Camping sites near Clayton, New York offer direct access to the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region. The area contains both New York State Park campgrounds and private facilities, with most staying open from May to October when temperatures range from 55-80°F during summer months. Winter camping options are virtually nonexistent due to temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At Kring Point State Park Campground, almost every part of the park offers fishing access. "Great fishing from almost every part of this park. Two beaches to swim. Almost every campsite is on the water," notes Brian F.
Paddling opportunities: The St. Lawrence River provides excellent paddling conditions for canoes and kayaks. A visitor at Burnham Point State Park mentioned, "Paddling the St. Lawrence River was a highlight and it was also super convenient to be able to get work done via my hotspot right from our site."
Exploring hiking trails: Many campgrounds feature walking paths through wooded areas. At Wellesley Island State Park Campground, one camper recommended: "I really recommend heading to the nature center and following the trails there. The views are gorgeous and you get some great vistas."
Boat tours and castle visits: When staying at campgrounds in the region, day trips to historic sites are popular. "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. Watch the cargo ships cruise the channel," explains a Wellesley Island visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Cedar Point State Park Campground features sites with direct water access. A visitor noted, "The campground was clean. The water view was amazing. The clear sky at night was wonderful for looking at the stars."
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds in the area provide adequate room between sites. One Wellesley Island camper shared, "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."
Well-maintained facilities: State parks in the region typically feature clean amenities. A visitor at Grass Point State Park Campground commented, "Beautiful Grounds, Flowers, Clean Rest Rooms and Showers. Great Views. Friendly and Helpful State Park Workers!"
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature designated swim areas with varying facilities. A Kring Point visitor explained, "Two beaches to swim. Almost every campsite is on the water," while another camper at Grass Point observed, "The beach didn't really have any sand. But had stone steps to walk into the water. They had a life guard on duty."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. A Kring Point visitor warned, "It's so nice it's hard to reserve, because people grab it nine months in advance!"
Weather considerations: The St. Lawrence River area can experience significant winds. A Burnham Point camper noted, "Depending on day—extremely very windy and cold! But the view is beautiful."
Site selection importance: Some campgrounds have varying site quality. At 1000 Islands Campground, a visitor cautioned, "We arrived on July 5th for 5 nights. Our original site was listed at 55', but there was no way our 43' camper would fit, nor make the tight turn into it."
Limited privacy at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer secluded sites. One camper at Dewolf Point observed, "The sites are too close together. You can hear other campers conversation."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many area campgrounds feature play equipment for children. A Cedar Point visitor mentioned, "The playground was well kept, and the playground was perfect for our kids (8 and younger)."
Protected swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swim areas that offer safety features. At Swan Bay Resort, "There are 2 pools, a tiki bar, a food truck, and nice communal hang-out areas."
Recreation programs: Some parks offer organized activities for children. A visitor at Cedar Point noted, "One of the few state parks I have been to that offer a staffed rec hall with activities like scavenger hunts, art contests, and ping pong."
Family-friendly pricing: State parks typically offer more economical rates than private resorts. A Wellesley Island visitor remarked, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric, but water and sewer connections vary. At Swan Bay Resort, "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."
Site surface conditions: Different campgrounds feature varying pad types. At Wellesley Island, "All roads are paved with grass and gravel sites. We were on site H33 in the Heron Loop with 30A electric. There are water spigots around the loop to fill up your fresh tank before setting your jacks."
Facilities for larger rigs: Some campgrounds better accommodate bigger RVs than others. A visitor at Swan Bay Resort noted, "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."
Seasonal pricing considerations: Rates can vary significantly between sites and seasons. One camper at Swan Bay explained, "This place is a bit pricey. What I spent here for 2 nights I could have stayed a week at a KOA, so I did pay for those beautiful river sunsets."
