Cabin camping near Thousand Island Park, New York offers a range of waterfront experiences along the St. Lawrence River. The area encompasses multiple small islands across the river, with camping available on Wellesley Island, Kring Point, and several mainland locations. Summer water temperatures reach the mid-70s, while spring and fall nights drop to the 40s, requiring heated accommodations for off-season visits.
What to do
Water activities: Swan Bay Resort offers rentals for getting on the water directly. "The park has 2 swimming pools, a tiki bar, a food truck, and nice communal hang-out areas. There's a marina with pontoon boat rentals," notes Matt S.
Wildlife watching: Kring Point State Park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along shorelines. "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," reports Carol B.
Hiking trails: Wellesley Island State Park Campground maintains an extensive trail system. "There's a marina, boat launch and boat rentals. Hiking trails all over the park," shares John L., who adds that the park has "tons of playgrounds and swimming."
Historical sites: Visit nearby castles accessible by boat or car. "You're 10 min from Alexandria Bay. Boldt castle, singer castle, you can go on river cruises and view these beautiful islands and homes on them. Watch the cargo ships cruise the channel," explains a reviewer.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Kring Point State Park Campground features cabins on both sides of the peninsula. "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," writes Carol B.
Budget-friendly options: Basic cabin camping costs less than private resorts. "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... Inexpensive I mean really inexpensive," reports John L.
Variety of cabin types: DeWolf Point offers rustic cabin options for those seeking a more traditional experience. "I stayed here every summer when I was a kid. Cabins were nice. Great spot for boating and fishing," recalls Eric A.
Easy access to supplies: Some campgrounds have stores with necessities. "Check-in was quick and easy. The park is gated so you get a gate card to enter the park. You also get a BOGO card to use at the Tiki Bar which has specials during the week," notes Nancy W.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for waterfront cabins. "We showed up last minute and they fit us in. Super nice! My son loved the playground. Right behind gals ice cream. Park was clean! Bathrooms were nice," shares Sara H. about 1000 Islands Campground.
Bugs: Prepare for seasonal insects, especially near water. "One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario," warns Tracey G.
Bathhouse facilities: Most state parks have recently renovated facilities. "Brand new bathrooms with showers and two kitchen clean up stations are a short walk away. Every site has a fire ring with a grill and picnic table," notes Carol B.
Site privacy varies: Some cabins offer more privacy than others. "We stayed at site Bluejay 3. Very spacious and private. We reserved the site 3 days prior and still found most waterfront campsites already reserved," explains Erin B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds have facilities for children. "The playground was extremely nice! We will definitely camp there in the future," writes Sara H. about Grass Point State Park.
Swimming areas: Grass Point State Park Campground offers supervised swimming. "We had fun swimming there. The beach didn't really have any sand. But had stone steps to walk into the water. They had a life guard on duty," notes Sara H.
Fishing spots: Many cabins provide direct water access. "My family and I love this campground...the area has such history! It has a little beach area and great rock cliffs to jump off and swim! The fishing is also awesome, my husband caught a pike and small mouth bass his first day," shares Christina B.
Off-site attractions: Plan day trips to nearby attractions. "Within an hours drive of lots of cute, small river towns with tons of ambiance. Water sport potential was huge if you have your own watercraft," suggests Tracey G.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Sun Outdoors Association Island offers easy access to cabins. "The approach by way of a single lane bridge to the island is beautiful. Once on the island, it's obvious that this is a great place for retreat," writes Matt S.
Wind conditions: Be prepared for lakeside wind at some locations. "Our site backed up to the water and although it was windy they thought ahead and built the fire pit up to block it," notes April L.
Site dimensions: Cabin size and spacing varies between campgrounds. "Our site(#G07) was on the sunset-side of the island and the last of the row beside a walking trail. It was wooded, roomy, and has full hookups, a fire ring, and picnic table," explains Matt S.
Winter protection: Cabins with heat become essential in shoulder seasons. "The weather is incomparably gorgeous with so much to do. I really recommend heading to the nature center and following the trails there. The views are gorgeous and you get some great vistas," says Emily S.
