The Hammond, New York area provides several tent camping opportunities within the Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River. Cedar Island State Park Campground and Mary Island State Park Campground both offer secluded tent camping experiences, though visitors should note these locations require boat access. Cedar Island features well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Mary Island provides similar amenities with the addition of shower facilities. Back Bay Campground in Hammond offers a more accessible mainland option for tent campers seeking proximity to local attractions.
Tent sites throughout the area typically offer basic amenities, with varying levels of services depending on location. Cedar Island and Mary Island provide toilet facilities, picnic tables, and designated fire rings, but campers need to pack in drinking water as this is not available at most locations. The camping season typically runs from late May through early September, with Memorial Day to Labor Day being the prime period. One visitor noted, "Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands," highlighting the privacy found at these locations.
Island camping creates a distinctive experience for tent campers in this region. Access limitations naturally reduce crowds and vehicle noise, resulting in more peaceful sites compared to mainland alternatives. According to one camper, "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." The waterfront locations provide excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing directly from campsites. Many tent campers appreciate the sunrise and sunset views over the St. Lawrence River, with the island settings offering a true escape from everyday surroundings. Weather conditions can change quickly on the islands, so tent campers should secure their equipment properly and bring appropriate rain gear even during summer months.
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
"Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 / night
from $49 - $59 / night
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $81 / night
"We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful."
from $25 / night
"Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."
"Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $88 / night
GuideThe MWR shop was excellent to work with!
The sites, under 15, are pull through and full hookups. They are spaced fast enough apart that privacy is a plus consideration!
Check in at front gate was courteous and quick!
ScoutTraveled from northeastern PA with 5 other families. All with kids under 13. Location was great. Everyone super friendly. Very convenient being near the grocery store. Tiki bar was fun for adults! Very clean! We rented a boat and went to Clayton for the day. Will definitely go back again.
ScoutR/v area seems pretty full and seems to have lots of full time campers possibly.
ScoutVery nice campground, pool is awesome when it’s hot and, the water’s edge of the campground is beautiful, expect noise. Not a quiet place. From fellow campers to boats and sirens. No tru till station just a water line when you enter. Also check sites out was extremely up hill. Camper barely cleared.
GuideI've stayed here twice, once in 2024 and again in 2026, both on Memorial Day Weekend. In 2024 I woke to the sound of loons but did not hear them in 2026.
This is a large campground on the shores of Cranberry Lake with access to many hiking trails and other activities. Quite a few of the sites are lakefront but they seem to book up fast. Most of the sites are spaced out fairly well although a few are close and will result in you seeing & hearing everything your neighbors are doing. However, they are mostly designed well and blend into the environment. A few seem like afterthoughts and are right on the road, so you'll want to choose carefully.
Dumpsters are in the center of the campground near the bathhouse, which has hot showers. There is a sandy beach area near the entrance of the campground and a volleyball area near the dumpsters/bathhouse.
It's a beautiful area and is mostly quiet. Other campers were respectful and didn't play loud music although a few talked loudly late into the night. There are lots of trailer camping sites, so you should expect to hear generators although most people were considerate and only ran them in the daytime.
This is a great campground for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. The town of Cranberry Lake seems mostly dead so don't plan on eating in restaurants nearby.
LegendThis has been one of my favorite campgrounds and I have camped there many times over the last several decades. Always well maintained, but peaceful state forest campground with spacious sites, many right on the water. There is an official beach, but the water sites really have their own access for canoes and nice swimming. The water is crystal clear, sunsets magnificent, canoeing and hiking opportunities abound, and even on a "busy" summer weekend the campground is quiet and the fellow campers are low key and respectful. For a tent camper, this is an ideal location and I love it. Fire ring, even tenting spot, picnic tables, etc. There are numerous accessible campsites, a shower building, and regular restrooms as well as privvies. Small trailers can fit and their is an RV dumpstation, but this is not a campground for big rigs and hookups. The campground is a little off the beaten path and in the further reaches of the Adirondacks for most campers, and the vicinity is one of the largest and most pristine areas in the ADK wilderness. Come well supplied with groceries and camping needs as there isnt much nearby. The SUNY Forestry school maintains a Ranger school at nearby Wanakena on the west side of the lake, and a Field Biology station on the south side of the lake. Nice hiking in the area
TravelerGreat camp. Easy in and out for big rigs. Right on the St. Lawrence River. Many amenities to include 3 bay R.V. wash as well as car wash. Nice sites and some on the water with docks and a boat ramp.
ScoutCedar Point is in a very nice location,our site that I booked was not in a ideal location being on the road to the boat launch, ( my fault ) Camping went fine until the last couple of days when people starting walking through our site, looked liked a group of people who knew each other and we were in their way.
ScoutI 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..
Tent camping near Hammond, New York centers around the Thousand Islands region's distinctive water-based camping opportunities. The St. Lawrence River creates a network of island and mainland camping options with varying accessibility requirements. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, though evening temperatures can drop significantly even in July and August, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers.
Kayaking and canoeing: Francis Lake provides excellent paddling opportunities with multiple water access points. According to one camper at Francis Lake: "This spot is totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet... A little stream turns under a few footbridges and out to francis lake."
Rope course adventures: Outdoor enthusiasts seeking more structured activities can find challenge courses at certain campgrounds. A visitor to Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc notes the facility offers "swimming, canoes, and a high ropes course, gathering around the campfire to end the day- Beaver Camp has it all."
Boat-to camping excursions: Unique to this region is the ability to access remote camping spots only by watercraft. One camper at Cedar Island State Park Campground explains: "The first time we went here we didn't realize you need a boat to get to the campsite, luckily some other visitors gave us a ride. Really memorable due to it being on an island within the 1000 Islands."
Separation from crowds: The boat-access requirement creates natural crowd control at certain campgrounds. A reviewer at Cedar Island State Park Campground appreciates this aspect: "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."
Sunrise and sunset views: Waterfront locations provide exceptional lighting conditions at dawn and dusk. A Cedar Island State Park visitor recommends: "Be sure to take in the sunrise/set while there."
Secluded tent sites: Della Terra offers private camping areas away from populated campgrounds. According to a reviewer at Della Terra: "This property is rural and beautiful. There is solar power to provide you with your electrical needs. 15 miles from Whetstone Gulf State Park!"
Boat requirements: Several island campgrounds require watercraft for access, making advance planning essential. As one camper discovered at Canoe Point State Park Campground: "Canoe being in the name implied that it is frequented, at least occasionally, by canoes. According to the staff person there who swore in disbelief that a canoe actually made it to the island, he didn't remember there being a canoe there before."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from late May through early September, with limited or no services outside this window. Back Bay Campground in Hammond provides 15 sites with electrical hookups and water access during the main summer season.
Reservation importance: Despite remote locations, popular island campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Mary Island State Park Campground, a camper notes the exceptional spacing between sites: "Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands."
Consider camp programs: Structured camping programs provide activities and supervision for children. A visitor to Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates explains: "Weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course."
Test swimming areas first: Water depth and current vary significantly throughout the region. Francis Lake campers appreciate that their location is "Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water."
Pack extra supplies: Island camping requires thorough preparation since return trips for forgotten items are impractical. At Canoe Point State Park Campground, a camper warns: "All of the available wood was wet, so nothing would burn," highlighting the importance of bringing backup fire starters or alternative cooking methods.
Limited RV accessibility: Most island camping areas cannot accommodate RVs, restricting options to mainland locations. Back Bay Campground offers electric hookups, sewer connections, and water access for RVs, though sites are limited to 15 total.
Prepare for basic amenities: Even at developed campgrounds, services may be more limited than at larger commercial operations. A camper at Shangri-La Marina Campground & Restaurant notes the location provides marina access with camping options, though specific hookups and amenities vary by site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hammond, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hammond, NY is Cedar Island State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hammond, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Hammond, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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