Camping near Copenhagen, New York features a variety of terrains from dense forested areas to waterfront locations along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The region sits at the edge of the Tug Hill Plateau, which receives over 200 inches of snow annually, making seasonal access considerations crucial for campers. Winter camping is limited with most campgrounds operating from May through October due to the harsh northern New York climate.
What to do
Hiking the gorge trail: Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground offers a challenging but rewarding gorge trail with spectacular views. One visitor shared, "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: The St. Lawrence River provides excellent fishing conditions, particularly at Wellesley Island State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Great fishing on the St. Lawrence is awesome!!! Catch some perch and have a fish fry back at camp! If you fish near the boat rental there is a place to clean you fish!"
Water activities: Swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are popular at many sites. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, visitors appreciate the direct water access: "We were able to drop our kayaks right in the water in front of our rig and paddle to our heart's content. The water is clear and cool."
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing. One camper at Wellesley Island State Park noted that visitors should "Watch out for the skunks and raccoons on this island, they are huge from partaking in campers food!"
What campers like
Island experience: Whitaker Falls Park provides a unique natural setting with waterfall views and gorge exploration. A visitor reported, "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."
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate the water views, especially at Sun Outdoors Association Island. As one camper described, "Small island that you get to by a causeway. You'll never see more beautiful sunrises and sunsets! Nice pool. Not a lot to do if you don't have a boat, but great for a short weekend."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer generous site sizes. At Fort Drum Recreation Area, a military-affiliated campground, one visitor commented, "They offer regular camping sites and RV sites, they also have a dog park for the little furry ones."
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and grounds. A camper at Whetstone Gulf State Park noted, "I can't say enough how clean the facilities were. My kids took their shoes off on Friday and did not put them back on until Sunday morning!"
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the Copenhagen area close during winter months. For example, Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA operates from "May 12 to October 15," while Whetstone Gulf State Park is open from "May 20 to September 5."
Wind conditions: Lakefront sites can experience significant wind, particularly at Sun Outdoors Association Island. A visitor noted, "Although it was windy they thought ahead and built the fire pit up to block it."
Bug preparedness: Insects can be problematic, especially near water. A camper at Sun Outdoors Association Island warned about "the amount of BUGS! Millions of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario. Be prepared to deal with this."
Primitive options: Winona State Forest offers dispersed camping with minimal amenities. A camper reported, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. There were some firewood set out except it was wet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. At Whitaker Falls Park, families can "play on the jungle gym or cook a great lunch on the grills at the pavilion."
Swimming options: Some campgrounds offer swimming areas specifically designed for families. A visitor to Whetstone Gulf State Park mentioned, "Cute swimming hole, although the water was brisk, as it's a dammed steam. Did not slow the kids down."
Space for activities: Look for campgrounds with open areas for games. One camper at Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground shared, "Beautiful campground! We visited on a weekend in August... Cute swimming hole, although the water was brisk, as it's a dammed steam. Did not slow the kids down."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. A visitor to Wellesley Island State Park recommended to "learn at the nature center," noting it has "great swimming" options as well.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Some campgrounds have varying electrical hookup capacities. At Whetstone Gulf State Park, "not all sites have the same electric, there 2- 50 amp, some 30 amps and some 15 Amp."
Dump station access: Check if your campground has dump facilities. At Cedar Creek Cabin, a visitor noted they have "30 amp electric, water to fill your tank, and a dump station."
Arrival assistance: Some campgrounds provide setup help. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, "At check in they take you to your spot and help you get settled in. That is a marriage saver."
Site privacy considerations: Site privacy varies between campgrounds. A visitor to Wellesley Island State Park recommended "perusing the site map for some time to find a site close to the water and farther from the RV ring."
