Cabin rentals near Fort Drum, New York range from waterfront cottages on the St. Lawrence River to forested retreats with access to the Thousand Islands region. Most seasonal cabins operate from May through early October due to the harsh winter conditions in northern New York. Water access plays a significant role in cabin selection, with prime waterfront locations commanding higher rates and earlier booking requirements.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Kring Point State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access from nearly every part of the park. "Great fishing from almost every part of this park. Two beaches to swim. Almost every campsite is on the water," notes one visitor. The park features both Goose Bay and St. Lawrence River access within a few hundred feet of each other.
Island exploration: Visit the attractions near 1000 Islands Campground, which serves as a convenient base for exploring Alexandria Bay. "The campground is conveniently located near many of the attractions," reports one camper. Boat tours of castles and island homes make popular day trips from cabin accommodations in this area.
Nature trails: Walk the hiking paths at Wellesley Island State Park, which contains multiple trail systems suitable for all skill levels. "Hiking trails all over the park. There's a marina, boat launch and boat rentals," explains a visitor. The park's nature center provides guided hikes and educational programs during summer months.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Campers appreciate the sunset and sunrise views from Sun Outdoors Association Island cabins. "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," shares one visitor. The island location provides panoramic water views from most accommodations.
Accessible groceries: Many visitors value the proximity to supplies at some cabin locations. "Within walking distance is a Price Chopper Grocery, Dollar General, gas station, and wine and liquor store," notes a camper about the area surrounding local accommodations. Having access to provisions without lengthy drives proves particularly important for extended stays.
Pool facilities: Several resorts offer swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. "The pool was nice and clean but one of the pool decks was closed for construction," observes one visitor about Sun Outdoors Association Island. Multiple cabins feature both indoor and outdoor pool options, extending swimming opportunities beyond beach season.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for waterfront cabins near Fort Drum. "It's so nice it's hard to reserve, because people grab it nine months in advance!" warns a Kring Point State Park visitor. Most state park cabin reservations open precisely nine months before arrival date.
Site privacy: Cabin and site spacing varies significantly between resorts and state parks. "Just didn't expect the plots to be so small with no privacy. Thought we chose a plot in an area with tents only, but there was a massive camper right beside us with noisy people," cautions a Kring Point State Park visitor.
Weather considerations: Westcott Beach State Park Campground cabins offer Lake Ontario views but come with weather considerations. "We have only camped the electric loop up on the hill across the Street from the rest of the park. It is spacious and restroom buildings are kept up," notes a visitor. Elevated sites often provide better protection from lake winds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate the recreation facilities at local cabin camps. "My son loved the playground. Right behind gals ice cream. Park was clean! Bathrooms were nice," explains a visitor to 1000 Islands Campground. Westcott Beach also receives praise: "Nice new children's playground. Nice hiking trail as well."
Swimming options: Wellesley Island State Park Campground provides multiple water access points. "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," reports one family.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature programming at Wellesley Island. "We camped here with one of our children, and had a wonderful time canoeing, fishing, and spending time together!" shares a parent. The park offers junior naturalist programs during summer months at the on-site nature center.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: Swan Bay Resort provides upscale cabin options with concrete site pads. "Our waterfront pull-IN site was a level concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great. Oh, and the best part was our view of the St. Lawrence River with passing ocean liners and lots of migrating birds," notes an RV visitor who opted for a cabin stay.
Utility connections: Check hook-up availability at cabin sites. "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," explains a visitor. Fort Drum area cabins typically offer 30-amp service, with select locations providing 50-amp connections at premium rates.
Wind exposure: Be prepared for strong winds at waterfront cabins. "It is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle. Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind," cautions a Swan Bay Resort visitor. Secure loose items when leaving cabins unattended.
