Tent campsites near Canton, New York include a mix of island-accessible and mainland primitive sites. The region features multiple ponds and waterways within the St. Lawrence River watershed, with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall camping brings cooler 45-65°F temperatures with occasional frost.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: Jones Pond offers excellent kayaking access with a hand launch area near the entrance. According to Robert K., "You can walk down to the water, which is only a small ledge and enough space to put a chair," making it convenient to enjoy the water throughout your stay at Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites.
Take a boat to island sites: Cedar Island requires watercraft access, creating a more secluded experience. As Justin S. notes, "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." Prepare for a unique camping adventure by securing transportation to Cedar Island State Park Campground.
Explore off-season opportunities: The Canton area offers more availability during shoulder seasons. Sites like Middle Pond Campsite become much easier to secure outside peak months. Kurt V. explains, "This campsite is a first come first serve site located along Floodwood Road. Beautiful location but this campsite is popular during the summer months. Off season is generally when you will find this campsite available."
What campers like
Island privacy: Campers consistently praise the seclusion offered by boat-access campgrounds. Matt L. describes Mary Island State Park as "The best camp site I have ever had the privilege of enjoying. You can only get to it by boat. How awesome!? Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands." Mary Island State Park Campground rewards the extra effort with exceptional isolation.
Varied site options: Jones Pond provides multiple camping styles across its five primitive sites. Dylan J. notes, "Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road. It is the only site that would be accessible for larger rigs such as an RV. Site #2 is along the water and is accessible by car/suv/truck. Site #4 is very large and could be occupied by a large group and multiple vehicles."
No reservation requirements: Free, first-come primitive sites appeal to spontaneous campers. According to Dylan J., Jones Pond sites "are on a first come basis and are free to use. You can stay a maximum of three nights without a permit." This allows flexibility for weekend trips without advance planning.
What you should know
Vehicle access limitations: Many primitive sites have rough access roads requiring appropriate vehicles. At Jones Pond, site #5 requires careful navigation as Tyler C. experienced: "I went back to site for packed up a bunch of stuff into the truck and left the truck tent in there since it takes about 30 minutes to take up and down, I had walked the road a couple of times to see if I could get my truck down there, definitely need four-wheel-drive."
Bathroom facilities vary: Primitive sites typically have minimal facilities. At Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites, Dylan J. found "two pit toilets, both primitive, one of which did not have a door when we visited." Bring supplies accordingly.
State parks have seasonal closures: Most Canton area state parks have limited operational seasons. Cedar Island and Mary Island State Parks both operate from "May 27 to September 4," closing after Labor Day weekend. Plan trips within these windows or seek primitive sites for off-season camping.
Tips for camping with families
Consider privacy expectations: Holiday weekends bring more traffic to primitive sites. Tyler C. shares from Jones Pond: "It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them. Also a lot of people just walking the road, so privacy can really be hit or miss."
Check for specific amenities: When camping with children at Della Terra, know that it offers "solar power to provide you with your electrical needs" according to Ashley F., which can be helpful for families needing to charge devices or run small appliances.
Book island sites early: For unique family experiences, island campgrounds require planning. Harry H. remembers Cedar Island as "memorable due to it being on an island within the 1000 Islands," but cautions about preparation: "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup options: Near Canton, only a few state parks accommodate larger RVs. Canoe Point State Park offers electric hookups and accommodates bigger rigs, but Michael B. warns about the atmosphere: "Everyone else who came were in basically large party-boats with multiple rooms for sleeping, though they set up tents (and didn't sleep until almost daybreak...it was loud, foul language the entire time)."
Primitive site size restrictions: At Jones Pond, only Site #1 can accommodate larger vehicles. Dylan J. confirms this limitation: "It is the only site that would be accessible for larger rigs such as an RV." Other sites require smaller campers or SUV-based setups.
Bring sufficient supplies: With limited amenities at primitive locations, RVers must be self-contained. Sites lack drinking water, hookups, and dump stations. Pack accordingly with ample fresh water and plan for waste management when selecting tent campsites near Canton.
