RV parks in Canton, New York provide access to the St. Lawrence River valley region, characterized by mixed forests and waterways of the Thousand Islands area. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day, dropping to 55-60°F at night, while spring and fall camping often brings temperatures between 45-65°F. Most campgrounds in the region close by mid-October as temperatures frequently drop below freezing after this period.
What to do
Water sports on Cranberry Lake: The 7,000-acre lake offers excellent kayaking, fishing, and swimming opportunities with mountain views. "Camped for three nights. LOVED this place. The bathrooms are clean and there is plenty of hot water!" notes one visitor about Cranberry Lake Campground.
Winter activities near Fort Drum: During colder months, the recreation area provides access to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. A military family reports, "With my family and pets in tow, we took a weekend and committed it to nature and ourselves. Remington is a Military campground, but for the several military families looking to disconnect a couple of miles from home this would be it."
Fishing at Eel Weir State Park: The Oswegatchie River provides productive fishing spots for various species. "This campground is small but quiet and right on the water. They sell firewood right up the road or you can just visit the Amish for wood scraps. Favorite thing is the family of owls that inhabit the trees that you see every night," explains a camper at Eel Weir State Park Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront sunsets: The western-facing waterfront sites at many campgrounds provide exceptional sunset views. A visitor at Swan Bay Resort reports, "There is riverviews from just about every site which is nice and then there are sites right on the river, the river sites do face west, so you do get beautiful sunsets."
Dark skies for stargazing: Limited light pollution in the region creates excellent conditions for astronomical observation. One camper notes, "Quite dark at night, but that was a bonus as we were able to see the Milky Way!"
Nature center programs: Educational offerings for both children and adults provide insights into local ecosystems. "I really recommend heading to the nature center and following the trails there. The views are gorgeous and you get some great vistas," shares a camper at Wellesley Island State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal accessibility: Most campgrounds operate from May through September or early October due to winter conditions. "We stayed at Swan Bay Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY, for our last trip this year. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay!"
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. At Cranberry Lake, "the mosquitoes weren't bad at the campground itself, they are terrible on the trails this time of year, so bring your bug spray, or better yet, bug shirts!"
Wind conditions near rivers: Strong winds commonly affect riverfront sites and can damage equipment. "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."
Local shopping options: Most small towns have limited supplies for campers. "The Village of Cranberry Lake has some supplies, but not much except the very basics at the general store. You'll need to head to Star Lake or Tupper Lake for anything of significance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature recently updated play areas for children. At Jacques Cartier State Park Campground, "There's a great guarded beach if you have young ones with a newer playground right next to it. They pick up your trash everyday, just leave by the road. And on Saturdays a ice cream truck rolls through after dinner!"
Educational wildlife viewing: Opportunities to observe local fauna include guided programs. "Favorite thing is the family of owls that inhabit the trees that you see every night," reports an Eel Weir visitor.
Swimming safety: Supervised swimming areas with varying depths accommodate different age groups. "Swimming hole was nice and relaxing. Plenty of sand for the kids to play in and the water was warmer than expected," mentions a Jacques Cartier camper.
Family hiking trails: Short, accessible trails suitable for younger hikers connect many campgrounds. "The hike up and around Bear Mountain was a good workout and fun experience for our whole family (littlest is 6)," shares a Cranberry Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. A visitor at Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA notes, "The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept."
RV washing facilities: Some resorts offer specialized cleaning stations. "Great camp. Easy in and out for big rigs. Right on the St. Lawrence River. Many amenities to include 3 bay R.V. wash as well as car wash. Nice sites and some on the water with docks and a boat ramp," reports a visitor at Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA.
Riverfront parking considerations: Positioning for river views may require specific RV layouts. "All of there sites are on slabs, neat and clean hook ups. There is riverviews from just about every site which is nice and then there are sites right on the river."
Concrete pads availability: Several rv parks in Canton, New York and surrounding areas feature paved parking areas. "Blacktop roads, cement pads, big rig friendly, tiki bar, and a professional, polite, and efficient staff make this a great campground."
