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Best Tent Camping near Alexandria Bay, NY

149 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent campers visiting Alexandria Bay, New York have several island-based camping options in the Thousand Islands region. Mary Island State Park and Cedar Island State Park offer tent camping with the unique requirement that all sites are only accessible by boat. Both parks operate seasonally from late May through early September and provide basic amenities for tent campers seeking a more remote experience on the St. Lawrence River. Winona State Forest, located southwest of Alexandria Bay, offers primitive dispersed camping options for tent campers seeking a mainland alternative.

Most tent sites in the Alexandria Bay area require careful planning and self-sufficiency. Island campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and basic toilet facilities, but campers must transport all gear and supplies by boat. Cedar Island and Mary Island both have electric hookups available at some sites, though many tent campers prefer the more primitive spots with better water views. At Winona State Forest, primitive camping includes only basic fire rings with no amenities, potable water, or modern facilities. A small black and yellow placard marks designated camping areas in the forest. According to one visitor, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find... Overall a good free quiet place to camp."

Tent camping near Alexandria Bay provides uncommon solitude compared to other popular New York destinations. The boat-only access to island campgrounds naturally limits crowds and creates a peaceful atmosphere. Sites on Mary Island and Cedar Island feature separation between campsites, offering privacy and scenic water views. A visitor commented that Mary Island offers "the best camp site I have ever had the privilege of enjoying... Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands." For mainland tent campers, Winona State Forest provides quiet, heavily wooded sites with access to trail networks for hiking and, during winter months, serves as a hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

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Best Tent Sites Near Alexandria Bay, New York (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Alexandria Bay, NY

2 Photos of 12 Alexandria Bay Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Alexandria Bay, NY

149 Reviews of 12 Alexandria Bay Campgrounds

  • John L.
    Nov. 11, 2019

    Wellesley Island State Park Campground

    Fine camping 1000 islands

    NYS may get tons of flack for its politics and politicians. However they're doing it all correct in their state parks. This park is amazing. The views of the ST. LAWRENCE River are amazing. You're around some of the best fishing in the country. We'll. Manicured campground. It's huge by the way. Tons of playgrounds and swimming. Always clean everything. Always friendly staff and campers. Inexpensive I mean really inexpensive. You're 10 min from Alexandria Bay. Boldt castle, singer castle, you can go on river cruises and view these beautiful islands and homes on them. Watch the cargo ships cruise the channel. Electric and water on many sites. Cottages cabins and primitive sites available. Hiking trails all over the park. There's a marina, boat launch and boat rentals. Docking. You can even day trip it use public grills and still enjoy everything the park has to offer. We have so much fun here. It's hard to pack and go home.

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Kring Point State Park Campground

    Waterfront sites with amenities

    I am tent camping and found my site (105) to have a couple of relatively level areas to choose to set up my tent on. This site is on Goose Bay, but the sites across the road are on the St Lawrence River just a few hundred feet away. Water nearby, brand new bathrooms with showers and two kitchen clean up stations are a short walk away. Every site has a fire ring with a grill and picnic table. Loons are calling, a mink scampered by on the flat rock shore 15’ away with a fish in its mouth. This place is quiet and peaceful. I will 100% return!

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Soft Maple Campground

    Small and completely gorgeous! Beach, wooded sites, great for everyone.

    Soft Maple is a truly gorgeous small campground. Only about a dozen sites or so, first come first serve. Level sites for RVs or tent or hammock camping. Each site has a nice space with fire ring and picnic table. The beach is lovely and clean. There’s boat access for canoes and kayaks as this is part of the Beaver River route. 

    The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites.  

    Charlie is the caretaker here and everyone says he is the nicest person you’ll meet.  You can’t beat site number 11 for the perfect mix of treelined and water view!

    There is space for RVs and a dump station but the sites do not have power or hookups. 

    If you come in to the campground from “number 4 road” (aka state rt. 26) it’s exactly five miles from the Left turn on to Soft Maple rd. If you have time, stop halfway- the 2.5 mile mark will bring you to the entrance for Eagle falls, a short hike with a fantastic reveal.

  • Mary S.
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Burnham Point State Park Campground

    Good overnight stop; bring a boat if you stay longer

    This is a good stopping point, but there isn't much to do unless you bring a boat. Or you could use it as a base for exploring other areas in the Thousand Islands. It's only about 10 miles from Clayton.

    We stayed here on a bicycle trip from Rochester to the Thousand Islands at the end of a 63 mile day. Don't let anyone tell you it's not a hilly trip coming up along Lake Ontario to the Thousand Islands! There will be hills! The good news is there are NY state parks along the way.

    Burnham Point is a small (less than 50 sites) campground on the St. Lawrence River. It was a good stopping point after seeing the lighthouse in Cape Vincent on our way. There are sites by the river that are tent only but we pitched our tent up above. The tent sites were rather difficult to get to with our bikes. There wasn't much shade where we settled, but the sun was not intense as we arrived in the early evening and left the next morning. Unfortunately, I have no site photos and only have a photo of the sunset...but it's a beautiful view.

    Restrooms/showers were clean, and there was electricity at the site. Unfortunately, the bugs were bad but that's just a summertime hazard in the Northeast.

  • R
    Jul. 21, 2021

    Wellesley Island State Park Campground

    Nice State park

    We camped in loop F site 43 with full hookups, nice asphalt pad picnic table and fire ring. Our site is located adjacent to a mowed grass path that leads to the main road, close to the camp store. Beautiful area, lots of hiking and biking trails and swim area.

  • k
    Jun. 30, 2016

    Keewaydin State Park Campground

    Keewaydin

    Great campsite, but very crowded. The staff was very kind and always checks in. The restrooms and showers is very clean. There are fire rings and picnic tables

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina

    This is a great park.

    We stayed at Swan Bay Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY, for our last trip this year. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! 

    This is a great park. It’s an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown. The staff was great— friendly and helpful. 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. 

    The park has 2 swimming pools, a tiki bar, a food truck, and nice communal hang-out areas. There’s a marina with pontoon boat rentals. They put on Octoberfest during our stay which featured a live band and food and craft vendors. 

    There are plenty of restaurants and stores nearby. Adjacent to the entrance is a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes. 

    I have nothing bad to say about this place and encourage you to visit when you can.

  • Sara H.
    Aug. 7, 2019

    Keewaydin State Park Campground

    No hookup

    When we got there there was no one in the sign in station. No electricity or water hookups. We reserved online and there was a mix up. We reserved 3 days got there and found out there was no hookups we were told if we cancelled we would only get a few dollars back. Pool looked nice

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Wellesley Island State Park Campground

    crowded. fine if you're spending your days on the water

    We came to this campground after a week in Algonquin Provincial park in Canada and the contrast couldn't have been greater. Up north we stayed on a large, shady site in a radio free loop and everyone had canoes. In New York we had a cramped, open site and everyone seemed to have a motorboat on a trailer. Our neighbors across the road set up a movie screen . The overall feel was NOT "getting away from it all".
    The facilities are good and there's a nice beach and well stocked General store, also a big boat ramp facility with some docks.
    We chose this location because we were attending the Antique Boat Show in Clayton, 13 miles away, and this was the closest available. It suited us just fine for that.
    Keep your stuff secure, there are brazen raccoons.

Guide to Alexandria Bay

Tent camping options around Alexandria Bay primarily consist of boat-access sites on islands in the St. Lawrence River and primitive forest locations. The Thousand Islands region spans approximately 1,864 islands situated where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River. During summer months, water temperatures average 68-70°F, creating favorable conditions for swimming and boating during peak camping season.

What to do

Water recreation access: Cedar Island State Park Campground requires boat transportation to reach camping areas, creating a unique island experience. According to Justin S., "You need a boat to get here, making it one of our favorite places to camp in NY. There are quite a few sites here, all pretty private, but still make reservations. Nice to have separate docks for the campers."

Winter activities: Winona Forest CCC Camp transforms into a winter recreation hub when snow blankets the region. Camper Quade S. notes, "This is a hub for several snow mobile, cross country ski, and snow shoe trails. Several folks visited on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the last bit of the snow."

Ropes course experiences: For families seeking structured outdoor activities, Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc offers both water and land recreation. Elizabeth B. mentions, "Swimming, canoes, and a high ropes course, gathering around the campfire to end the day- Beaver Camp has it all."

What campers like

Island solitude: Some of the best tent camping near Alexandria Bay, New York involves boat travel to isolated sites. Harry H. describes Cedar Island: "Really memorable due to it being on an island within the 1000 Islands, but the campsite itself is simple, pretty clean, rustic. Be sure to take in the sunrise/set while there."

Primitive forest sites: Winona State Forest appeals to campers seeking rustic, no-frills experiences with minimal crowds. Kevin C. reports, "The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail."

Cost-free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate free camping alternatives near Alexandria Bay. Thomas E. from Winona State Forest shared, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. Overall a good free quiet place to camp."

What you should know

Boat requirements: Island campsites around Alexandria Bay cannot be reached without watercraft. One Cedar Island camper, Harry H., cautions, "The first time we went here we didn't realize you need a boat to get to the campsite, luckily some other visitors gave us a ride."

Campground size limitations: Mary Island State Park Campground offers limited sites, necessitating advance reservations during peak season. The park operates seasonally from May 27 to September 4, matching Cedar Island's operational calendar.

Self-sufficiency needs: Remote camping near Alexandria Bay requires bringing all necessary supplies. Quade S. advises about Winona Forest, "If you camp here, you need to be self sufficient as there is no running water or electricity. There is a dollar general about 15 minutes away if you need some supplies."

Tips for camping with families

Consider structured programs: Della Terra provides tent sites with access to nearby attractions. Ashley F. notes, "This property is rural and beautiful. There is solar power to provide you with your electrical needs. 15 miles from Whetstone Gulf State Park!"

Book multi-day family options: Overnight camp programs offer structured family activities with established facilities. Elizabeth B. explains, "Weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course."

Water safety preparation: Island camping requires water crossings, necessitating life jackets for all family members. Sites on Cedar Island feature separate docks for campers, but families should prepare children for boat transportation and establish water safety rules before arrival.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accessibility: Most campgrounds around Alexandria Bay have minimal facilities for larger vehicles. Quade S. describes the Winona Forest area, "I took my small RV here on its maiden voyage. I found this spot on Google maps just pouring over imagery. There are 3 large buildings, a parking lot up front and a gravel driveway."

Site selection considerations: Tent camping provides greater flexibility in the Alexandria Bay region compared to RV options. The majority of designated camping areas prioritize tent camping, with Cedar Island and Mary Island prohibiting vehicle access entirely.

Seasonal timing strategies: The optimal tent camping season near Alexandria Bay runs from late May through early September. Most island campgrounds close after Labor Day weekend, while primitive forest sites remain accessible until weather conditions deteriorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at St. Laurent tent campground in Alexandria Bay?

Tent campgrounds in the Alexandria Bay area offer varying amenities. At Canoe Point State Park Campground, you'll find basic facilities for tent camping. For more primitive options, Francis Lake provides clean campsites with two fire circles and an outhouse. The site accommodates two or three tents and offers excellent access to water for swimming and kayaking. Most tent campgrounds in the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary by location. For sites on islands, expect more rustic accommodations with basic facilities maintained by park staff.

Where is St. Laurent tent campground located in Alexandria Bay?

St. Laurent tent campground is located near the Thousand Islands region in Alexandria Bay, New York. While not specifically a St. Laurent campground, Mary Island State Park Campground offers tent camping in the area and is accessible only by boat. It's situated among the islands with beautiful views of the water and surrounding islands. Similarly, Cedar Island State Park Campground is another boat-accessible option in the Alexandria Bay area, providing a unique island camping experience within the Thousand Islands.

When is the best time to visit St. Laurent tent campground in Alexandria Bay?

The best time to visit tent campgrounds in the Alexandria Bay area is late spring through early fall (May to September), when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer months (June-August) offer ideal conditions for water-based recreation at locations like Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc, which features swimming and canoeing on Beaver Lake. Early fall provides beautiful foliage with fewer crowds. For island camping options like Winona State Forest, weekdays typically offer more solitude than weekends. Many campgrounds in the region close or have limited services during the winter months.

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