Junius Ponds Campground, Phelps NY (May - June 2022)

Junius Ponds Campground located in Phelps, NY in the heart of the beautiful finger lakes area of central/western NY State.
 

 

The campground is located about 1 mile from the NYS thruway,  making it very accessible in terms of avoiding smaller lesser known roads in search of your campground.   

Head east on rte 318 for about 1 mile and look for the camping sign on the right, the road on the left.  It will say dead end, but don't be worried, the campground entrance is at the end of the road.

There is a welcome gate outside with someone who is occasionally checking traffic as there is a $5 fee for visitors.  Campers get a piece of paper to put in their windshield describing their truck.  Come straight through and find the registration office directly to your front.

Wherever your spot, with all the campground roads, it should be easy to find.

The campground is sprawling with lots of sites and mature trees.  The shade is very nice and the space between campsites is good.  Some areas are a little more compact than others but overall, lots of pretty green space for you and your dog.

Site 42 - look at all the green space to our front!

 

Solid Amenities

The main bathroom and shower facility are located in the middle of the campground.  Four showers each in the men and women's shower room. They are clean and accessible. There are 3 dumpsters that get emptied on Monday and Friday.  This matters if you have stayed at a park where the garbage is overflowing at the end of the week.  There is a laundry room with newer washers and dryers with change machine available.  There are a couple nice pavilions that can be used or  rented if you plan a bigger gathering.  The main office is spacious and well maintained complete with an attached game room.  Just outside the main office and game room is an little arcade and a nice in ground pool.

There is tons of beauty in this very well maintained park.  Lots of grass, trees and roads to meander on.  There are nice fields to play some Bocce ball, Horseshoes, Bags and Latter ball.  Lots of playgrounds and a nice indoor swimming pool, basketball and pickle ball courts.

Bocce, Horseshoes, Corn Hole and Latter Golf

 

Proximity to NYS Thruway and Rte 318

One drawback, especially if your spot is on the wrong end of the campground, is the proximity to the NYS thruway.  While convenient, its very noisy.  Our first spot at the campground was on the noisy end,  our second spot was on the other end of the campground and much quieter. 

This past Saturday, there was live music, which my wife and I wondered down to listen too, very nice!  There are plenty of scheduled events for adults and children.  This weekend there is beer tasting - sign me up and a open house for local barbecue dishes - sign me up again. 

Beautiful Willows and green space

 

Wildlife galore!

The most memorable feature of the campground is the wildlife.  In abundance, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, robins, finches, morning doves and geese - including babies and lots of dogs.  We met Gunner(Sheppard) Maverick(husky), Katie(poodle mix) and Diesel(gorgeous black English lab).

Most sites include new, well maintained picnic tables and fire rings.  We purchased a full cord of wood upon our arrival and they delivered it to our site, convenient.  We have enjoyed much outdoor time in our spacious green spot near our fire ring. 

Looping walking trail

Fountain pound

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campground Roads and Sites

The roads are easy to follow, with speed bumps on most.  They are nicely paved and have some stone and  are mostly flat with a couple minor hills.  The roads snake all over the campground weaving in and out of mature pine trees and offer lots of pretty, well maintained seasonal sites where residents have made it their home away from home.  Lots of little gnome gardens, solar lights, porches, flags, tables, grills and outdoor seating around fire pits.

We have walked all over the campground and still get a little turned around, especially when its dark.  We don't mind, wandering in the park and not seeing the same things is appealing.  Most of our walks include the expressions "look honey, another bunny!" or "these trees are gorgeous" or "oh, look at that site".  The roads are excellent for biking too!  

Our total time at the campground was 8 weeks at two different locations.

Expense

We paid 1000 for each month, which includes full electric, water and sewer hookup.  The nice strong WIFI signal was an additional expense of $3 a day.  The strong signal supports streaming all your favorite content. 

Convenience Store Near by

There is basic camping supplies in the main office, including soft ice cream and slushees. If you run out of milk, cookies or pods, there is a gas station with a seven eleven about one mile down the road on rte 318. 

Social Aspects

Most people at the campground are seasonal.  Its obvious by the way campers clam their spots with tons of decorations and outdoor living furniture, patios, grills etc.  There are some long term spots - these are the ones we stayed in, and lots of temporary spots with campers coming and going.  Its pretty quiet during the week, but plenty busy on weekends.  The other fun observation of the seasonal campers is the abundance of golf carts!  Lots of them, to the point where the seasonal campers do a little parade around the campground in their carts.  We sit at our fireside and wave as they all go riding past ;)

Staff

We meet the owner Eric, who lives across the street from the campground.  We have seen him out working most days.  Rick is another staff member who has made us feel welcomed.  In the main office is Kathy, who is very helpful and efficient at her job.