Northern New York's camping areas near Winthrop sit within the St. Lawrence River Valley at elevations averaging 200-300 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during July and August. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, making most campgrounds seasonal operations from May through September when the deciduous forests surrounding the small communities transition through vibrant color changes.
What to do
Fishing on the water: Eel Weir State Park provides direct access to the Oswegatchie River with "great fishing and nice camp sites even let's you bring a boat," according to camper David H. The park features approximately 30 sites with shade trees and minimal undergrowth.
Observe local wildlife: The forested campgrounds create natural habitats for various wildlife. At Riverside Campground, the river setting attracts various species. Aaron P. from another park notes that "the family of owls that inhabit the trees that you see every night" creates memorable wildlife viewing opportunities.
Water activities beyond fishing: The waterfront locations of many campgrounds support various recreation options. At Jacques Cartier State Park, "Everyone swims, kayaks, and paddle boards off their sites," as Alycia M. explains. The park also features "a great guarded beach if you have young ones with a newer playground right next to it."
What campers like
Peaceful natural settings: Higley Flow State Park receives consistent praise for its secluded sites. Elizabeth P. calls it "One of my favorite parks ever. Absolutely perfect. Water views, cheap good firewood, big private sites and brand new bathhouses."
Cultural experiences: The rural location puts campers near unique cultural experiences. At Eel Weir State Park, Daniel L. notes, "You can hear the clip clip of horses from the Amish buggys on the road across the river," providing a glimpse into the region's diverse communities.
Waterfront access: Many campers prioritize water access when choosing sites. At Jacques Cartier State Park, the sites are "large with some located with waterfront (St. Lawrence River)," according to Scott F., who adds that "A boat launch in the park may it easy for boaters."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes. At Cranberry Lake Campground, Kevin T. warns, "I came here totaly unprepared and ended up getting soaked. I didn't check the forecast and it started pouring. It gets really cold at night and the weather is unpredictable."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate only during warmer months. Pine Ridge Park operates "May 15 to October," while Jacques Cartier State Park runs "May 20 to September 11," and Eel Weir State Park is open "May 27 to September 4."
Cell service challenges: Service varies significantly between campgrounds and carriers. Marie H. at Barnhart Island Camping Area reports, "I have read that Verizon has good service there but my AT&T service was not good and kept bouncing off Canadian towers so be careful!"
Varying site privacy: Campground layouts offer different privacy levels. At Blue Haven Camp Ground, John P. notes the "Cramped sites, lots of year round RV and trailers. Had a tent site, close to others. Not bad, people friendly and staff was very nice."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Pine Ridge Park Campsite receives consistent praise for its family focus. Kyle I. reports that "This campground has the best staff you can find in northern New York. The whole time they are open they have activities planned for the kids all summer long."
Swimming safety: Look for designated swimming areas with supervision. Jacques Cartier State Park features a "guarded beach" that families appreciate, while Higley Flow offers both "playing in the water or in the playground" according to Jill R., who calls it an "awesome place to bring your children."
Kid-friendly activities: Several parks organize regular events. Pine Ridge Park offers "many different theme nights" according to Ron S., who has "been seasonal campers at pine ridge for a few years now. Always something fun for the entire family to do."
Reading options: Some campgrounds offer unexpected amenities for children. Kyle I. notes that at Pine Ridge Park, "If your kids like to read. There is place they can find a book and read a book," providing quiet activity options during downtime.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. Sandy T. from Higley Flow State Park warns that sites are "most all paved (not always very level!)" which can require additional work when setting up RVs.
Utility connections: Babbling Brook RV Park in Fort Covington provides comprehensive services according to Gale, who notes "Electric, water and sewer available. Reasonable rates. Spacing okay."
Water level fluctuations: RVers parking near water should consider potential changes. Sandy T. notes that at Higley Flow State Park, "Since this river has many dams and is used for hydro power the water level can go up and down 2-3 feet from one day to the next," which could affect shoreline access.
Site selection strategy: When booking rv parks in Winthrop, New York region, consider specific needs. Marie H. advises, "We stayed for a weekend and were lucky enough to get a premium site on the water. We stated in site 206 which was very large and had a private little beach area. There are two totally different areas to camp so I would look closely at the campground maps."
