Niagara Falls this summer

[MIMF]

DW has mentioned going to Niagara Falls for quit some time. This summer, we are gonna' do it. So, all you wise and wonderful folks, need some advice. Have done some searching and found a couple nice campgrounds around that area and am eager to hear what any of you would recommend.

[H. John Kohl]

My home NY campground is about 60 miles from the falls and 24 from Rochester.
Southwoods RV Resort in Byron, NY. Great folks and very friendly seasonal members too.
They hosted the 2009 NE Rally also.
Safe travels.

[padredw]

When we visited Niagara Falls for the first time (Summer before last), we drove up thorough Michigan, crossed over at Port Huron and spent a delightful four days at the 50 Point Conservation Park in Ontario. Our friends from the Montana forum, Ontmont and Donna, met us at the park and spent those days with us. They also took us over to the Canadian side of the falls. We crossed back over to Niagara Falls, NY and spent one night at a RVpark/motel right in town. I highly recommend 50 Point Conservation Area in Ontario.

[jpkelpe]

We stayed at the Park H John mentioned. it is very nice and the drive to Niagara was a very easy one. a plus is the cheaper fuel on the Indian Reservation you go thru. we did the US side one day and Canada the next. there are other interesting things to see near southwoods too.

[Art-n-Marge]

The Canada side has the better views since it's on the low side and looks up and there is lots of good stuff on that side. On the U.S. side it's not as developed. We stayed at a very low cost Motel on the U.S. side but spent most our time on the Canadian side. The U.S. side does have a walkdown area which was closed when we were there years ago. It should be open by now. I've heard others complain that there might be more crime on the U.S. side, but we didn't experience anything bad.

[twindman]

We stayed at Camp Resorts in Ontario side of Niagara Falls. I remember it as being okay. But looked at the campgroundreviews.com and back then (2007) the reviews were only 5/10 to 8/10. Same today. But the KOA has reviews of 8 or 9. They are both pretty close to the falls and on the main street with lots of places to eat.
Oh, we reserved a head of time for a 'early diner' at the top of the Casino. A nice view of the river/falls and the early price wasn't too bad.

[MIMF]

But, don't we need passports to be on the other side of the boarder? We should go ahead and get 'em anyway. This would be a great time to visit our northern neighbors!

[jimcol]

We took padredw's advice and stayed at 50 point. It is right in the middle of Ontario's wine country and about half way between the falls and Toronto.It is a nice facility but about an hour commute each way to the falls. If all you are going to do is visit the falls stay closer in. Makes it easier to view the falls both day and night. Easy to occupy 2 to 3 days on the Canadian side. Yes you need a Passport. Our neighbor at 50 Point said when he visits the Falls he stays at the KOA. Public transportation alone saved him $20 a day for parking. You won't regret the trip. Both beautiful and fun! Jim

[H. John Kohl]

quote:Originally posted by MIMF

But, don't we need passports to be on the other side of the boarder? We should go ahead and get 'em anyway. This would be a great time to visit our northern neighbors!

Yes you need passport or passcard.
I got the passcard because I did not plan on flying anywhere that required the passport.
Safe travels

[Rainer]

During our 2010 trip once around the U.S. we stayed at the Niagara Falls North KOA, it worked fine for us, and is very close to the falls.

http://koa.com/campgrounds/niagara-falls-north/

I was able to get a great photo from the U.S. side of the falls:

[MIMF]

H. John, I think we will go apply for our pass card. Don't see us doing any flying, either. That will also give us the flexability to cross the boarder if we decide to do so.

Rainer, I was looking at that campground, also. I know there are some members how do not like KOA but, we've not yet had any bad experiences with them, yet. Of course, the few times we've used them, was only for over night stays.

Thanks, folks. Think I feel a plan coming together.

[DonandBonnie]

A little bit of trivia... I have a copy of the battle atlas that the US Military Academy at West Point uses. Several actions took place around Niagara Falls during the War of 1812. The map shows the falls to the right and a little to the rear of where Rainer was standing when he took his beautiful photo. Amazing how much erosion has occurred in 200 years.

[Carole]

I agree with everyone who recommended 50 Point campground. Lovely park and really not that far from falls. Definitely go on the Canadian side and the States side, both are different and awesome. Ride the Maid of the Mist on States side for a neat experience. Also be sure to go to the litte town, Niagara on the Lake, think it is in Canada but not sure. kBeautiful little town. Then if you have time go on further South on the border and take the boat tour of the 1000 Islands and especially the Boldt Castle. Well worth seeing if you have time. Been to the falls several times and find it amazing every time. A must see. Have fun.

[racerjoe]

You do not need a passport to enter canada from the u.s. I live an hour away and go over 2-3 times a year. Picture i.d. Will work or my son got a enhanced drivers license that does the same.

[Carole]

Racerjoe, sounds like you know, but in 2009 we had to have either passport or pass card. I would hate to get there and couldn't go across. They also went through our Rv.

[jsmitfl]

Ive heard you can get into Canada ok without passport but coming back to US is another thing.

[racerjoe]

A photo i.d. Of some kind from the government,drivers license or something similar. As long as it is "offical". Yes,they do search r.v's but it is random. Sometimes it is a quick look,also talked to someone that must have been a little iffy in his answers,they just about stripped it and left it to him to put back. But very rare. I think canada is the only country you do not need a passport for,coming from the u.s. Don't know about mexico. DW uses her passport,just because,but I do not.

[Carole]

This is from a site on the Internet about passport documents. A lot of changes were made in 2009 and if they have changed since then I can't find that out for sure. This is an article I found and is in line with what we were told when we crossed the borders from Port Huron back and forth all the way to Nova Scotia. I would check with my passport office where you live to find out for sure. There are only 4 or 5 states that you can get the enhanced drivers licenses. Maybe this will help but do some checking on line for rules after 2009.

Documents Needed to Go Between Canada & USA by Car
TRAVEL TIPS


New laws regarding travel between Canada and the United States recently went into effect in the U.S. and resulted in a change in the documentation required to enter or re-enter the U.S. by car from Canada. Gone are the days when you can enter the U.S. with a driver’s license and birth certificate.


Recent changes in U.S. law require people to present a passport when entering or re-entering the U.S. from Canada by car unless they have other appropriate documentation. Canadian law also requires a passport or appropriate documentation when entering Canada from the U.S. by car.

WHTI

According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all persons entering or re-entering the U.S. from Canada by car must have a passport or one of the following WHTI compliant documents. These documents are Trusted Traveler’s Cards such as Nexus; state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, Enhanced Tribal Orders, U.S. military ID with travel orders, U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling on official maritime business, Native American Tribal Photo ID card or Form I-872 American Indian Card.

Canada

Canadian law requires all persons entering Canada from the U.S. by car present proof of citizenship and identity. A passport fulfills both of these requirements for U.S. citizens. A U.S. citizen can also use his Nexus card to fulfill both of these requirements. In lieu of a passport or Nexus card, a U.S. citizen must provide a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. However, be warned that if you go to Canada by car with your driver’s license and birth certificate but no passport you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. with these documents. Anytime you travel out of the U.S., obtain a passport unless you have a Trusted Traveler’s Card such as Nexus or other WHTI -approved documents.

Citizens of other countries traveling between the U.S. and Canada by car need proof of citizenship from their country and proof of identity. A passport from his country or a WHTI-compliant document will satisfy the border requirements for both the U.S. and Canada.

[mhs4771]

Passport are easy to get and aren't that expensive and are extremely good to have even if you don't have an immediate need. Just never know when they can come in handy. Much less hassle crossing the border with one.

[mrtgraz]

This is where we stay. Very nice. Electric in most sites. No water or septic hookups.http://www.reserveamerica.com/campin...=NY&parkId=336