Best Campgrounds near Theresa, NY

The St. Lawrence River region near Theresa, New York provides multiple options for overnight stays, with state parks and private campgrounds accommodating various camping preferences. Wellesley Island State Park, Kring Point State Park, and several other waterfront campgrounds offer established sites for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals, primarily concentrated along the river and bays. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Payne Lake Dispersed Site offers free camping without facilities, while developed resorts like Swan Bay Resort feature extensive amenities including full hookups, swimming pools, and boat access to the St. Lawrence River.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, closing during the harsh winter months. State parks typically open in early May and close by mid-October, with specific dates varying by location. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds feature concrete pads for RVs and offer electric hookups, though amenities vary significantly between basic state park facilities and upscale private resorts. "The park is gated so you get a gate card to enter the park. You also get a BOGO card to use at the Tiki Bar which has specials during the week," noted a visitor to Swan Bay Resort.

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for camping in this area, with the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. Campers frequently mention the ability to watch passing ships on the seaway as a highlight. Several visitors praised the cleanliness of facilities, particularly at state parks. "Beautiful Grounds, Flowers, Clean Rest Rooms and Showers. Great Views. Friendly and Helpful State Park Workers!" shared one camper about Grass Point State Park. While waterfront sites command premium prices, they provide direct access to boating, fishing, and swimming. Wind conditions can affect water activities, with one reviewer cautioning about strong winds that damaged multiple awnings during their stay. Price points vary widely between basic state park camping and luxury RV resorts, giving visitors options across different budget levels.

Best Camping Sites Near Theresa, New York (69)

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Recent Reviews near Theresa, NY

212 Reviews of 69 Theresa 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..

  • 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!

  • 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!!!

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Kring Point State Park Campground

    Waterfront sites with amenities

    I am tent camping and found my site (105) to have a couple of relatively level areas to choose to set up my tent on. This site is on Goose Bay, but the sites across the road are on the St Lawrence River just a few hundred feet away. Water nearby, brand new bathrooms with showers and two kitchen clean up stations are a short walk away. Every site has a fire ring with a grill and picnic table. Loons are calling, a mink scampered by on the flat rock shore 15’ away with a fish in its mouth. This place is quiet and peaceful. I will 100% return!

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Payne Lake Dispersed Site

    Beautiful Lake

    Public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides. No amenities on-site. I'm getting two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost. Beautiful views, peaceful and quiet.


Guide to Theresa

Camping near Theresa, New York, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Wellesley Island State Park Campground, have extensive trails. One reviewer mentioned, "There are a ton of trails, and they do have full hookups in another loop."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Cranberry Lake - DEC, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "Beautiful state campground in the heart of the Adirondacks. Well maintained, peaceful with wonderful fishing, swimming, and water access."
  • Beach Access: Southwick Beach State Park Campground offers stunning lake views. One visitor said, "Beautiful new buildings on site, variety of campsites. Favorites are the beachfront sites, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Old Forge Camping Resort noted, "The bathrooms and grounds are well maintained and accessible from wherever you are in the park."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space for tents and RVs. A happy camper at Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve mentioned, "We have a 37ft fifth wheel & fit into our site no problem!"
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Swan Bay Resort said, "Staff was VERY nice and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Booking in Advance: Popular sites can fill up quickly. A camper at Cranberry Lake - DEC advised, "Book early and get a site on the lakeshore."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy weekends. A visitor at Southwick Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "There were people playing very loud music until about 12am."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A review for Old Forge Camping Resort pointed out, "This is a VERY tight campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One family at Wellesley Island State Park Campground enjoyed, "A beautiful nature center with a lot of kids' activities."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A parent at Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve noted, "You can catch sight of deer or a bear at any moment."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for downtime. A camper at Stillwater Reservoir shared, "It was nice and peaceful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Old Forge Camping Resort said, "Only 1 site was pull-thru but it was so unleveled we could not put our jacks down."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A camper at Swan Bay Resort mentioned, "Sites are large level concrete."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A visitor at Sun Outdoors Association Island warned, "The Midge gnats were horrible for about a day and a half."

Camping near Theresa, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Theresa, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Theresa, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near Theresa, NY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Theresa, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Theresa, NY is Wellesley Island State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Theresa, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Theresa, NY.