Best Camping 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, NY (75)

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Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Watertown

194 Reviews of 75 Watertown Campgrounds


  • Matt S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina
    Oct. 14, 2024

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

    This is a great park.

    We stayed at Swan Bay Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY, for our last trip this year. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! 

    This is a great park. It’s an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown. The staff was great— friendly and helpful. Our waterfront pull-IN site was a level concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great. Oh, and the best part was our view of the St. Lawrence River with passing ocean liners and lots of migrating birds. 

    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. They put on Octoberfest during our stay which featured a live band and food and craft vendors. 

    There are plenty of restaurants and stores nearby. Adjacent to the entrance is a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes. 

    I have nothing bad to say about this place and encourage you to visit when you can.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wellesley Island State Park Campground
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Wellesley Island State Park Campground

    crowded. fine if you're spending your days on the water

    We came to this campground after a week in Algonquin Provincial park in Canada and the contrast couldn't have been greater. Up north we stayed on a large, shady site in a radio free loop and everyone had canoes. In New York we had a cramped, open site and everyone seemed to have a motorboat on a trailer. Our neighbors across the road set up a movie screen . The overall feel was NOT "getting away from it all".
    The facilities are good and there's a nice beach and well stocked General store, also a big boat ramp facility with some docks.
    We chose this location because we were attending the Antique Boat Show in Clayton, 13 miles away, and this was the closest available. It suited us just fine for that.
    Keep your stuff secure, there are brazen raccoons.

  • Jim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Brennans Bay Campground and Marina
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Brennans Bay Campground and Marina

    Great RV park with Marina

    A great park on Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario.  Mostly Permanent sites with 6 transient sites overlooking the marina.  The park has a nice pool, pavilion, store and kids playground with a basketball court.  Great area for fishing, bass, trout, salmon and walleye.  Very clean and well maintained park.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Winona State Forest
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Winona State Forest

    Small but quiet campsite

    Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added.

    The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail.

    It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful.

  • Bella J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Southwick Beach State Park Campground
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Southwick Beach State Park Campground

    Not for me

    Unfortunately when we arrived at southwick the rangers & staff had all gone home so we were unable to get a map or check in. We went to our camp site & there were people playing very loud music until about 12am, no rangers around the say anything about quiet hours so I had to. Sites are on top of eachother & there’s no boarders inbetween, fine for some people but not for me. After it rained one night our site & others around us were completely flooded. The beach area & bathhouses we’re nice though so that helped the stay not be a complete wash

  • Dane P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Excellent place! Went for Solar Eclipse

    a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Selkirk Shores State Park Campground
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Selkirk Shores State Park Campground

    4 Different Loops

    This campground is 4 different loops- A loop is like the loop for people here for fishing, B loop is the mellower crowd, and C and D were our nightmares: mass chaos, children running amok, loud groups, no thanks. Apparently C and D are always booked and full, because people like that it’s closest to the beach trail, the playground, and the camp store. We chose a site in loop B and were happy with our choice. None of the sites at the campground have any privacy from your neighbor, you’re all sort of camped in a big circle. Sites 66 and 67 are the exception that we saw, they’re off together to the side and would be a good choice for two groups camping together. 

    There are dumpsters here, and there’s recycling for redeemable bottles and cans only, with proceeds going to the campground’s rec center. That was the most recycling I’ve seen offered at a NY state park campground yet, at least it’s something. 

    All sites are electric, some are 30 and some are 50amp. There’s a nice new dump station with several dumps and potable water. Good cell reception for both Verizon and ATT. NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs.

  • Noah D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Towsley Road Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Towsley Road Dispersed Camping

    great little spot

    nice place to sleep. good for someone who doesn’t want something too off the road. when you get to the destination you have to go a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road.

  • B M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Streamside RV Park & Golf Course
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Streamside RV Park & Golf Course

    Small campground

    We stopped here for a night going from Niagara Falls area to upper vermont. All sites are a back in site yet it was long enough for us to stay hooked up. We had full hook up. The sites are tight like most RV parks. The office is at the 19th hole. There is a bar that serves food called Divots. They had prime rib on the menu yet Sundays they close early so we didn't get to eat there. 

    There is a 12 hole golf coarse that surrounds the campground. 

    There are a lot of seasonal campsites that have decks, nice furniture out at their spots. They all left Sunday afternoon yet the rigs stay there.

    we paid #37.50 for a one night stay. That is a good price for full hook up.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Willows on the Lake
    Aug. 29, 2023

    Willows on the Lake

    Good Overnight stop

    Mostly long term folks but transient spots have easy road access. Clean bathrooms good WiFi. Sites are gravel, pretty level. Campground is well maintained.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA
    Jun. 18, 2023

    Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA

    Nice KOA, great owners

    The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept. The laundry room and bathrooms were clean. I didn’t have a chance to use the deck or the indoor pool.

    The owners made me feel welcome from the minute I arrived. They went above & beyond for me.

    The facilities are not wheelchair accessible. The owners said that they are working on that.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Merry Knoll Campground
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Merry Knoll Campground

    Friendliest

    Family like experience. The owner and his wife are fully involved. They take you in with a golf cart ride so that you know which way to go. They check on with you thru out your stay. Simple and nice place. We will visit every year.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Kring Point State Park — Kring Point
    May. 18, 2023

    Kring Point State Park — Kring Point

    Beautiful but cramped

    Beautiful campground. The ladies at the check in point were very nice and helpful! Bathrooms were clean (no hot water). Just didn't expect the plots to be so small with no privacy. Thought we chose a plot in an area with tents only, but there was a massive camper right beside us with noisy people. I would go back again if I could pick a site that had the neighboring ones not reserved, to get a little more privacy.

  • sam T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest
    May. 14, 2023

    Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest

    Free well kept camp site

    This is my second time camping at this location and I’ve enjoyed it so much. Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Feb. 27, 2023

    Stillwater Reservoir

    An island paradise

    Having both camped, and trained with my SAR Unit, on Stillwater Reserve, I must say it's a wonderful place to "get lost" (voluntarily at least)!

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Della Terra
    Jan. 13, 2023

    Della Terra

    Multiple Sites to Pitch Your Tent!

    Ashley here with The Dyrt! We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful. There is solar power to provide you with your electrical needs. 15 miles from Whetstone Gulf State Park! Give them a try and leave a review!

  • Bella S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve
    Oct. 8, 2022

    Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve

    Big Rig friendly!

    We have a 37ft fifth wheel & fit into our site no problem! Good cell reception & tons to do near by. But I highly recommend checking out their beach area- beyond gorgeous! We will 100% be coming back.

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Nicks Lake Campground
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Nicks Lake Campground

    Nice campsites off Nicks Lake

    Good little spot, stayed here 6 nights in late September. Nice color changes, but it does rain a lot here. (Almost every day and night)

  • Carl G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground
    Aug. 26, 2022

    Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground

    Small quite place

    We had to contend with a day and a half of rain out of 3 days. Small guiet park, sites are large not all sites have the same electric, there 2- 50 amp,, some 30 amps and some 15 Amp. We will go back, staff friendly and helpful.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Willows on the Lake
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Willows on the Lake

    Great Little 1000 Islands Campground

    Lovely location directly on Lake Ontario. Nice little 9 hole golf course 5 minutes away. State park the same. We had large shaded FHU pull thru site with 50 amps, excellent water pressure

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from 1000 Islands Campground
    Aug. 3, 2022

    1000 Islands Campground

    Cleanest, best run and close to all attractions

    Extremely clean, well run and has the most options for all kinds of camping. The grounds are spotless, as are the bathrooms and showers. There are several hosts, so help is always available. The campground is conveniently located near many of the attractions.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Wellesley Island State Park Campground
    Jul. 19, 2022

    Wellesley Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    We camp with a big rig(40ft) we prefer the heron loop they are very spacious. Nice bathrooms, a small park near the cabins and heron loop, a huge park near the beach and store. They have a beautiful nature center with a lot of kids activities. A ton of trails, they do have full hookup in another loop. By far a beautiful campground and views



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 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Watertown, NY and 7 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 Wellesley Island State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Watertown, NY.

  • What parks are near Watertown, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Watertown, NY that allow camping, notably White Mountain National Forest and Blue Mountain Lake.