Best Tent Camping near Ogdensburg, NY
Several tent camping options are available in the vicinity of Ogdensburg, New York, with a concentration of state park campgrounds along the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region. Cedar Island State Park Campground and Mary Island State Park Campground both offer tent sites accessible only by boat, while Canoe Point State Park provides tent camping options with more standard access. Each location has varying amenities and seasonal availability, typically operating from late May through early September.
Tent campers at these state parks encounter varying levels of amenities. Cedar Island State Park features picnic tables, toilets, and allows pets, but lacks drinking water or shower facilities. The sites are reservable and fires are permitted, though firewood is not provided on-site. Mary Island State Park offers more conveniences with showers, toilets, picnic tables, and electric hookups. Similarly, Canoe Point includes these amenities plus firewood availability. Campers should note that all these parks are seasonal operations that close after Labor Day weekend.
The island locations create unique tent camping experiences distinct from mainland alternatives. Cedar Island State Park receives particularly strong reviews for its isolation and natural setting. "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," notes one camper on The Dyrt. Mary Island State Park similarly earns praise for its seclusion, with a reviewer highlighting that "every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands." In contrast, Canoe Point has received mixed feedback regarding noise levels and accessibility, with one tent camper reporting challenges with wet firewood and rowdy neighboring campsites.