Gouverneur, NY sits at the intersection of the Adirondack foothills and the St. Lawrence Valley, creating a unique landscape for outdoor recreation. The area receives approximately 44 inches of precipitation annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F during camping season. Most glamping sites near Gouverneur, NY operate within a short driving radius, with many locations providing water recreation opportunities beyond standard camping amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Burnham Point State Park offers excellent fishing access along the St. Lawrence River. "Great fishing from almost every part of this park. Two beaches to swim," notes a camper at Kring Point State Park, which provides similar water-based activities just 30 minutes from Gouverneur.
Water recreation: The St. Lawrence River system provides multiple swimming options at many campgrounds. At Burnham Point State Park, campers appreciate the "easy access to swim in the water" and note that "you can go swim or do SUP and whatnot" directly from the campground.
Local exploration: Glamping close to Gouverneur, New York provides easy access to nearby attractions. "There is a lot to do, not only in the park, but also in nearby Alex Bay. Pirates Weekend is very busy at the beginning of August, but well worth it," mentions one visitor about Kring Point State Park.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campgrounds feature premium waterfront sites. At Jacques Cartier State Park, "We book early so we can get a water front site... Everyone swims, kayaks, and paddle boards off their sites," says one regular visitor who returns annually.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained amenities at glamping sites around Gouverneur. "The campground is clean and well kept. The laundry room and bathrooms were clean," notes a visitor to Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA, while another camper at Burnham Point mentions "very clean bathrooms."
Variety of accommodation options: Luxury camping near Gouverneur offers diverse lodging choices. Swan Bay Resort features "all of their sites 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," providing upscale options for various preferences.
What you should know
Reservation timing: The popularity of glamping destinations near Gouverneur means advanced planning is essential. "Hard to get into because people book far in advance," notes one reviewer about Kring Point, while another mentions "we've camped here every year but it's getting difficult to get in here."
Site characteristics: At 1000 Islands Campground, visitors mention that "sites are a little small and tight" but the "owner is super friendly and helpful." Similarly at other parks, campers note varying levels of privacy between sites.
Weather considerations: The St. Lawrence River area can experience significant wind. At Burnham Point State Park, a camper notes "depending on day - EXTREMELY VERY WINDY AND COLD! But the view is beautiful." Similarly at Swan Bay Resort, one seasonal camper "mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas ideal for children. Jacques Cartier State Park provides "a great guarded beach if you have young ones with a newer playground right next to it," making it particularly suitable for families with children.
Playground access: Many glamping locations include play structures for kids. "My son loved the playground," mentions a camper at 1000 Islands Campground, noting the clean facilities and helpful owners who accommodated a last-minute reservation.
Special events: Check campground calendars for family-friendly activities. "On Saturdays an ice cream truck rolls through after dinner!" shares a Jacques Cartier visitor, while Kring Point offers "Pirates Weekend" in early August that draws families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Swan Bay Resort, RVers recommend waterfront pull-in sites: "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."
Utilities and amenities: Most premium glamping sites provide full hookups. "All the sites are the same in that they have paved parking areas with gravel in front, pavers for a patio and full hook-up," notes a reviewer at Swan Bay Resort. The campground also features "3 bay R.V. wash as well as car wash."
Space considerations: RV campers should check site dimensions before booking. At Jacques Cartier State Park, "Some sites were hilly and we would not have been able to get our trailer in, so it's worth calling before you book," advises one RV camper who stayed with a small travel trailer.
