Best Glamping near Watertown, NY

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. Since they sold it, visiting Southwick is the next best thing. Lake Ontario is an amazing lake to be on and the water is pretty warm in the summer time. the waves don't get too big, so it is very safe for kids. Southwick itself has great camping spots right next to the beach. It is a little pricey if you only want to visit for the day, $8, but you can get a tent spot for $18 which is comparable to other state parks. Showers are available, and there are some short trails that are good for running or probably cross country skiing in the winter. There is also a sizable playground near the beach that is great for the kids.

Overall, our trip to this campground on an island was awesome! 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. Trash is picked up from your site between 8-10am each day. Staff was VERY nice and helpful. Most sites are spacious enough though you can see your neighbor. Fire pits are behind the camper pad so you can see others at their fire pits but most were spread out and I didn't hear the neighbors conversations. Being right on the lake and on the west facing side allowed for the prevailing winds to be felt. One night we couldn't sit outside due to the high winds. The Midge gnats were horrible for about a day and a half. They were around all week and I understand this was the time of year for them but the one day, you could not walk outside without being swarmed. In fact, I took pics of the swarm up above the trees. I've never seen anything like it before! We went out to eat the night they were so bad you couldn't cook, eat, or sit outside. There is a store with limited supplies, a "cafe" that served food but hours were not regular, a nice pool though too chilly in mid June to use. You can rent a golf cart which isn't really needed but fun. The opposite side of the island near the marina (not a full service marina just docks for your boat if you bring one)  and sunrise view had more spacious sites and you could access the lake easier. I don't think swimming is allowed though in the lake. The interior sites not on the water were okay, but a bit close in areas. The campground was not full most of the week we were there but began filling up by the weekend. There is a winery that does tastings on Friday afternoon and evenings which was fun. The closest towns are Watertown to the east which has any store you could need (Walmart, Lowes, etc.),  Henderson Harbor (not much there), Sagett's Harbor (cute but small with a couple cool restaurants though skip the brewery as they had no local beer and the food was just okay), Cape Vincent (cool lighthouse and small downtown), and Clayton which is about a 50 min. drive. We loved Clayton. Eat at Bellas on the St. Lawrence River! There is fishing at the island and a lot was being caught but most of it was small fish. Our friends went Go Karting somewhere close by. There are a few state parks that had great hiking trails and scenery. We had a lot of down time just relaxing while taking in the beautiful view. I'd happily go again!

I love going here! Going across to the island is so fun and feels so special. The views are beautiful i definitely recommend the sunrise size. The sunset is of course beautiful but sunrise sites are much bigger and can lead right to the water which is much nicer. It’s a lot less windy and easier to be in the water. But it’s lovely here and really a nice place to to.

Excited to get started

We stayed at Association Island on Lake Ontario in Henderson, NY, for a three-night excursion to celebrate my daughter’s end-of-9th-grade and start-of-summer. We’re so glad we did! 

When I made the reservation, this campground was a KOA, but has since changed owners and dissociated. They’re owned by Sun Outdoors who was willing to honor the reservation, site request, and discounted pricing.(Thank you, Sun Outdoors!) 

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. Surrounded by Lake Ontario, it’s a secluded and idyllic setting for a RV campground. 

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. I could probably have fit another RV in the site and still had space to stretch. 

The sites all seem to be well maintained, the campground has paved roadways, a marina for small boats, swimming pool, and ice cream shop. We didn’t explore off the island and didn’t use the bath or shower facilities. 

Each of our interactions with staff was warm and friendly. We especially appreciate this when staying anywhere. 

We met a bunch of people who’ve visited the park for several consecutive years- all of whom told us there have been many upgrades and improvements since the ownership change. 

Except for the 9-hour drive through three states, we can’t wait to return. We paid a KOA-discounted rate of$88 per night plus a$25 site lock fee. We stayed in our 37’ Class-A motorhome.

Campground was clean with newly paved roads. Unfortunately (and fortunately for future visitors) there is a lot of construction going on as the grounds are now owned by Sun RV Resorts (from KOA). That was annoying and disruptive to us but the improvements will be nice for the future.

Pool was nice and clean but one of the pool decks was closed for construction. Pool water was freezing this time of year. The rest of the amenities were dated and/or undergoing improvements so unavailable.

Staff was awesome! Very helpful and accommodating. Bob gave us amazing local recommendations!

Fishing was fun…lots of places to go to fish and the scenery was awesome.

Great for families. Lots of kids safely and respectfully running around on bikes, scooters, etc.

Sunsets were phenomenal! I mean, jaw dropping gorgeous.

One HUGE downfall was the amount of BUGS! Millions (not exaggerating) of midges and mayflies swarming the grounds from Lake Ontario. Be prepared to deal with this as we were not and had to vacuum inside the RV (ceilings, floors, walls) every night for about an hour to get rid of them inside. Not the campground’s fault but worth noting that the bug issue was not nearly as difficult other places such as inland or along the St. Lawrence in our observation.

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 (boats, jet ski, kayaking, etc). Many state parks and historical areas as well. Highly recommend a boat tour of the St. Lawrence River!

We loved camping here. There were many things to do for kids but also adults. They have pontoon and kayak rentals. Golf cart rentals. Cool bikes for kids. They had a little farmers market on the Saturday which was great. Sites can feel a little packed and we couldn’t see fireworks from the campground on 7/4 but overall loved this place and already booked next year!

Association Island is a great prospect, a failed KOA recently acquired by Sun Outdoors who are clearly struggling to get it up to scratch. We stayed three nights. The internet was down for 24 hours, there was no hot water in the showers because we were told the propane had run out, the laundry machines were tired and ineffective, garbage was overflowing behind the dumpster, there was 20% occupancy being late season, yet some staff guy had time to drive over and tell me we were 10 minutes late vacating our site. Incidentally our "elite" site H73 was overrun by mites, probably due to the lack of grounds maintenance. This place has great potential but Sun management needs to get a grip.

This is my go-to campground when I need to relax and reflect. Beautiful lakeside sites and always a cool breeze from Lake Ontario. Staff have always been friendly and helpful.

Everywhere you look its beautiful Lake Ontario. A campground that should be added to your bucket list.

This campground has so much to offer, nice store, pizza place (DELIVERS) , bands, cabins, trails. I loved it the lake was beautiful. As soon as you enter the campground there is someone outside waiting to help you.

This campground was nice but very crowded. It was Memorial Day weekend but the spots were not very big. At check in they take you to your spot and help you get settled in. That is a marriage saver.

Small island that you get to by a causeway. You’ll never see more beautiful sunrises and sunsets! Nice pool. Not a lot to do if you don’t have a boat, but great for a short weekend

Met up with rv friends and stayed in a cottage. Guaranteed waterfront view.

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. Our site backed up to the water and although it was windy they thought ahead and built the fire pit up to block it. Our site was a little narrower than others based on our proximity to a corner, but we still loved it.

This place is amazing! It's not fancy but the location is spectacular. Access is off of I81, down a few back roads and across a causeway. Our site was a pull in and we faced a western view of Lake Ontario. We were treated to gorgeous sunsets and minimal light pollution at night. The stars were everywhere. We were able to drop our kayaks right in the water in front of our rig and paddle to our heart's content. The water is clear and cool. Our site was full hookup and gravel based. We would definitely stay here again.

Many repeat campers over many years. Best sites are hard to book ahead and are best for tents or small trailers. Some bathrooms are older. Nice play spaces for kids of all ages, and also has a nice playground area. 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!

We arrived at Long Point to find out that the site is very wet. Gave us option on that site or 2 others. Took a different site and buried our class c up to rear axel, could not stay here 3 days later and still no refund from Reserve America. We wish there was some way to notify us before we drove 3 hours to get there @ $5.00 a gallon.

This campground is part of the Long Point State Park, a long spit on the shore of Lake Ontario. Part of the Thousand Islands. The campground has some of the best amenities we have seen in a state park. Personal toilet, shower& sink are contained within separate rooms within the amenity block, perfect for couples and young families. They are new construction with plenty of room. 

The park offers flat, grassy sites, all with fire rings& picnic tables. The camp office sells ice and firewood. The campground has its own boat ramp and dock. You can easily launch kayaks right from your campsite. It can get quite windy on the point so take a wind break or shelter. 

Minimal phone reception at this one and they welcome furry friends!

Right on Lake Ontario and proximity to Saint Lawrence attractions make this a busy place. Its basically a field woth campsites. At first the openess bothered me but after a few days I grew to like it. The other campers were friendly and facilities were clean. We went in the fall after Labor Day weekend so only weekends were crowded - we has the place to ourselves during the week. Lots to see and do in the area. I'd go back.

Beautiful new buildings on site, variety of campsites. Favorites are the beachfront sites, access to the beach and beautiful Lake Ontario. Small campground but very nice.

Campgrounds are great. Only deducted a star because if the weather. Got to the park on Friday night with storms looming about. Our fire out was underwater. Lake Ontario was so high, there was barely any beach, and the wind was insane.

Bathrooms were immaculate. Store only takes cash.

BEST beach in CNY-sandbar goes on forever-campsites roomy and we’ll taken care of-bathrooms are meticulously cleaned-we always camp in the electric loop about 1/2 mile from the beach-sunsets are gorgeous from here as well-camp here 3-5 trips yearly

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

Good hot showers. Friendly staff. Is currently in a construction zone and is experiencing flooding and dune erosion. The natural beauty still shines through these.

I Could go on an on about this campground. go check it out!