Cabin camping options around Hammond, New York provide access to the Thousand Islands region with views of the St. Lawrence River. Most facilities remain open from May through October, with peak season running from late June through August. Winter temperatures average 15°F while summer temperatures range from 65-80°F, making for comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Wellesley Island State Park Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "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," notes a visitor.
Swimming areas: Grass Point State Park Campground offers stone steps into the water for swimming with lifeguards on duty during summer months. A camper reports, "We had fun swimming there. The beach didn't really have any sand. But had stone steps to walk into the water. They had a life guard on duty. The playground was extremely nice!"
Boat rentals: Many cabin visitors take advantage of pontoon boat rentals from marinas within the parks. A visitor to Wellesley Island mentioned, "There's a marina, boat launch and boat rentals. Docking. You can even day trip it use public grills and still enjoy everything the park has to offer."
What campers like
Waterfront access: At Dewolf Point State Park Campground, the log cabins provide direct lake access. "I stayed here every summer when I was a kid. Cabins were nice. Great spot for boating and fishing," notes a frequent visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "Beautiful Grounds, Flowers, Clean Rest Rooms and Showers. Great Views. Friendly and Helpful State Park Workers!" reports a Grass Point State Park visitor.
Nature trails: Wellesley Island features hiking trails throughout the park. "I really recommend heading to the nature center and following the trails there. The views are gorgeous and you get some great vistas," shares a camper.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most waterfront cabins book up 6-9 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. A visitor to Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages confirms, "Wonderful location, great fishing very clean sites & bathrooms. Friendly staff. Fun for whole family."
Site spacing: Some cabins are positioned quite close together. A Dewolf Point camper noted, "The sites are too close together. You can hear other campers conversation. The highlight was the hiking trails and going to the beach."
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities close by mid-October and don't reopen until May. Wellesley Island has a season from "May 6 to October 10" while Kring Point operates "May 6 to October 9."
Supply locations: Price Chopper Grocery and Dollar General stores are located in Alexandria Bay, approximately 10 miles from most Hammond area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: 1000 Islands Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a playground. "We will definitely be back! The owners were extremely helpful. We showed up last minute and they fit us in. Super nice! My son loved the playground," writes one family.
Budget planning: State park cabins typically offer more affordable rates than private resorts. Cabins at state parks generally range from $60-$95 per night depending on amenities.
Packing essentials: Most cabins require guests to bring bedding, towels, and cooking supplies. For tent camping at Wellesley Island, one camper shared, "We stayed at site Bluejay 3. Very spacious and private."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Swan Bay Resort, waterfront sites face west for sunset views. "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 a visitor.
Wind considerations: The St. Lawrence River corridor experiences significant winds. A visitor to Swan Bay mentioned, "Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper and beware of winds if you want to be on the water."
Self-service options: Convenience facilities like car washes accommodate large vehicles. "Adjacent to the entrance is a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes," writes a Swan Bay Resort visitor.
