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Best Campgrounds near Fort Drum, NY

265 Reviews

The Fort Drum area in upstate New York features a mix of state parks, private resorts, and dispersed camping options throughout the Thousand Islands region. Wellesley Island State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations along the St. Lawrence River, while Fort Drum Recreation Area provides military-affiliated camping approximately 15 miles from Watertown. Several developed campgrounds like Swan Bay Resort and Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA feature glamping options and full amenities, contrasting with more primitive sites at Payne Lake where dispersed camping is available.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to harsh winter conditions. The camping season generally begins around May 1st and extends through Columbus Day weekend. A visitor noted, "We stayed at Swan Bay Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY, for our last trip this year. It's an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown." Full-hookup sites are common at private campgrounds, while state parks typically offer a mix of electric sites and non-electric options. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront locations which fill quickly. Cell service varies throughout the region but remains reliable near larger towns like Watertown and Alexandria Bay.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct access to Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River. Campers frequently mention the opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. One review highlighted that Association Island is "beautiful with both sunrise and sunset views over the water of Lake Ontario." Facilities range from basic to comprehensive, with some locations providing amenities like swimming pools, boat rentals, and organized activities. State park campgrounds generally offer more privacy between sites compared to private resorts, though several reviews mention that popular waterfront sites can feel crowded during peak season. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, are commonly reported throughout the region's campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fort Drum, New York (80)

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Recent Camping Photos near Fort Drum, NY

103 Photos of 80 Fort Drum Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fort Drum, NY

265 Reviews of 80 Fort Drum Campgrounds

  • David H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Eel Weir State Park Campground

    Clean and vary nice area on river

    I love how it has great fishing and nice camp sites even let's you bring a boat nice clean showers and bathroom can easily find firewood near by as well..

  • T&J F.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico

    Unfortunate

    Pros: river is awesome, wading, catching crayfish, cooling off. Staff were consistently friendly. Sites were flat, easy to level travel trailer. Plenty of kid activities, foam party, obstacle course, balloon launch, etc. Large store. Game room. Bathrooms (at least near the playground) were spacious, with toilet, sink, shower. Cons: signs/photo ops were crooked/loose/broken. Planted annual flowers were dead, overgrown with weeds. Miniature golf holes were falling apart. Bounce pad had a hole in it. The sand from around the edge was blowing from that hole into kids eyes, nose, mouth. Bathrooms were dirty; each has a 2-roll toilet paper dispenser; by early evening two stalls had zero TP left. Tent sites had used toilet paper along the tree line where others had used it as a bathroom. Fire pits were old tire rims, which worked, but unable to cook anything on it

  • Scott H.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    1000 Islands Campground

    Close to Alexandria Bay

    We've camped there twice on extended weekends to visit the Bay and castles. Golf carts are welcome. The only issue was that people were not picking up after their dogs. We saw and had multiple dog piles in our campsite and on other parts of the campground.

    The ice cream shop Gals is wonderful!! PJs Ratrace had incredible fish fries. Both places are very near the campground.

  • Amandalynn P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest

    Great little spot to get away

    This is our go to area close to town but still just want to get away from it all. DEC is nice and stop and talk to the campers. There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!

  • E
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Wellesley Island State Park Campground

    Family of 4 Tent Camping

    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. Luckily, 2 waterfront sites were available at Bluejay 2 and 3 when we arrived, so we spent most of the time there fishing and canoeing. Bathrooms were a short walk down the road and mostly clean. Will certainly be back!

  • Paula G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Streamside RV Park & Golf Course

    Great place!

    This is a privately owned very nice campground! The owners take pride in their business and the grounds are meticulously kept. Everyone here is a golfer and there are no children.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    HTR Adirondacks

    Clean park

    Well maintained and has beach access to river.

  • Tami W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina

    4.85 stars

    I’d love to give the campground the full 5⭐️ that it deserves but there were a few things that need tending to. In spot 14 where we were located the wooden platform was a little rickety and the strip under door of the women’s restroom is very loose posing a tripping hazard since I’m disabled. But the staff at the store (which has everything you could ever want) was fantastic. The place was quiet and peaceful. Besides a few dogs running around with no leashes it was paradise. This place even has WiFi!!!

Guide to Fort Drum

Camping near Fort Drum, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the many trails available at campgrounds like Wellesley Island State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "There are a ton of trails, and the views are beautiful."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or swimming at places like Sun Outdoors Association Island. A visitor shared, "We loved camping here. There were many things to do for kids but also adults."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Cedar Point State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Great fishing from almost every part of this park."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and sites. One review for Kring Point State Park stated, "The bathrooms were clean, and the ladies at the check-in point were very nice and helpful!"
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A camper at Burnham Point State Park said, "Great view. Nice windy not too much tho. Quiet campground."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Swan Bay Resort have plenty for families. One visitor mentioned, "There were many things to do for kids but also adults."

What you should know

  • Booking in Advance: Popular sites fill up quickly. A camper at Wellesley Island State Park Campground advised, "Many tent-suitable sites right on the river are highly coveted, so you have to book way in advance."
  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have close sites. A visitor at Kring Point State Park noted, "The plots were so small with no privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Keewaydin State Park mentioned, "No electricity or water hookups."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Cedar Point State Park Campground said, "The playground was perfect for our kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family at Southwick Beach State Park Campground enjoyed, "The beach area and bathhouses were nice."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A visitor at Stillwater Reservoir mentioned, "It was nice and peaceful."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Swan Bay Resort noted, "Sites are large level concrete."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, book early. A visitor at 1000 Islands Association Island KOA said, "The full hook-up RV sites are also very difficult to book."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Some areas can have bugs, especially near water. A reviewer at Burnham Point State Park mentioned, "Bugs are a minimum."

Camping near Fort Drum, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Fort Drum military base?

Several excellent camping options surround Fort Drum in upstate New York. Fort Drum Recreation Area offers on-base camping with toilets and reservable sites that accommodate military personnel and their guests. For those seeking nearby alternatives, Southwick Beach State Park Campground provides beautiful Lake Ontario beach access with spacious sites. The region also features Hall Island State Forest for primitive camping, Wellesley Island State Park with full amenities, and Black River Bay Campground for a family-friendly experience. Most campgrounds in the area are open from May through October, with some offering extended seasons. Each location provides unique experiences from waterfront sites to wooded retreats, making the Fort Drum area a versatile camping destination.

Can you park an RV at Fort Drum camping facilities?

Yes, the Fort Drum camping facilities accommodate RVs with designated big-rig-friendly sites. The campground features drive-in access with reservable spots suitable for various RV sizes. For those seeking alternatives with full hookups near Fort Drum, Sun Outdoors Association Island offers excellent RV camping with all sites providing full hookup service just steps from Lake Ontario. Another option is Wellesley Island State Park Campground, which has dedicated RV sites with full hookups, featuring asphalt pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many RV-friendly campgrounds in the area are open from late spring through early fall, with some offering extended seasons. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.

Where is the Fort Drum campground located in NY?

The Fort Drum Recreation Area is located on the military installation in Jefferson County, New York, approximately 10 miles east of Watertown. This campground sits in the scenic North Country region, nestled between the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Ontario. The surrounding area offers many alternative camping options, including Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground, tucked behind rural farmland between the Thousand Islands Region and Tug Hill Plateau. For those seeking directions to Fort Drum's campground, access is via US Route 11 from Watertown, following signs to the Fort Drum main gate, where visitors will need to provide identification for access to on-base facilities.

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