Camping sites near Carthage, New York range from primitive forest locations to full-service campgrounds with RV facilities and cabins. The area sits in the Black River Valley between the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondack foothills, with elevations typically between 600-900 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping into the 50s at night, with moderate humidity and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Water activities on the St. Lawrence River: Swan Bay Resort offers boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals for exploring the St. Lawrence. "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," notes one camper.
Hiking at state parks: Whetstone Gulf State Park features a gorge trail with moderate difficulty and spectacular views. A visitor shares, "Did not slow the kids down. We also hike the gorge hiking trail. What a wonderful hike. Mid level rigor but the view of the gorge from the top are truly breath taking!!"
Fishing opportunities: Local waterways provide excellent fishing opportunities, especially at Green Pond in Bonaparte State Forest. "There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!" mentions one regular visitor to the area.
What campers like
Private sites at military campgrounds: Fort Drum Recreation Area offers a quieter experience than many public campgrounds. "Remington is a Military campground, but for the several military families looking to disconnect a couple of miles from home this would be it. They offer regular camping sites and RV sites, they also have a dog park for the little furry ones," writes a military family visitor.
Scenic waterfront views: Sun Outdoors Association Island provides waterfront camping with panoramic views. "Great location offering both sunrise and sunsets over the water of Lake Ontario. Loved the access to the water for our dogs to swim and for beautiful views. Our site backed up to the water and although it was windy they thought ahead and built the fire pit up to block it," reports a camper.
Trails and waterfalls: Whitaker Falls Park combines camping with natural attractions. "Whitaker park is such a fabulous place to spend a picnic day or stay for a few! Wide open flat fields for kickball or baseball and a view of the Adirondack foothills, spread out a blanket and read, play on the jungle gym or cook a great lunch on the grills at the pavilion."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through October with specific opening and closing dates. Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA runs from "May 12 to October 15," while Sun Outdoors Association Island operates "May 26 to October 9."
Bug populations: Lake areas can have significant insect activity. One camper at Association Island noted: "One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario. Be prepared to deal with this as we were not and had to vacuum inside the RV every night for about an hour."
Wind conditions: Waterfront sites often experience strong winds. "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," warns a visitor to Swan Bay Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. Whetstone Gulf State Park features a "Cute swimming hole, although the water was brisk, as it's a dammed steam. Did not slow the kids down."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds provide playground equipment. "The playground is awesome and huge with lots of cool features for kids to explore," notes a visitor to Swan Bay Resort about their facilities.
Child-friendly activities: Wellesley Island State Park provides diverse recreation options for children. "We camped here with one of our children, and had a wonderful time canoeing, fishing, and spending time together!" remarks one parent.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: Consider sun exposure when selecting sites. At Association Island, "The sunset is of course beautiful but sunrise sites are much bigger and can lead right to the water which is much nicer. It's a lot less windy and easier to be in the water."
RV facilities: Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA offers full hookups for RVs. "The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept. The laundry room and bathrooms were clean," reports a recent visitor.
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. For larger rigs, Swan Bay Resort offers ample space. "Our site was a 'standard site' near the pool, boat launch, activities, and Tiki Bar. All the sites are the same in that they have paved parking areas with gravel in front, pavers for a patio and full hook-up."
