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Thorndon Meadows

97%
·
67 reviews
 · Sterling, Cayuga, New York
12 acres hosted by Valerie D.
5 RV/tent sites
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Valerie is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Looking for some peace and quiet? Up for an adventure with rustic camping? Our property was once part of a much larger business farm. It has not been under a tractor since 2010, 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) and pretty much most of the sunsets. 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.  I farm trees, the only animals here will be the ones that Nature sends (or if you bring a pet). Fruit and nut trees have been planted, as well as some berries, so since 2010 they are not very large.  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 - $6. 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.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Field
Farm

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RV/tent sites

5 sites
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

WhiteAsh

98% (33)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 1 ft
This site has a large pincherry tree shading a picnic table next to the firepit. It is a smaller more intimate site but configured so that 3 tents could be situated separate from each other. It is also bordered by raspberry and blackberry plants, which you are welcome to when in season, but also contributes to it being the prickliest. Guests will have access to communal composting toilets and cold showers just a 2 minute walk away. There are no hookups at this site, but potable water is available at the communal area.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$26
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Spruce

100% (16)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 1 ft
Spruce can accommodate up to 2 vehicles at the campsite (but there is parking close by for more). It has a lovely valley view towards the east. It is one of the smaller sites but still privacy from other campers. Guests will have access to communal composting toilets and cold showers just a 2 minute walk away. There are no hookups at this site, but potable water is available at the communal area.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$26
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Hawthorne

91% (11)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 1 ft
This site is situated at the highest point on the property so expansive views are here. Great spot for cloud and/or star watching! The trees are not mature yet so it is also the sunniest. We recommend you bring some sort of shade or shelter besides your tent. Firepit and 2 outdoor chairs are included. Guests will have access to communal composting toilets and cold showers just a 2 minute walk away. There are no hookups at this site, but potable water is available at the communal area.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$26
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site

Oak

90% (5)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 25 ft
Oak campsite is private and spacious with long views to the hills in the south. It includes 2 chairs and fire pit. The oaks were just planted and no appreciable shade yet but the willow in the center does give shade. One neighbor’s house is visible from site but it is 1000’ away. This site has a high water table and thus is a walk in site from September through May. Parking is about 100 feet away. Guests will have access to communal composting toilets and cold showers just a short walk away. There are no hookups at this site, but potable water is available at the communal area.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$26
/ night
for NaN guests
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Sunrise Meadow

100% (3)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 8 · Vehicles under 25 ft
Sunrise Meadow is an isolated spacious site situated at the top of a grassy hill facing east, and if you get up early enough you will be greeted with lovely sunrises. Grilling table and Adirondack chairs as well as fire circle and generous firewood are included with this site. There is ample shade after noon. This site is also isolated from the other sites and has the easiest access for larger vehicles. Guests will have access to communal composting toilets and cold showers just a 2 minute walk away. There are no hookups at this site, but potable water is available at the communal area.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
$45
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

97% Recommend106 ratings · 67 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
16 ft car ·
Hawthorne
Lovely site surrounded by gardens and bordered by an apple orchard. Host was very friendly and easy to communicate with. If your vehicle is larger just be prepared for a tight turn/ corridor to get to camp, but the site was easy to find and road in clear!
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Hannah L.
10 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent ·
Hawthorne
The site is well kept, and the directions were accurate. Valerie met me and explained the camp. I would stay here again!
N
Norris A.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Awesome
Tent ·
Spruce
Absolutely awesome! Valerie was a great host! Bring bug spray. Also check out Ontario orchard about two miles away
T
Theresa M.
10 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Hawthorne
Valerie was very helpful and met me when I arrived to give me a tour of the property. I felt very safe as a solo traveler and enjoyed my stay. Would definitely recommend!
A
Ava M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Peaceful Haven amongst apples
Tent ·
WhiteAsh
Soooo peaceful and Valerie very kindly brought us eggs too! We had the place to ourselves, could hear the waves on Lake Ontario! Good flat spot for parking our car and rooftop tent as well. Loved it and lovely area too.
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Kat C.
20 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With pets ·
WhiteAsh
Such a cute place to camp! My dog loved it and Valerie was super super helpful. Helped us get to our site and recommended things to do!
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Cal R.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
A couple happy campers
Tent ·
Spruce
Great host, great location, great property and great site (spruce) plenty of room for 2 campers, large tent and pickup. We enjoyed our stay. Explored the property on the groomed trails, saw a couple rabbits, grey squirrel and chipmunks, a couple monarch butterflies, several dragon flies. Foraged a few of the abundant blackberries as we went. 2 other sites were occupied with campers while we were there but noise was minimal. Sites are spaced far enough apart to feel private. We look forward to camping here again in the future.
J
Jack W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Would absolutely come again
Tent · Group trip ·
Sunrise Meadow
The site was amazing Valerie was so helpful with directions and information about the land and plants around us. All around great time.
C
Courtney Y.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Cute and relaxing camp spot
Tent ·
WhiteAsh
This was a perfect tent site near both Oswego and the Sterling Renaissance Festival. Got to watch a lot of cute bunnies and relax on the beautiful property. Amazing communication as well. Would definitely recommend!
K
Kayla B.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent · With pets ·
WhiteAsh
Valerie was an excellent host - communication was seamless and helpful- and she made sure she could meet us at the drive of her property on our arrival. She explained everything carefully. It was a very peaceful stay for us and our dog … only one other set of campers were on site. We were grateful to have Lake Ontario on the doorstep in lieu of showers at the site. We’d visit again for sure.
K
Kristine L.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
20 ft pop-up camper ·
Oak
Valarie is a very welcoming host. We enjoyed the open space of the oak site. Enjoyed a restful morning and walk around picking the blackberries to go with breakfast before heading on the road again.
M
Monique J.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
14 ft pop-up camper · Group trip ·
Sunrise Meadow
We decided to stay here to be close to the Sterling Renaissance Festival, the location was great. Our host met us at arrival, and Sunrise Meadow was well named, with a beautiful view of the sunrise. The site was on a considerable slope, so our PopUp needed some leveling! There is a compost toilet on site, just know it is shared with all campers. We had a wonderfully relaxing time.
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Laurel W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
WhiteAsh
A great spot, my friends and I loved picking berries & seeing the moon. Valerie was very responsive and a generous host, even checking on us when there was a rainstorm.
M
Marissa E.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
WhiteAsh
My second time here still loving it and will absolutely come back again!
C
Clara L.
5 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
16 ft car ·
Spruce
We loved camping at Valerie’s land, she showed us around and everything was very well maintained. Perfect spot for star gazing!
S
Sri C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · With kids ·
WhiteAsh
Nice spot to camp with a great host. Very private and calm. The kids loved picking wild mulberries.
E
Eliza D.
5 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
16 ft car ·
WhiteAsh
It was a very nice campsite. Very pretty and quiet and close to Lake Ontario.
G
George V.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Simply Beautiful
Tent · With kids ·
WhiteAsh
This was a wonderful campsite hosted by a very kind lady. It's simply beautiful. It was very peaceful. If I am ever back in the neighborhood I would absolutely camp there again!
W
William L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Perfect Campsite
Tent ·
Spruce
Valerie’s campsites are spacious and gorgeous with many wildflowers, trees, and songbirds. She is a lovely host and we had a great time trying the locally made ciders around the fire and watching the sunset. At night you can hear the waves of Lake Ontario which is very relaxing. The composting toilet was also a big plus!
R
Ricky Dorian C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· April 2024
Went for the eclipse
Tent · With pets ·
Oak
Just spent the day to see the eclipse! You are close to other campers but the host is very nice!
K
Kristen S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
20 ft travel trailer · Group trip ·
Hawthorne
Nice, quiet campsite with a fire pit and compost toilet nearby. Bird watching was 10/10 and the directions were great. Valerie was a great host!
H
Heather S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Wonderful property; excellent host
20 ft campervan ·
WhiteAsh
Wonderful sites and location. Valerie is a gracious cordial host. fast text response. met me and guided me to my site. We shared the delight of the Solar Eclipse.
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Anita B.
4 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent ·
Oak
Valerie's place was lovely! great view of the stars, nice roaring campfire, and lovely views!
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Rachel P.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
lovely!
16 ft car ·
Blackberry
great communication with host. I wasn't unable to stay besides sleeping but it was a great spot!
M
Megan S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Solar Eclipse 2024
16 ft car ·
Sunrise Meadow
Valerie was very communicative & gave us great directions. Her farm is only 1/2 mile from the Sterling Nature Center (7min. drive) which is beautiful & has great trails overlooking Lake Ontario. We loved it & so did our dogs! We came for the solar eclipse Although, it was mostly cloudy we were able to see some of it & of course during totality it got very dark. All in all we had a great time! The only thing we weren’t crazy about is that our campsite was VERY close to the next camper but she moved to a site further away that evening. Perfect location if you want to camp near the lake.
C
Carolyn G.
12 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
WhiteAsh
Campsite was great and the property was beautiful. Our host, Valerie, was very kind and accomodating. We had a wonderful time all three days of our stay and would definitely recommend this site!
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Frank T.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
16 ft car ·
Hawthorne
Beautiful property and very nice host. And a short trip down to the local beach. Highly recommend this spot!
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Zachary B.
10 reviews
Recommends
· September 2023
Tent ·
Spruce
We felt so lucky that Valerie opened up her land to us! The spruce site was perfect for tent camping and very close to the cargo trailer where the composting toilet and wood bundles are kept. However, all the sites are within a 1-2 min walk, so close enough for access, but far enough away that it still feels private. Definitely bring a canopy, even if choosing a site with mature trees, as shade it hard to come by. And take the time to explore the nearby Sterling Nature Center- you'll definitely want to after a full night of listening to the waves crash along the shore!
E
Erica S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
Serene and Wonderful
Tent ·
Spruce
I had a great stay. Valerie met me and showed me around the property and told me a bit about its ownership history. Late in the season and during the week I was the only person there - quiet and serene. An added bonus was being able to see a rare Blue Moon from my tent. An easy hop off of the highway but less than a half mile to Lake Ontario.
S
Scott F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent ·
WhiteAsh
A lovely little oasis in farm country by the lake. Valerie is very kind and helpful and cares deeply about the ecology of her land.
L
Luke M.
3 reviews

Location

Sterling, Cayuga, New York, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Valerie D.

Joined in June 2019
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour

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