Best Campgrounds near Clayton, NY
The St. Lawrence River shapes the camping landscape around Clayton, New York, where several state parks and private campgrounds offer riverside accommodations. Cedar Point State Park Campground, located directly in Clayton, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water access. Other notable options within 15 miles include Wellesley Island State Park, Burnham Point State Park, and various private facilities like Riverside Acres Campground, which offers cabins alongside traditional camping areas.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with peak season running June through August. Roads throughout the area are generally well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles. "The campground is deep in the woods with spacious camp sites. Very secluded. Take a walk down to the beach as well," notes one visitor about Cedar Point State Park. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays and waterfront sites during summer months. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups and sanitary dump stations, though drinking water availability varies by location. Winter camping options are extremely limited due to harsh weather conditions and seasonal closures.
Waterfront campsites consistently rank as the most desirable developed campgrounds in the region, offering views of the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands. Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing access, making them popular with water recreation enthusiasts. Forested sites provide more shade and privacy than open riverside locations. Campers report that Cedar Point offers a good balance of wooded camping with water access. A visitor commented, "Wide assortment of sites and services. Waterfront sites don't have much shade but you get a great view." Wellesley Island State Park, though requiring a toll to access, offers larger sites and extensive recreational opportunities including hiking trails and a nature center. Families with children particularly appreciate the playgrounds and maintained beaches found at several state park camping areas.
