Camping around Black River, New York includes options for both primitive and developed sites with access to the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario waters. The region features several state parks within a 25-mile radius, with camping seasons typically running from May through October. Winter conditions make most campgrounds inaccessible from November through April due to snow accumulation and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: Wellesley Island State Park Campground provides a marina, boat launch and rentals for water activities. "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," notes a camper.
Hiking opportunities: The park network offers trails suitable for day hikes. "Nice place to ride your bike with a few hills," mentions one visitor about Wellesley Island. Another reports, "Hiking trails all over the park."
Castle explorations: Multiple historic castles provide cultural activities within short drives. "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," shares a camper at Cedar Point State Park Campground. "A great place for family and friends."
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds maintain designated swimming beaches. "The beach is nice but can get crowded," notes a visitor about Cedar Point State Park. "Playground and beach are awesome for family time."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Sun Outdoors Association Island offers premium water access. "Our site was a pull in and we faced a western view of Lake Ontario. We were treated to gorgeous sunsets and minimal light pollution at night. The stars were everywhere. We were able to drop our kayaks right in the water in front of our rig and paddle to our heart's content."
Spacious camping areas: Many campsites provide room to spread out. A camper at Wellesley Island State Park Campground mentioned, "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."
Natural beauty: The region features distinctive scenery. "The water is clear and cool," reports a camper at Sun Outdoors Association Island. Another notes, "You'll never see more beautiful sunrises and sunsets!"
Affordability: State parks offer cost-effective options. A camper at Wellesley Island stated, "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. Inexpensive I mean really inexpensive."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular waterfront sites require advanced planning. "If you don't grab a lakeside campsite early they will def be taken so reserve early!" advises a visitor to Westcott Beach State Park Campground.
Wind conditions: Lakeside areas experience significant wind. A reviewer at 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 and beware of winds if you want to be on the water."
Site variations: Campgrounds offer different levels of privacy and shade. "If you're tent camping and booking through reserve america, I HIGHLY recommend perusing the site map for some time to find a site close to the water and farther from the RV ring," suggests a camper at Wellesley Island.
Beach crowding: Public beach areas can become busy during peak periods. A Westcott Beach visitor mentioned, "It does get a bit crowded at the beach where people day visit but other than that it was a very pleasant experience overall and the campsites are pretty spaced out."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Bedford Creek Marina & Campground and other parks provide dedicated play areas. "Wonderful staff wonderful setting just always have a wonderful time there. I love everyone riding around on golf carts," notes a visitor.
Recreation programs: Some parks offer organized activities. One camper at Cedar Point mentioned the park has "a staffed rec hall with activities like scavenger hunts, art contests, and ping pong. Or you can borrow a book, hang a hammock and relax on the river."
Wildlife awareness: Local fauna requires proper food storage. Multiple campgrounds report regular visits from raccoons and skunks. "Watch out for the skunks and raccoons on this island, they are huge from partaking in campers food!" warns a Wellesley Island visitor.
Island experiences: Several campgrounds occupy island or peninsula locations. "You're on the same island as Boldt Castle. You need to pay a toll to get to the island. It's big enough that you can forget you're on an island," notes a visitor about Wellesley Island.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina provides developed pads. "Sites are concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great," reports a visitor.
Hookup availability: Various electric and water options exist throughout the region. "Electric and water on many sites. Cottages cabins and primitive sites available," notes a visitor at Wellesley Island. Another camper mentioned, "There are water spigots around the loop to fill up your fresh tank before setting your jacks."
Access considerations: Roads and entrances vary by location. "It's an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown," reports a Swan Bay visitor.
Seasonal differences: Weather and occupancy change dramatically. One camper at Swan Bay observed, "I'll start by saying Swan Bay is a busy, family-oriented campground. We arrived on a weekend and it was pretty busy but loved it during the week when everybody left and things were quieter."
