Camping areas surrounding Ogdensburg, New York offer direct access to the St. Lawrence River and numerous inland water features at elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. Winters in this northern New York region typically see temperatures below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The region's climate creates a relatively short camping window compared to southern New York destinations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Eel Weir State Park Campground provides excellent fishing on the Oswegatchie 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," notes David H. The park's waterfront sites offer direct river access for fishing enthusiasts.
Swimming areas: Multiple beaches and designated swim areas exist throughout the region. At Jacques Cartier State Park Campground, "Swimming hole was nice and relaxing. Plenty of sand for the kids to play in and the water was warmer than expected," according to Joseph B. The park maintains a guarded beach with newer playground facilities adjacent to it.
Biking and hiking: Many campgrounds maintain trail networks suitable for both activities. "There is a lot to do, not only in the park, but also in nearby Alex Bay. Facilities on site, friendly neighbors, and lots of swimming areas," explains Matt G. about Kring Point State Park. The relatively flat terrain makes biking accessible for most skill levels.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Riverside and lakefront sites remain highly sought after throughout the region. At Kring Point State Park Campground, "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," describes Carol B. The park features sites on both Goose Bay and the St. Lawrence River.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campers report regular wildlife sightings from their sites. "Favorite thing is the family of owls that inhabit the trees that you see every night," states Aaron P. about Eel Weir State Park. Early mornings prove particularly productive for wildlife spotting along shorelines.
Clean facilities: State parks in the region maintain well-regarded bathhouses and facilities. "NYS may get tons of flack for its politics and politicians. However they're doing it all correct in their state parks. This park is amazing. The views of the ST. LAWRENCE River are amazing," explains John L. about Wellesley Island State Park.
What you should know
Site reservations: Booking well in advance remains essential for summer weekends. "It's so nice it's hard to reserve, because people grab it nine months in advance!" notes Brian F. about Kring Point State Park. Waterfront sites fill particularly quickly throughout the region.
Campground layouts: Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds and loops. At Higley Flow State Park Campground, "Really nice sites that are private and easy to back into. Great playground for the kids, hiking trails and more," reports Jennifer I. Other campgrounds feature more open layouts with less separation between sites.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through early September. "Winter weather makes camping impractical during colder months, though some areas remain accessible for day use," states one source. Lake and river water temperatures remain cool until mid-summer.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selections: Choose campgrounds with designated swimming areas for safer water access. "Great place. Nice camp store. Access to the water great for boating and swimming. Kring point has islands as well you can jump off the rocks into the water," explains Sara H. about Kring Point State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recently updated play equipment. "Whether it's playing in the water or in the playground this place is awesome to bring your children," notes Jill R. about Higley Flow State Park. Most playgrounds sit near beach areas for convenient supervision.
Activity options: Cedar Island State Park Campground offers a unique boat-access camping experience. "You need a boat to get here, making it one of our favorite places to camp in NY. There are quite a few sites here, all pretty private, but still make reservations," advises Justin S. This creates a memorable adventure for families with boat access.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Electric hookups vary between campgrounds and loops. "We stayed in the non-electric loop with a small travel trailer and it was great. Half of the loop is in the woods and the other half has spacious, grassy sites bordered with woods behind them. Some sites were hilly and we would not have been able to get our trailer in, so its worth calling before you book," recommends Joseph B. about Jacques Cartier State Park.
Site leveling: Many older campgrounds feature sloped pads requiring additional equipment. "Those sites are large and wooded, most all paved (not always very level!) and if you don't get a water site you may still be able to drag your small boat and walk to the water," explains Sandy T. about Higley Flow State Park. Bringing leveling blocks remains advisable for most campgrounds in the region.
