Thousand Island Park camping offers opportunities along the St. Lawrence River with 40+ islands and varied shoreline campsites. The region's limestone geology creates distinct landscapes for camping, with summer temperatures averaging 78-85°F. Many campgrounds operate from May through mid-October, with sites ranging from waterfront to wooded options.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Kring Point State Park Campground, the fishing access is exceptional. "My husband caught a pike and small mouth bass his first day!" reports Christina B. The park provides direct river access for anglers of all skill levels.
Boating activities: Water access makes boating central to the camping experience. "There is 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," explains John L. about Wellesley Island State Park Campground.
Swimming spots: Waterfront recreation includes designated swimming areas. At Burnham Point State Park Campground, campers appreciate "easy access to swim in the water" according to John B., while other campers note its small but quiet atmosphere makes for peaceful water enjoyment.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers value site size and privacy. Erin B. describes their experience at Wellesley Island: "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."
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings get consistently positive reviews. At Burnham Point, campers note "very clean bathrooms" and "showers with nice and hot water," making extended stays more comfortable.
Waterfront views: The riverside setting creates memorable camping experiences. "Beautiful view of the river," mentions John B. about Burnham Point, while at Cedar Point State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "the water view was amazing. The clear sky at night was wonderful for looking at the stars."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular waterfront sites book quickly. At Wellesley Island, campers recommend reserving well in advance: "We reserved the site 3 days prior and still found most waterfront campsites already reserved."
Site characteristics: Campsite terrain varies across parks. At Burnham Point State Park Campground, be aware that "lake front campsites are all on a slope - minimum flat space," which may affect tent placement and comfort.
Weather considerations: River locations can experience significant wind. At Burnham Point, campers note it can be "EXTREMELY VERY WINDY AND COLD" depending on the day, so pack accordingly even in summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play equipment for children. At Grass Point State Park Campground, Sara H. notes "the playground was extremely nice!" making it suitable for families with young children.
Swimming safety: Supervised swimming areas provide peace of mind. Grass Point has "a life guard on duty" and "stone steps to walk into the water," creating safer water entry points for children.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. John L. mentions Wellesley Island has "hiking trails all over the park" where families can explore together, and the nature center offers educational programs during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should check site specifications when booking. At Cedar Point, Jonathan G. mentions there's a "wide assortment of sites and services" while noting "waterfront sites don't have much shade but you get a great view."
Hookup availability: Utility connections vary by campground and site. At 1000 Islands Campground, Bryan cautions that sites can be "a little small and tight" for larger RVs, adding "our original site was listed at 55', but there was no way our 43' camper would fit, nor make the tight turn into it."
Road access: Some parks have challenging turns or narrow roads. When traveling with larger rigs, consider parks with "paved roads with grass and gravel sites" like Wellesley Island, which accommodates a range of vehicle sizes.
Traveler
