On The Road
Borrowing the name from Jack Kerouac’s classic beat generation tale of travels across the country, intermittently we’ll post accounts about our life on the road. Whether you’re traveling by motorhome, fifth wheel, trailer, camper, van, or SUV, there is so much out there to explore, and we want to bring you the very best to consider for your next adventure. Read on for our most recent excursion to Lake Canandaigua, the fourth largest lake in the Finger Lakes region in central New York.
Lake Canandaigua
Just over twenty miles southeast of Rochester is the tip of Lake Canandaigua in Ontario County, one of the 11 lakes that make up the Finger Lakes region, an area rich in culture, history, and leisure pastimes. “Canandaigua” is an iteration of a Seneca word meaning “the chosen spot.” Chosen it is, indeed, as the approximately 16-mile-long lake is majestic in its natural beauty and splendor, and a paradise for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. The many recreational offerings include kayaking, sailing, pontooning, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and paddle boarding, to name a few. With its proximity to greater Rochester, New York State’s fourth-largest city, Lake Canandaigua is a draw for both Upstate New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Lake House on Canandaigua
A major draw to the area is the Lake House of Canandaigua at the northernmost tip of the lake in the city of Canandaigua. The magnificent 124-room full-service luxury resort draws visitors from the region and internationally. The boutique resort offers multiple dining options, an on-site spa, free bike rentals, boat excursions, and more. Nearby Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park offers pristine views of the water, a boat launch, fishing options, picnic areas, a playground, and more. Although there is no RV parking available at the resort, there may be parking within the city of Canandaigua or the nearest RV park. Go for a dinner at the Rose Tavern or for a facial or massage at Willowbrook Spa for a treat while on the road.
Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
The Finger Lakes region is New York State’s top wine producing region, and one of the major draws for visitors annually are the many “wine trails” to visit, so much so that Wine Spectator recently awarded the Finger Lakes region the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year. Canandaigua Lake has its own called the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, which is a consortium of eight member wineries that take guests on a bespoke culinary and wine tour – perfect for any budding oenophile, collector, or connoisseur! Guests can purchase a Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail Passport and receive special discounts and free tastings at the member wineries.
Where to Stay
There are only a handful of dedicated RV parks around Lake Canandaigua. Since campgrounds are limited, it is advised to book early as site will sell out, especially in the high season. Stay Bristol Woodlands in the town of Canandaigua offers full hook-ups, classic tent sites, private camping and A-frame glamping options, and some pet-friendly sites as well. Call ahead or book online to reserve your spot.
Before You Go
Before you go, make sure you’re prepared with all the RV care, RV maintenance, and RV restoration accessories you’ll need. RVbyLIFE’s Life-Calk® polysulfide RV sealant and Life Seal® silicone/polyurethane RV sealant are two staples to have on hand for any quick on the road repair. The Stick scrapping tool also comes in handy and works well with our Release Adhesive & Sealant Remover. Of course, no trip would be complete without a bottle of all-purpose sanitizer. Our Sanitizer for Hands and Surfaces is made with only Benzalkonium Chloride and iodized water, so it won’t leave an odor or irritate the skin on application. It also continues working on surfaces once dry unlike alcohol-based sanitizer. For all other RV repair and maintenance needs, visit our website for our full product catalog.
Make sure to check out our other travel tales to find your next RV travel destination. Happy RV travels!
