Swan Bay Resort offers premium waterfront glamping near Fort Drum, New York along the St. Lawrence River. Concrete pads with full hookups accommodate both glamping units and recreational vehicles. The resort features two swimming pools, a tiki bar, and food trucks with convenient proximity to local attractions. Visitors can observe ocean liners passing on the river and enjoy expansive sunsets from luxury waterfront accommodations.
What to do
Boating and water sports: Several campgrounds near Fort Drum provide boat launches and docks for easy water access. Swan Bay Resort features "a free boat launch and boat slips for guests," according to one reviewer who also noted, "There is a marina with pontoon boat rentals." Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular, though wind conditions can impact water activities.
Explore local attractions: The 1000 Islands region offers numerous day-trip opportunities within driving distance of Fort Drum. Alexandria Bay is approximately 10 minutes from Sun Outdoors Association Island and features shops, restaurants, and boat tours. One visitor shared, "We met a bunch of people who've visited the park for several consecutive years- all of whom told us there have been many upgrades and improvements since the ownership change."
Fishing: The St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario provide excellent fishing opportunities. At Burnham Point State Park Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. A camper mentioned, "Easy access to swim in the water. Very clean bathrooms. Electric site with water. Boat launch. Plenty of trees to hang your hammock."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many glamping sites near Fort Drum feature premium waterfront locations. At Jacques Cartier State Park Campground, "The sites are large with some located with waterfront (St. Lawrence River). A boat launch in the park may it easy for boaters." Campers frequently mention the spectacular sunsets visible from waterfront sites.
Clean facilities: State parks and private campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. Kring Point State Park features recently renovated facilities, with one camper noting, "Bathrooms were clean (no hot water). Just didn't expect the plots to be so small with no privacy."
Recreational amenities: Most glamping destinations include swimming areas, playgrounds, and gathering spaces. Jacques Cartier State Park offers "a beach/swimming area is great for the whole family. The park offers short and easy trails for hiking." Some resorts provide additional amenities like pools, boat rentals, and organized activities.
What you should know
Weather conditions: The Fort Drum region experiences variable weather conditions, particularly along the waterfront. Wind can be substantial, with one camper at Swan Bay Resort mentioning that their "neighbor who has camped here seasonally for the last four years mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind." Prepare for sudden weather changes, especially in early and late season.
Reservation timing: Premium glamping locations fill quickly, particularly waterfront sites and holiday weekends. Most campgrounds open in May and close in October. Kring Point State Park Campground is "hard to get into because people book far in advance," with another camper adding, "It's so nice it's hard to reserve, because people grab it nine months in advance!"
Site variations: Glamping accommodations vary significantly across locations. Some sites offer more privacy than others, with certain campgrounds featuring wooded sites while others are more open. Site size and terrain also differ substantially between parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and swimming areas: Several state parks offer supervised swimming areas ideal for children. At Jacques Cartier State Park, there's "a great guarded beach if you have young ones with a newer playground right next to it."
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with organized activities or ample recreation space. 1000 Islands Campground maintains "extremely clean, well run and has the most options for all kinds of camping," with one visitor noting that "the grounds are spotless, as are the bathrooms and showers."
Proximity to amenities: Some glamping locations offer on-site stores, ice cream, and food service. Swan Bay Resort has a "Price Chopper Grocery, Dollar General, gas station, and wine and liquor store" within walking distance, making family meal planning easier.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many glamping-friendly campgrounds accommodate large RVs, but site dimensions vary. At Swan Bay Resort, a reviewer with a 37' Class-A motorhome found their site "wooded, roomy, and has full hookups, a fire ring, and picnic table. I could probably have fit another RV in the site and still had space to stretch."
Hookup availability: Most glamping sites near Fort Drum offer electric hookups, with many providing full-service connections. Swan Bay Resort has "all sites are the same in that they have paved parking areas with gravel in front, pavers for a patio and full hook-up," but prices vary considerably based on location and view.
Accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain that may not suit all RVs. At Kring Point State Park, sites can be rocky or sloped, which some visitors find challenging for larger rigs.
