Cedar Point State Park RV & Campground Guide
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This park is in Clayton, NY on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and should not be confused with the park of the same name on Long Island. As with many state parks in this area, the main draw is the collection of available water-based activities, such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Cedar Point State Park is one of the oldest state parks in New York. The sandy beach has sheltered areas if you prefer the shade or open spaces to enjoy sunbathing. You can also paddle to Carleton Island and explore the ruins of a British fort from the Revolutionary War.
Nearby cities:
Clayton, NY
Watertown, NY
Sackets Harbor, NY
Kingston, Ontario
Spring 39-62 F
Summer 72-77 F
Fall 48-70 F
Winter 14-33 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cedar Point State Park
Campground Accommodations
Cedar Point State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookups: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: baseball diamonds, picnic area, fire rings, recycling station, dump station, restrooms, boat launch, boat rentals, showers, pavilion, gazebo
Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages
Family-oriented and pet-friendly, Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages is one of the most popular destinations for RV camping near Cedar Point State Park. The picnicking areas and fire pits provide what you need to have a wholesome evening with the family. The campground is conveniently located near Cedar Point State Park and close to exciting attractions such as Boldt Castle and numerous wineries. The nightly rates to stay at this campground are $30 for sites with just water and electricity and $35 for sites with a full hookup. The address of Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages is 38421 NY-12E, Clayton, NY 13624.
Merry Knoll Campground
Another fantastic option when it comes to RV parks near Cedar Point State Park is Merry Knoll Campground. It offers beautiful scenery along the St. Lawrence River, and it truly embodies the spirit of the Thousand Islands region. The swimming pool, playground, social pavilion, and gaming room are a few of the great amenities you have to choose from during a stay at this campground. The nightly rates on sites here are $34 for sites that come with water and electricity and $38 for sites that come with a full hookup. The address of Merry Knoll Campground is 38115 NY-12E, Clayton, NY 13624.
What to Do at
Cedar Point State Park
Take a boat out for a leisurely paddle along the shoreline or to the many islands in the St. Lawrence River. Be sure to mind the international border between the United States and Canada. There are easy hiking trails nearby, too, and if you're a birdwatcher, there will almost always be waterfowl to photograph and add to your birding notebook.
Inside Cedar Point State Park
To enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the trees with your loved ones, you can visit Cedar Point State Park’s social pavilions and picnic areas. Those who love to get out on the water can take advantage of the area’s marina, boat launch, and fishing pier. Smallmouth bass, bluefin, and crappie are a few of the most common types of fish that you will find in the nearby waters. The docks are beautiful, giving you a great view of Cedar Point State Park from a unique vantage point. There are also great spots for hunting, and waterfowl can be spotted in the region during certain seasons.
Fishing
The prize catch in the St. Lawrence River is the mighty sturgeon, but these fish are exceedingly rare. More common catches are smallmouth and largemouth bass, varying species of trout, bullhead, and northern pike. You can fish successfully from either the shore or a boat.
Flora and Fauna
Most of the wildlife you will encounter in Cedar Point State Park is avian. Near the river, you may see waterfowl like herons, gulls, and cormorants of all kinds. In addition, terns and mergansers stop by during their migrations. Along the beach, you'll find sandpipers leaving their tracks in the sand. In the evenings, bats will fly overhead. Just up the river from Cedar Point State Park, you'll find the French Creek Wildlife Management area, where you can spot deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional black bear.
Hiking
The 1.5-mile John MacFarlane Trail and the 11.1-mile Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail are two great hiking trails to explore the area. Both offer terrific views of the river and the surrounding ecosystems.
Swimming
The sandy beach is open for your swimming pleasure, but you are only allowed to swim when lifeguards are on duty. Also, the river sometimes has water quality issues, so you should pay attention to any signs that prohibit swimming. For more information, contact the park staff.
Boating
Whether you have a power boat, sailboat, or just a simple canoe, you can certainly enjoy time on the St. Lawrence River. There is a boat launch at Cedar Point State Park with a parking lot nearby.
How to Get to
Cedar Point State Park
From Canada, drive east on Highway 401 to the exit for the Thousand Islands Bridge. Cross into the United States, and then follow Route 12 southwest into Clayton. Then, take Route 12E all the way to Cedar Point State Park.
From Watertown and all points south, Follow Route 12 north into Clayton. Then, take Route 12E southwest until you reach the park.
From points east, such as Gouverneur, take Route 11 to Philadelphia, New York. Once there, turn northwest on Route 26. Follow that to Theresa. Proceed through Theresa on Route 26, and just east of the city, take 411 west to La Fargeville. At La Fargeville, get on Route 181 and take it west until you reach Route 12. Take Route 12 into Clayton. Then, get on Route 12E, which will take you to Cedar Point State Park.
Entering Cedar Point State Park
Parking is available at the entrance and near the boat ramp. The day-use fee is $7.
You can find a wide variety of options for outdoor activities to help you enjoy the natural surroundings of this state park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Point State Park
Because of all the water activities at Cedar Point State Park, the best time to visit is the late spring and throughout the summer. The temperatures are mild during this time, and the water temperature is between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's mostly birds in the park itself, but outside of the park, particularly in the nearby wildlife management area, you can find deer, wild turkeys, and many smaller mammals scampering around.
There are 165 RV-specific campsites in Cedar Point State Park. Of these, 26 have full hookups, and another 57 have just electrical hookups.
You must have reservations for Cedar Point State Park. The campsites cost between $18 and $35 nightly, and the reservation fee is $7.25. If you're not from New York State, there is a $5 additional charge per night.
Yes, your furry friends can accompany you to Cedar Point State Park. They are welcome in the campgrounds and on the trails. They must be on a leash, and their humans are responsible for cleaning up after them.