The St. Lawrence River region offers diverse camping sites near Redwood, New York, with options ranging from waterfront to inland locations. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, with occasional thunderstorms common in July and August. The camping area sits at approximately 280 feet above sea level and features distinct granite shorelines that create natural swimming areas along many waterfront campsites.
What to do
Boat rentals and water recreation: At Wellesley Island State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple water activities. "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," notes camper John L.
Fishing expeditions: The St. Lawrence River provides excellent fishing opportunities. At Wellesley Island, one camper recommends "Catch some perch and have a fish fry back at camp! If you fish near the boat rental there is a place to clean you fish!" Several species including bass and pike are common catches in these waters.
Nature center exploration: Wellesley Island offers educational opportunities through its nature center. "I really recommend heading to the nature center and following the trails there. The views are gorgeous and you get some great vistas," suggests Emily S. These trails are particularly family-friendly with interpretive signage identifying local flora and fauna.
What campers like
Waterfront camping on flat rocks: Kring Point State Park Campground offers unique shoreline camping. One visitor mentions, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report wildlife sightings at various parks. At Kring Point, a camper describes their experience: "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."
Island camping experiences: For those seeking more remote options, Cedar Island State Park Campground provides a unique 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. The island setting creates a more secluded camping atmosphere.
What you should know
Reservation timing challenges: Most waterfront camping locations require advance planning. At Kring Point, one reviewer notes it's "Hard to get into because people book far in advance." Similar sentiments are echoed about Wellesley Island, with reviewers suggesting booking nine months in advance for prime sites.
Site privacy considerations: Privacy between sites varies significantly by park and specific site. At Swan Bay Resort, a reviewer notes, "sites don't have much privacy, the park gets crowded and noisy." Consider requesting sites with more buffer space if privacy is important.
Weather and wind factors: The St. Lawrence River area experiences significant wind. At Swan Bay Resort, one camper warns, "it is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle. Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Grass Point State Park Campground receives high marks for its play areas. "The playground was extremely nice!" notes Sara H. Several other parks also feature playgrounds, making them good options for families with children.
Swimming areas with lifeguards: Several parks offer supervised swimming. At Grass Point, "They had a life guard on duty. The beach didn't really have any sand. But had stone steps to walk into the water," explains one visitor. This safety feature makes it suitable for families with younger children.
Family-friendly activities: Multiple parks offer programming specifically for families. At Wellesley Island, campers mention, "There are a ton of camp sites, many along the water, but they do fill up in summer... It's very buggy here but so is all of NY in the summer." Bringing insect repellent is essential for comfortable family camping.
Tips from RVers
Full-hookup availability: 1000 Islands Campground provides RV amenities but space can be tight. "Our original site was listed at 55', but there was no way our 43' camper would fit, nor make the tight turn into it. The owner quickly moved us to another site," reports Bryan. Always confirm actual site dimensions when booking.
RV washing facilities: Some campgrounds provide unique amenities for RVers. At Swan Bay Resort, a camper notes, "Adjacent to the entrance is a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes." This feature includes "3 bay R.V. wash as well as car wash."
Site leveling considerations: Many waterfront sites require careful leveling. Most parks in the region use a combination of concrete pads and gravel. At Swan Bay Resort, "All the sites are the same in that they have paved parking areas with gravel in front, pavers for a patio and full hook-up."
