Cabin camping near Alexandria Bay, New York offers accommodations set along the St. Lawrence River and within view of the Thousand Islands. The region sits at the northeastern edge of Lake Ontario where water depths average 283 feet, creating a unique ecosystem for fishing. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, while summer highs typically reach 75-85°F with high humidity levels.
What to do
Water activities: Fish for pike and smallmouth bass at Kring Point State Park Campground, where the St. Lawrence River provides prime fishing spots. "Great fishing from almost every part of this park. Two beaches to swim. Almost every campsite is on the water," notes reviewer Brian F.
Outdoor recreation: Rent boats and explore the shoreline at Swan Bay Resort. The resort offers pontoon boat rentals from their marina, giving visitors access to the river. According to reviewer Nancy W., "There is a free boat launch and boat slips for guests. I was hoping to spend a bit of time on my paddleboard but soon realized it is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle."
Hiking: Follow nature trails through the region's diverse landscape. The trails at Wellesley Island feature shoreline views and forest paths. As one camper explained, "I really recommend heading to the nature center and following the trails there. The views are gorgeous and you get some great vistas."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Wake up to river views at Grass Point State Park Campground. The park offers direct water access and swimming areas. "Beautiful Grounds, Flowers, Clean Rest Rooms and Showers. Great Views. Friendly and Helpful State Park Workers!" writes Debbie W.
Sunsets: Watch colorful evening skies over the St. Lawrence River. The western-facing sites provide excellent sunset viewing opportunities. One visitor to Swan Bay Resort wrote, "Our waterfront pull-IN site was a level concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great. Oh, and the best part was our view of the St. Lawrence River with passing ocean liners and lots of migrating birds."
Space and privacy: Find secluded spots at Wellesley Island State Park Campground. "We stayed at site Bluejay 3. Very spacious and private. We reserved the site 3 days prior and still found most waterfront campsites already reserved," reports Erin B.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for summer visits to secure waterfront sites, especially at popular parks. "It's so nice it's hard to reserve, because people grab it nine months in advance!" mentions a Kring Point State Park visitor.
Wind conditions: Prepare for strong winds along the St. Lawrence River. This can affect boat launches, paddling, and awnings. A visitor to Swan Bay Resort noted, "Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper."
Off-season limitations: Check operating dates when planning spring or fall cabin stays. Many parks close by mid-September or early October. Dewolf Point State Park Campground has a shorter season, operating "May 20 to September 19" according to its listing.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Choose campgrounds with play areas for children. Several parks feature well-maintained playgrounds. "The playground was extremely nice! We will definitely camp there in the future," writes Sara H. about Grass Point State Park.
Swimming options: Look for beaches with lifeguards during summer months. Some parks offer supervised swimming areas with gradual entry points. "We had fun swimming there. The beach didn't really have any sand. But had stone steps to walk into the water. They had a life guard on duty," reports Sara H.
Spacious sites: Select larger sites for family camping at 1000 Islands Campground. "Extremely clean, well run and has the most options for all kinds of camping. The grounds are spotless, as are the bathrooms and showers," according to Kathi V.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request assistance with backing in at arrival. Staff at some parks will help guide you to your site. At Swan Bay Resort, "Check-in was quick and easy. The park is gated so you get a gate card to enter the park."
Utilities: Confirm hookup locations before arrival as setups vary between parks. At 1000 Islands Campground, "Our original site was listed at 55', but there was no way our 43' camper would fit, nor make the tight turn into it. The owner quickly moved us to another site and we're happy with the result," reports Bryan.
Shopping access: Note nearby supply options for groceries and camping needs. Swan Bay Resort has "a Price Chopper Grocery, Dollar General, gas station, and wine and liquor store" within walking distance according to Nancy W.
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