85 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Great Bend, New York include established campgrounds along the nearby waterways and forested areas. Several campgrounds feature cabin accommodations, including Fort Drum Recreation Area, Wellesley Island State Park, and Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA. The 1000 Islands region provides diverse camping experiences with proximity to water bodies like the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
The camping season in the Great Bend region typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during the winter months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer periods when tourism increases in the 1000 Islands area. Limited dispersed camping is available at locations like Payne Lake, where primitive conditions prevail but fees are not required. Facilities vary significantly between developed campgrounds and more rustic sites. At Green Pond in Bonaparte State Forest, campers can find a free, well-maintained site with basic amenities. A visitor noted, "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."
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the region, with several campgrounds offering views of the St. Lawrence River or nearby lakes. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with water-adjacent sites, especially during summer months. Swan Bay Resort provides concrete pads with full hookups and views of passing ships on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Family-friendly amenities are common at developed campgrounds, with several featuring playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities. A camper at Westcott Beach State Park commented, "We always camp in the plateau across the road from the main park area—sites are huge, clean bathrooms and a nice park right in the circle." Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities, with reviewers frequently noting well-kept bathrooms and grounds.
from $10 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Our site is located adjacent to a mowed grass path that leads to the main road, close to the camp store. Beautiful area, lots of hiking and biking trails and swim area."
"Walking areas. Access to water for swimming."
from $20 - $188 / night
Check Availability"It’s an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown. The staff was great— friendly and helpful."
"We paralleled Cayuga Lake (which is part of the Finger Lakes) for some time and then took the Great Lakes Seaway Trail."
"The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept. The laundry room and bathrooms were clean."
from $40 - $131 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
Check Availability"The sunsets were spectacular and our site was literally just steps from Lake Ontario. All sites are full hook up. Wifi is available and fairly good."
"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."
from $53 - $116 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"This is my second time camping at this location and I’ve enjoyed it so much. Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times."
GuideThe MWR shop was excellent to work with!
The sites, under 15, are pull through and full hookups. They are spaced fast enough apart that privacy is a plus consideration!
Check in at front gate was courteous and quick!
ScoutTraveled from northeastern PA with 5 other families. All with kids under 13. Location was great. Everyone super friendly. Very convenient being near the grocery store. Tiki bar was fun for adults! Very clean! We rented a boat and went to Clayton for the day. Will definitely go back again.
ScoutI would never return to this campground. We rented a golf cart, and while going downhill, the rear wheel came completely off because the lug nuts were not secured. My 1-year-old and 6-year-old were on the cart, and we were extremely fortunate that no one was injured. When I expressed how serious and upsetting this was and how close my children were to being injured the owner’s response was,“But were they?” When I explained that my children were thankfully not injured but were shaken up by the incident, he sarcastically questioned whether my 1-year-old could be traumatized. They did provide us with another golf cart afterward, but I consider that the bare minimum after being given an unsafe rental. After the apparent lack of proper inspection of the cart and the ill-mannered response to such a serious safety issue, I would never recommend this campground.
ScoutR/v area seems pretty full and seems to have lots of full time campers possibly.
ScoutThe campsite itself was extremely buggy and it was a bit further into the road then I thought to get to the second campsite. But once we got there it was open and well marked
TravelerBeautiful and well kept campground. Stayed right on the river and was beautiful. Full hookups was nice. Nice campground if you have kids. Only downside is you are very close to the site next to you.
ScoutVery nice campground, pool is awesome when it’s hot and, the water’s edge of the campground is beautiful, expect noise. Not a quiet place. From fellow campers to boats and sirens. No tru till station just a water line when you enter. Also check sites out was extremely up hill. Camper barely cleared.
TravelerWe thought the campground was beautiful, tight to your neighbors on majority of sites, and lack of trash cans for pet waste especially since the campground is so big. It has ball field, 2 playgrounds, rec room, camp store, lake Ontario to swim, trails for multi use, and pavillions. Down fall for us was small site , lack of trash cans to toss pet waste, not being told about fill station because there is no water faucets like most state parks along campground. We were there for first time so not familiar with park. Office did not offer us a map to get to our site or clue us in on filling our tank prior to parking camper. Main gate personnel not on same information. bathrooms could be cleaned more often. bathhouse building is all gender with bathrooms on one side of building and showers on other. Bathroom and showers are private space rooms. Beach is very rocky with little sand area. Life guards only guard one side of beach making everyone crowded to one side
ScoutNot very welcoming at night. Kinda creepy.
Camping sites near Great Bend, New York concentrate in a 25-mile radius primarily along the Black River and tributaries. Elevations range from 500 to 800 feet with hardwood forests dominating the landscape. The camping season extends from early May through mid-October with peak visitation occurring in July and August when temperatures average 70-85°F during daytime hours.
Paddling activities: The St. Lawrence River provides opportunities for boating and kayaking with access points at multiple campgrounds. At Fort Drum Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy "several forms of outdoor entertainment" with convenient water access. Kring Point State Park offers "great fishing from almost every part of this park" and features "flat rocks, watching sunsets and ships go by."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple species are available in area waterways. Kring Point State Park Campground provides productive fishing spots where visitors report "my husband caught a pike and small mouth bass his first day!" Green Pond at Bonaparte State Forest is recommended by locals as "our go to area close to town" where "there is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!"
Water recreation: Swimming areas exist at several parks with beaches and natural swimming holes. At Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA, guests can use the indoor pool year-round. Kring Point features "two beaches to swim" plus "great rock cliffs to jump off and swim!"
Waterfront access: Waterfront sites are highly valued in this region with several campgrounds offering direct water views. At Swan Bay Resort, "there is riverviews from just about every site" and some sites allow you to "face west, so you do get beautiful sunsets." A reviewer noted Kring Point State Park has "almost every campsite is on the water."
Secluded spots: Some campgrounds offer more private sites away from crowds. At Wellesley Island State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "the sites there are big!!!" A reviewer staying at site "Bluejay 3" found it "very spacious and private." For true seclusion, Payne Lake Dispersed Site offers "beautiful views, peaceful and quiet" with minimal facilities.
Stargazing conditions: Minimal light pollution allows excellent night sky viewing. At Swan Bay Resort, a camper noted it was "quite dark at night, but that was a bonus as we were able to see the Milky Way!" Association Island provides similar conditions where "each of our interactions with staff was warm and friendly."
Military proximity: Fort Drum military training grounds can create occasional noise. A Green Pond camper mentioned "the training range can be a little loud at times" but still gave the site five stars. Military personnel can access Fort Drum Recreation Area, described as "a beautiful well kept place."
Wind conditions: Lakefront and riverside sites often experience strong winds. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, "our site backed up to the water and although it was windy they thought ahead and built the fire pit up to block it." Another camper warned that their neighbor "lost three awnings to the wind" so "don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper."
Site variations: Campgrounds have significant differences between sites. Wellesley Island State Park has "NYS may get tons of flack for its politics and politicians. However they're doing it all correct in their state parks." Kring Point sites are "beautiful with rocks. But the rocks make it beautiful," though some find the plots "to be so small with no privacy."
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Black River Bay Campground offers a "play area for kids! Pavillion! Events!" Fort Drum Recreation Area has "a dog park for the little furry ones" along with family-oriented amenities.
Swimming safety: Water conditions vary greatly between locations. Wellesley Island State Park provides "tons of playgrounds and swimming" in designated areas. Kring Point allows rock jumping but parents should supervise as depths can vary.
Activities planning: Scheduled events occur at many campgrounds. Black River Bay has "Events! Docks for boats!" while Wellesley Island offers "hiking trails all over the park" plus "a marina, boat launch and boat rentals."
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA features "mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites" but some sites require leveling. Swan Bay Resort offers "cement pads with full hookups" which provide "concrete parking areas with gravel in front, pavers for a patio and full hook-up."
Water access considerations: Launch facilities vary widely between locations. Swan Bay Resort has a "free boat launch and boat slips" though one camper noted "it is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle." Wellesley Island provides "electric and water on many sites" with "a marina, boat launch and boat rentals."
Seasonal planning: Most facilities close by mid-October. Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA operates from "May 12 to October 15" while Swan Bay Resort runs from "May 1 - Oct 31" with different amenities available during shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Great Bend, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Great Bend, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near Great Bend, NY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Great Bend, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Great Bend, NY is pay for online class with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Great Bend, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Great Bend, NY.
Keep Exploring
