by Jim Bessey

Created on: June 05, 2010

Down by the winding banks of the Canandaigua Outlet, in a lush little valley east of Phelps NY, lies a pleasant little family-owned camping resort named, appropriately, Cheerful Valley Campground. It's a twisty, grassy, shady glen filled with big trees and a wonderful variety of campsites. Located just off the New York State Thruway near Exit 42 and centered between Lyons, Geneva and Waterloo - Cheerful Valley attracts visitors from all over the United States. Campers will find everything from swimming and fishing, to horseshoes and volleyball, to music and movies in this quiet rural getaway.

Carl and Peg Carlson, 2nd-generation owners, took over day-to-day management about five years ago. They've been adding improvements ever since. This year, we found a brand new round-log play area next to the newly renovated pool. Utilities have been upgraded, and the grounds look fantastic. About one third of the more than 150 campsites are rented full-time by campers who take very good care of their sites. Plenty of open lots await weekend and vacation visitors.

There's room for no-hook-up tenters, pull-through motor homes, pop-ups and trailers, and plenty of choices for larger groups (with advance reservations). Cheerful Valley even includes two rental cabins situated between the main office and the pool area. The terrain varies from hilly or terraced to shady meadow, and from somewhat secluded to open and festive. A range of full-service sites are scattered throughout the campground, so that campers aren't confined to specific areas dictated by their choice of accommodations. Two sets of modern restrooms and hot showers are provided.

The campground follows the curve of a lush valley leading down to an wide bend on the Canandaigua Outlet, which is nearly wide enough to label a river here. While swimming in the creek isn't allowed, fishing is very much encouraged (catch and release). Broad, grassy areas offer plenty of space for flying kites or tossing Frisbees. Kids can tour the camp roads on the fire truck or spend a couple of hours in the game room by the store. Shuffleboard and horseshoe courts await the traditionalists. There are laundry facilities and propane-filling services, too.

Weekend and holiday campers can enjoy socializing at the open pavilion. There was music and dancing when we stopped in recently. Other events include ice cream socials, wine tasting, and Game Days. While the on-site store is fairly small, the location allows for easy shopping close by - even a restaurant near the Thruway exit. Nearby, Phelps and Lyons have more stores, restaurants, and service stations. In less than an hour you can reach the Waterloo Premium Outlet stores or visit historic Canandaigua for everything from wineries and water parks to lake cruises and the to lake cruises and the Sonnenberg Mansion. The rest of the Finger Lakes Region lies within easy day-tripping distance.

We've stayed at this camping resort in years past, and will certainly return again. We have friends who are reserving a year in advance as a group. Prices are reasonable and the whole place truly lives up to the name Cheerful Valley. Our revised Rating: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦  4 STARS (of 5) Recommended.

Cheerful Valley Campground, 1412 Route 14, Phelps, NY 14532 * (315) 781-1222

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