Best Campgrounds near Ogdensburg, NY
Ogdensburg, New York serves as a gateway to numerous camping destinations along the St. Lawrence River and throughout the Thousand Islands region. State parks dominate the landscape, with established campgrounds like Jacques Cartier State Park and Coles Creek State Park offering both tent and RV sites with various hookup options. Most campgrounds in the area maintain electric hookups and accommodate both primitive tent camping and larger recreational vehicles. Several facilities feature waterfront access, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many sites positioned to maximize views of the St. Lawrence River. The region includes a mix of developed campgrounds with amenities and more rustic options spread across state park lands.
The camping season in this region typically runs from May through early October, with most state parks closing after Labor Day weekend. Campers should secure reservations well in advance, particularly for waterfront sites during summer months. "We stayed in loop F site 43 with full hookups, nice asphalt pad picnic table and fire ring. Beautiful area, lots of hiking and biking trails and swim area," noted one visitor to Wellesley Island State Park. Winter weather makes camping impractical during colder months, though some areas remain accessible for day use. Many campgrounds feature boat launches, swimming areas, and hiking trails, adding recreational opportunities beyond the campsites themselves. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, though most established campgrounds maintain reasonable connectivity.
Water access stands out as a defining feature of camping in the Ogdensburg area, with the St. Lawrence River and nearby lakes providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Campgrounds like Wellesley Island State Park receive high ratings for their waterfront sites and recreational amenities. A camper described the region as having "walking areas and access to water for swimming." Some visitors note that non-waterfront sites often lack the views and direct access that make the region special. The more popular state parks can become crowded during peak summer weekends, with one review mentioning that Coles Creek features "tightly packed" sites where "you're camping with all of your neighbors." For those seeking more seclusion, smaller campgrounds or sites farther from the water might offer greater privacy.
