Watertown offers easy access to outdoor recreation on the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Located near the eastern basin of Lake Ontario, the area sits at around 500 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 80°F. Campsites in this region often feature a mix of wooded and waterfront locations, with proximity to both freshwater fishing and hiking trails.
What to do
Boat rentals and access: At Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina, visitors can access the St. Lawrence River directly. "There is a free boat launch and boat slips for guests. I was hoping to spend a bit of time on my paddleboard but soon realized it is very windy here and found very few windows to paddle," notes Nancy W.
Playground access for children: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Watertown feature play areas. "The playground is awesome and huge with lots of cool features for kids to explore," says a reviewer about Swan Bay Resort. Cedar Point State Park Campground offers similar features where "the playground was perfect for our kids (8 and younger)."
Beach swimming: Cedar Point State Park Campground maintains a designated swimming area on the St. Lawrence River. According to Courtney M., "The beach was well kept, and the playground was perfect for our kids." Susan L. adds that the park offers "swimming, yoga, boating, docks and fishing."
Hiking and biking trails: Wooded paths provide recreational options away from the water. Michael P. describes Cedar Point as having "biking and hiking trails through the woods and on the bluffs. The campground is deep in the woods with spacious camp sites."
What campers like
Waterfront views: Wellesley Island State Park Campground earns praise for its location on the St. Lawrence River. John L. notes that "the views of the ST. LAWRENCE River are amazing. You're around some of the best fishing in the country." Campers frequently mention the sunsets over the water as a highlight of their stay.
Spacious sites: Many campsites provide adequate room between neighbors. At Wellesley Island State Park, Amanda H. reports "the sites there are big! We usually get 2 sites and place as many as 5 tents between the 2 sites!" Similar observations come from Westcott Beach where sites in the plateau area provide extra room.
Clean facilities: Southwick Beach State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. Gabrielle C. observed that "bathrooms were immaculate" during her stay, while others note the recent construction of "beautiful new buildings on site."
Recreation hall activities: Some campgrounds offer structured activities. Susan L. mentions that Cedar Point State Park provides "a staffed rec hall with activities like scavenger hunts, art contests, and ping pong. Or you can borrow a book, hang a hammock and relax on the river."
What you should know
Wind conditions: Lake Ontario can produce strong winds that affect camping. A visitor to Swan Bay Resort warns, "Our neighbor (who has camped here seasonally for the last four years) mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper."
Site drainage concerns: Following rain, some campgrounds experience flooding issues. At Long Point State Park Campground, Carl G. reported, "We arrived at Long Point to find out that the site is very wet... Took a different site and buried our class c up to rear axel."
Seasonal campground closures: Most campgrounds in the region close by mid-October and reopen in May. Check specific closing dates which vary slightly between parks. Swan Bay Resort operates from May 1 to October 31, while others like Wellesley Island State Park run from May 6 to October 10.
Cash-only policies: Some campground stores and facilities require cash payment. Gabrielle C. notes that at Southwick Beach State Park, the "store only takes cash."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access recommendations: Westcott Beach State Park Campground offers family-friendly swimming. Dinah V. shares, "This is a great family beach/day tripping beach. You can get campsites along Lake Ontario where you can see amazing sunsets." The beach area can get crowded during peak season with day visitors.
Playground facilities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Watertown feature play equipment. Theresa F. mentions that Westcott Beach has a "nice new children's playground," while several campers highlight the play areas at Cedar Point and Swan Bay Resort.
Recreation programming: Staffed activities provide entertainment options for children. Susan L. explains that Cedar Point State Park offers "a staffed rec hall with activities like scavenger hunts, art contests, and ping pong," making it suitable for families with varying interests.
Boat watching opportunities: The St. Lawrence Seaway traffic provides entertainment for children. At Swan Bay Resort, campers report watching "passing ocean liners and lots of migrating birds" from their sites.
Tips from RVers
Level site access: Sun Outdoors Association Island provides suitable pull-in sites for larger rigs. Donna C. explains, "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." She adds that "our site was full hookup and gravel based."
Plateau camping area: For RVs at Westcott Beach State Park, experienced campers recommend specific areas. Theresa F. advises, "We have only camped the electric loop up on the hill across the Street from the rest of the park. It is spacious and restroom buildings are kept up."
Site assistance: Some campgrounds offer parking help for RVs. At Sun Outdoors Association Island, Stacey C. notes, "At check in they take you to your spot and help you get settled in. That is a marriage saver."
RV wash stations: Convenient facilities exist for rig maintenance. A reviewer reports Swan Bay Resort has "a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes" adjacent to the entrance.
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