs are in abundance, when in season. Being right near the fourth largest Great Lake the campgrounds is a great spot for cloud watching, kite sailing and star viewing - there is no light pollution. Fresh water divers? There are dozens of sunken shipwrecks in Lake Ontario and in April 2019, NOAA proposed the designation of a national marine sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario to protect historically significant shipwrecks and maritime heritage resources. Oh, and did I mention the world class fishing? Co-owner, Valerie, is a permaculturist and welcomes conversation about anything environmental. The flattest part of the hill was once under cultivation but since 2010 has been allowed to revert to woodlands. Fruit and nut trees have been planted, as well as some berries. My trees are very important. Please take care not to injure them. Seasoned firewood is plentiful from the prunings as well as from deadfall and extra can be purchased at the farm - $5. per bundle. (Per New York State DEC regulation, untreated firewood may not be moved over 50 miles.) There is a working rocket mass heater in the barn and it will be fired up and roaring between October and April. Knitting and crocheting lessons are yours for the asking. Co-owner, William, may also be persuaded to show you some guitar licks. Children 12 and under are discounted 50% off. Children under 2 are free. At the edges of the property you can see neighbors' houses but campsites are secluded from the neighbors as well as from each other. All campsites are drive in but you may be driving across a mown field. Sterling Nature Center (Great Blue Heron rookery!) and Sterling Renaissance Festival are each 4 miles away. Gas station and farm store (Ontario Orchards -- great home-baked pies there!) are each 3 miles away. Sterling Creek Canoe- Kayak Launch - 3.5 miles. Fair Haven Beach State Park and Little Sodus Bay - 7.5 miles. City of Oswego and NY State University - 6 miles. And, if you are of that persuasion, the nearest McDonald's and Subway are 7 miles and Walmart is 10 miles away. Because I could be anywhere on the property and I would like to be available when you arrive, please advise me if you know you will be arriving after 5 PM. All revenue from camping goes back into the property to continue to improve your experience. While we are open to winter camping, the farm road is on a hill that must be navigated to reach the campsites. In snowy or icy (or extremely muddy) conditions this may prove impossible for a typical vehicle and even give some 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles some trouble. There is room at the bottom of the hill for off road parking for one vehicle. It would then require hiking up about 500 feet to reach campsites. Also, when the weather is dropping below freezing (which could be between late October -- early May), you are advised to bring your own water as water left overnight will freeze. Please take responsibility for the energy you bring to this space. Campfires are encouraged but bonfires are not allowed. If you are unsure, just ask. This is also a 'leave nothing but footprints' campsite. We do not have trash removal. Thorndon Meadows acknowledges we are on native land originally inhabited by the Cayuga (Guyohkohnyoh – The People of the Great Swamp) of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy who were scattered by European settlers in the early 1800’s. We honor their stewardship and those who care for the land generations after. This land is not ours, it is our turn, and we are grateful to share it with our guests. We are committed to learning and protecting the land as its temporary caretakers. We invite you to appreciate the land with us, all are welcome.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

from

$30

/ night