Best Campgrounds near Watertown, NY

Watertown is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New York camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Watertown, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Watertown, New York (73)

    1. Sun Outdoors Association Island

    15 Reviews
    Henderson Harbor, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 709-1174

    $53 - $116 / night

    "The sunsets were spectacular and our site was literally just steps from Lake Ontario. All sites are full hook up. Wifi is available and fairly good."

    "Great location offering both sunrise and sunsets over the water of Lake Ontario. Loved the access to the water for our dogs to swim and for beautiful views."

    2. Wellesley Island State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Thousand Island Park, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 482-2722

    $74 - $81 / night

    "Our site is located adjacent to a mowed grass path that leads to the main road, close to the camp store. Beautiful area, lots of hiking and biking trails and swim area."

    "Walking areas. Access to water for swimming."

    3. Black River Bay Campground

    1 Review
    Sackets Harbor, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 639-3735

    4. Westcott Beach State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sackets Harbor, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 646-2239

    $20 - $27 / night

    "You can get campsites along Lake Ontario where you can see amazing sunsets."

    "Nice hiking trail as well."

    5. Fort Drum Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Fort Drum, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 772-8222

    6. Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina

    12 Reviews
    Thousand Island Park, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 262-8297

    "It’s an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown. The staff was great— friendly and helpful."

    "We paralleled Cayuga Lake (which is part of the Finger Lakes) for some time and then took the Great Lakes Seaway Trail."

    7. Bedford Creek Marina & Campground

    1 Review
    Sackets Harbor, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 679-5454

    $61 - $130 / night

    "I love everyone riding around on golf carts"

    8. Long Point State Park Campground — Thousand Islands

    4 Reviews
    Chaumont, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 649-5258

    "Right on Lake Ontario and proximity to Saint Lawrence attractions make this a busy place. Its basically a field woth campsites."

    "Almost always a breeze and storms can come up quickly off the lake - be sure to keep things put away and weighted down, and be ready to “batten down the hatches” as my dad used to say!"

    9. Southwick Beach State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ellisburg, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 846-5338

    $20 - $35 / night

    "There is TONS of beach to explore at this little State Park in New York. I used to visit here as a kid years ago because my grandparents owned a cottage on the lake."

    "Favorites are the beachfront sites, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario. Small campground but very nice."

    10. Cedar Point State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Clayton, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 654-2522

    $20 - $33 / night

    "Biking and hiking trails through the woods and on the bluffs. The campground is deep in the woods with spacious camp sites. Very secluded. Take a walk down to the beach as well."

    "Just a short drive from Clayton, Alex Bay, Cape Vincent and Canada. there is something for everyone at cedar point; swimming, yoga, boating, docks and fishing."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Watertown, NY

197 Reviews of 73 Watertown Campgrounds



Guide to Watertown

Camping near Watertown, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have access to scenic trails. For instance, at Wellesley Island State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy "a ton of trails" that cater to all skill levels.
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and swimming are popular. One reviewer at Delta Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We kayaked from the ADA kayak launch and had a nice time on Eel Bay."
  • Nature Centers: Check out the nature center at Wellesley Island State Park Campground for kids' activities and educational programs. A reviewer noted, "They have a beautiful nature center with a lot of kids activities."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Old Forge Camping Resort. One visitor said, "The sites were spacious, with room for two cars, 4 kayaks, and two tents."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms are a big plus. A reviewer at Wellesley Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice bathrooms, a small park near the cabins and heron loop."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A long-time visitor to Old Forge Camping Resort said, "This is one of the most family-friendly resorts and a perfect weekend getaway."

What you should know:

  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can get crowded, especially during holidays. A visitor at Delta Lake State Park Campground noted, "This campground got a 3/5 mainly because quiet hours are not enforced."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at 1000 Islands Association Island KOA mentioned, "The internet was down for 24 hours, there was no hot water in the showers."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve shared, "You can catch sight of deer or a bear at any moment."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Swan Bay Resort enjoyed the "two pools and a bar" which kept everyone entertained.
  • Book Early: Popular sites fill up fast. A visitor at Cranberry Lake - DEC advised, "Book early for Labor Day weekend!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Limekiln Lake Campground mentioned, "The beach was nice, but water was a little cold."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Old Forge Camping Resort said, "The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Full hookups make life easier. A camper at Wellesley Island State Park Campground noted, "They do have full hookup in another loop."
  • Stay Connected: Check for Wi-Fi availability. A visitor at Swan Bay Resort mentioned, "WiFi was ok."

Camping around Watertown, NY, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Watertown, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Watertown, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 73 campgrounds and RV parks near Watertown, NY and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Watertown, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Watertown, NY is Sun Outdoors Association Island with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Watertown, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Watertown, NY.

What parks are near Watertown, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Watertown, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.