$17 - $26 / night

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Established Camping

Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground

4 Reviews

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New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground, near Lowville, New York, is a cozy spot tucked away amidst beautiful rural farmland. This campground is perfect for those who enjoy spacious sites and a friendly atmosphere, making it a solid choice for families and groups.

The campground offers electric hookups and allows campfires, which is always a plus for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the facilities, with one camper mentioning, “My kids took their shoes off on Friday and did not put them back on until Sunday morning!” There’s also a nice playground for the little ones to enjoy, ensuring everyone has something to do.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts multiple trails, including a gorge trail that promises breathtaking views. While the beach may be closed for the season, the surrounding nature and the charm of the park make it a great place to unwind and explore. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground offers a welcoming retreat for your next adventure.

Description

Whetstone Gulf State Park is built in and around a three-mile-long gorge cut into the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. The gorge is one of the most spectacular scenic vistas east of the Rocky Mountains. The park features wooded campsites, a scenic picnic area along Whetstone Creek, a man-made swimming area, and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, one of which circles the gorge. Above the gorge is Whetstone Reservoir, popular for canoeing and stocked with tiger muskie and large-mouth bass for fishermen.

Park Rules & Information: - No ATVs allowed in the park. A location is provided for loading and unloading of ATVs and access to ATV trails. ATVs can be on trailers on site but cannot be driven to on/off load. No bikes allowed on trails.

Quiet hours are from 10PM to 7AM. Generators can be used only from 9-11AM and 5-9PM.
Wood, ice, canoe rentals, and other merchandise are for sale at the toll booth.

<font color="red"><b>ATTENTION PET OWNERS:</b></font>

Current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in (metal tags will not be accepted).
At any time during your stay, pet owners may be required to provide proof of rabies inoculation upon request. Be sure to have this information available to present to park staff.
Where pets are permitted, there is a maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and under control at all times.
Do not leave pets unattended and always clean up after them.
Pet owners/permit holders are liable for any damage, personal injury, or nuisance caused by the pet.

SWIMMING: Each year the campground makes every effort to provide safe swimming opportunities by testing the water and by keeping the swimming areas staffed with lifeguards. Please be aware that if the safety of our swimmers is compromised due to lack of lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited. Swimming cannot be a guaranteed activity; therefore, we cannot offer refunds on camping stays. We apologize for this inconvenience as it may occur with little advance notice.

Looking to reserve a campsite for just 1 night? If you make your reservation within 3 days of your arrival you can book a 1-night stay online or through the RA Call Center (1-800-456-2267). *Applies to campsites only.

PRE-REGISTRATION: Have an existing reservation? Don't forget to PRE-REGISTER!! Two days prior to arrival you can sign into Reserve America and pre-register. IT SAVES TIME.

LENGTH OF STAY: A camping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights. After which, the camping party and equipment must leave the site and facility for 48 hours before registering again for another site.

Please Note: To ensure fairness for all NY customers, any reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month Maximum Window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made.

OPRHP General Camping Rules, Information, and Cancellation Policy

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Location

Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground is located in New York

Directions

The park is located off Route 26, 6 miles south of Lowville, near the Adirondack Park. 315-376-6630

Address

6065 West Road
Lowville, NY 13367

Coordinates

43.70200012 N
75.46200082 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Stillwater Reservoir

54 min away

North Lake Resevoir

1 hr 1 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

38 min from Watertown, NY
50 min from Utica, NY
1 hr 26 min from Syracuse, NY
2 hrs 28 min from Glens Falls, NY

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Reservable
Showers
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Carl G.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2022

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.

Site12

Month of VisitAugust

Rachel P.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 4, 2018

Whetstone Gulf State Park

Tucked away behind acres upon acres of rural farmland, between the Thousand Islands Region and Tug Hill Plateau, is Whetstone Gulf State Park. The Park was fairly crowded, with lots of bustle, and well-suited for large RVs and campers. My sister and I lucked out that upon a late arrival (8:15pm), the main office was still open for check-in. The staff was plenty friendly and assisted to direct us to our site.

Our site, 14, was large and had access to electricity. The trees were tall and towered over the grounds. We were, thankfully, relatively shielded from a brief rainstorm the following morning. I was a bit disappointed with several items of trash found at my site upon arrival, including a glob of paint from a paintball gun on one of the picnic tables. Despite this, I have to say that this site is one of the better options at this campground in terms of privacy and seclusion, even with the bathrooms only being steps away. Sites 32 and 49 were also decent, but many of the sites were open and visible. Think “woodsy suburb”.

As a whole, the grounds were geared towards big campers and RVs. Being a tent camper who savors shade, solitude and quiet, this is not my favorite of parks. Additionally, the loop closest to the “beach house” contained piles of dirt and gravel, leaving something to be desired.

The grounds do have multiple trails, including a gorge trail, which perhaps may offer some redeeming qualities. Though I will have to save them for a future visit. The beach was closed for the season, but the grounds did offer a nice playground for children.

Site14

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Alicia B.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2018

Love this Park!

Smaller park that has large sites and great beach!

Site12

Month of VisitJuly

Matt N.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 18, 2017

Beautiful unknown campground in Upstate New York

Beautiful campground! We visited on a weekend in August and I can't say enough how clean the facilities were. My kids took their shoes off on Friday and did not put them back on until Sunday morning! Cute swimming hole, although the water was brisk, as it's a dammed steam. Did not slow the kids down. We also hike the gorge hiking trail. What a wonderful hike. Mid level rigor but the view of the gorge from the top are truly breath taking!! Overall super clean facility with spacious sites and not terribly busy. No hook up available at this facility but strongly recommended!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about Whetstone Gulf State Park camping?

Campers consistently praise Whetstone Gulf State Park for its cleanliness and spacious sites. The park is described as beautiful, with particularly clean facilities that impress visitors. Families appreciate the swimming hole, though the water can be brisk. The staff receives positive mentions for being friendly and helpful. While some note it can get crowded during peak times with considerable activity, others appreciate its smaller, quieter atmosphere. The park accommodates various camping styles, from tent camping to large RVs. Most visitors indicate they would return for future stays.

What facilities are available at Whetstone Gulf State Park campground?

Whetstone Gulf State Park campground offers clean facilities and spacious campsites. The park features electrical hookups with varying amperage options (15, 30, and 50 amp) at different sites. There's a swimming area created by a dammed stream that's popular with families. Bathroom facilities are well-maintained and exceptionally clean. The campground accommodates both tent campers and larger RVs, with sites large enough for comfortable camping. Basic amenities are available, though visitors should check with the park office for specific needs before arrival.

Are campsite photos available for Whetstone Gulf State Park?

Official campsite photos for Whetstone Gulf State Park may be available through the New York State Parks reservation system or official website. The campsites are known to be large and spacious, accommodating both tent campers and RVs. Contact the park directly or visit the New York State Parks website to view any available site-specific photos before making reservations. This can help you select a site that best meets your camping needs and preferences.

Are there hiking trails near Whetstone Gulf State Park campground?

Yes, Whetstone Gulf State Park has hiking opportunities, though specific trail details aren't extensively documented. The park is situated between the Thousand Islands Region and Tug Hill Plateau, suggesting varied terrain for exploration. The natural setting includes a notable gulf formation that gives the park its name. For comprehensive trail information, including difficulty levels, distances, and accessibility, contact the park office directly before your visit.

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