Between the Tug Hill Plateau and Thousand Islands region, Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground sits on 40 forested acres with sites that accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. The campground operates seasonally from late May through early September, offering electric, water, and sewer hookups alongside traditional tent camping areas.
Sites vary in their setup and privacy levels. Reviewers note that while some spots offer good seclusion among tall trees, others feel more open with less screening between neighbors. Site 14 receives particular mention for its size and relative privacy, though campers should expect to find the occasional maintenance issue upon arrival. The campground tends to attract larger RVs and families, creating what one visitor described as a "woodsy suburb" atmosphere rather than a backcountry experience.
The park features hiking trails including a gorge trail, and a small swimming area formed by a dammed stream. "Cute swimming hole, although the water was brisk," notes Matt N.. Facilities stay well-maintained according to multiple reviews, with clean restrooms and showers available throughout the camping season.
Access involves driving through rural farmland on roads that can become rough during wet conditions. The main office typically stays open until after 8 PM for late arrivals. For additional options in the region, campers can explore camping destinations around Martinsburg or check nearby Whitaker Falls Park.
Description
Whetstone Gulf State Park is built in and around a three-mile-long gorge cut into the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. The gorge is one of the most spectacular scenic vistas east of the Rocky Mountains. The park features wooded campsites, a scenic picnic area along Whetstone Creek, a man-made swimming area, and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, one of which circles the gorge. Above the gorge is Whetstone Reservoir, popular for canoeing and stocked with tiger muskie and large-mouth bass for fishermen.
Park Rules & Information: - No ATVs allowed in the park. A location is provided for loading and unloading of ATVs and access to ATV trails. ATVs can be on trailers on site but cannot be driven to on/off load. No bikes allowed on trails.
- Quiet hours are from 10PM to 7AM. Generators can be used only from 9-11AM and 5-9PM.
- Wood, ice, canoe rentals, and other merchandise are for sale at the toll booth.
<font color="red"><b>ATTENTION PET OWNERS:</b></font>
- Current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in (metal tags will not be accepted).
- At any time during your stay, pet owners may be required to provide proof of rabies inoculation upon request. Be sure to have this information available to present to park staff.
- Where pets are permitted, there is a maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and under control at all times.
- Do not leave pets unattended and always clean up after them.
- Pet owners/permit holders are liable for any damage, personal injury, or nuisance caused by the pet.
SWIMMING: Each year the campground makes every effort to provide safe swimming opportunities by testing the water and by keeping the swimming areas staffed with lifeguards. Please be aware that if the safety of our swimmers is compromised due to lack of lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited. Swimming cannot be a guaranteed activity; therefore, we cannot offer refunds on camping stays. We apologize for this inconvenience as it may occur with little advance notice.
Looking to reserve a campsite for just 1 night? If you make your reservation within 3 days of your arrival you can book a 1-night stay online or through the RA Call Center (1-800-456-2267). *Applies to campsites only.
PRE-REGISTRATION: Have an existing reservation? Don't forget to PRE-REGISTER!! Two days prior to arrival you can sign into Reserve America and pre-register. IT SAVES TIME.
LENGTH OF STAY: A camping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights. After which, the camping party and equipment must leave the site and facility for 48 hours before registering again for another site.
Please Note: To ensure fairness for all NY customers, any reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month Maximum Window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made.
OPRHP General Camping Rules, Information, and Cancellation Policy
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWhetstone Gulf State Park Campground is located in New York near Martinsburg
Directions
The park is located off Route 26, 6 miles south of Lowville, near the Adirondack Park. 315-376-6630
Address
6065 West Road
Lowville, NY 13367
Coordinates
43.70200012 N
75.46200082 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 38 min from Watertown, NY
- 50 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 26 min from Syracuse, NY
- 2 hrs 28 min from Glens Falls, NY
