Coles Creek State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The park opened in 1959 as the area along the St. Lawrence River in New York was rapidly expanding, and today, Coles Creek State Park covers about 1,800 acres on the southern shore of the river. The boating and Jet Skiing are both excellent, and you can swim as well. In fact, the water-based activities are the park's biggest draw all summer. You can see the Canadian shore on the other side of the river, so be sure not to stray too far from the American side.
Nearby Cities:
Potsdam, NY
Massena, NY
Ogdensburg, NY
Ottawa, Ontario
Spring 19-66 F
Summer 45-80 F
Fall 29-69 F
Winter 6-29 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Coles Creek State Park
Campground Accommodations
Coles Creek State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: 147 of the 232 campsites have 30-amp electrical hookups
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Pavilion for rent, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, showers, restrooms, communal potable water
Babbling Brook RV Park
Babbling Brook RV Park is a quality campground located a short distance from Coles Creek State Park in Fort Covington, New York. It runs along the Salmon River near attractions like the Malone Golf Club. The RV park contains 57 sites in total, 27 of which lie directly on the riverfront. The nightly rates to stay here are $43 for riverside sites with full hookups and $41 for field sites with full hookups. The address of Babbling Brook RV Park is 1623 Co Rte 4, Fort Covington, NY 12937.
Jellybeans Riverside Campground
Jellybeans Riverside Campground is a fantastic RV park located along the St. Regis River in Brasher Falls, New York. Some amenities and activities that the park provides to guests include fire pits, a river deck, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. You can also visit on-site facilities such as River View Restaurant and the covered children’s playground. There are 65 shady campsites that can fit RVs of up to 40 feet in length. The nightly rate to stay at this RV park is $35, and these sites include water and electricity. The address of Riverside Campground is 7 St Regis St, Brasher Falls, NY 13613.
What to Do at
Coles Creek State Park
Although there is no boat launch at Coles Creek State Park, you can still set out in small craft, including Jet Skis, from the beach. The boat ramp is just 6 miles distant. From there, you can set out in larger sailboats and powerboats. Birders will be able to see many waterfowl, including Canada geese, herons, cormorants, and sanderlings. Terns also stop by on their way to the ocean. If wildlife is truly your thing, then the nearby Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area is just the place to fill your photo albums with great shots.
Wildlife and water sports are extremely popular at Coles Creek State Park. There is a hiking trail in the wildlife management area as well.
Inside Coles Creek State Park
Coles Creek State Park includes a sandy beach that guests love to visit during warmer times of the year. During the winter months, you can try your hand at exciting activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Attractions that offer quality family fun include social pavilions, recreation programs, and food concessions. If you are a lover of aquatics, you can also get out on the water to take advantage of boat rentals and fishing. Lastly, the nature trails and picnic areas are wonderful destinations for a relaxing afternoon in the state park’s natural beauty.
Hiking
At the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management area, you can hike the Nichols Trail, which is a 2.8-mile loop. It's an easy hike that only gains about 27 feet of elevation as it meanders through the marshes of the area. There are boardwalks over the soggiest places, and it's a good idea not to stray from the well-marked trail.
Flora and Fauna
The wildlife management area has three sections, but just one of these is for public use. You can still spot quite a lot of wildlife in addition to birds, however, particularly from the two observation towers in the area. Moose, black bears, weasels, and otters populate the wildlife management area, and on rare occasions, you might even encounter wayward wolves or cougars.
Boating
You can take out boats of all kinds, including kayaks and canoes. Some parts of the St. Lawrence River are treacherous, however, so it would be good to stay close to shore unless you have an experienced guide along with you when you're canoeing or kayaking. If you have a larger boat, then you can even traverse the Welland Canal into the Great Lakes if you so desire.
Swimming
From the late spring throughout the summer, there are lifeguards on duty at the beach in Coles Creek State Park. The water temperature in the summer is about 75 F, so it's comfortable for swimming in just a bathing suit.
How to Get to
Coles Creek State Park
From Canada, proceed south on Route 416 and take the exit for Johnstown. After that, cross the Prescott-Ogdensburg International Bridge to the U.S., and take Route 37 east along the river to Coles Creek State Park. Alternatively, you can take Route 401 to Cornwall, crossing the river on the Seaway International Bridge. Once in the U.S., you turn west onto Route 37, and follow it all the way to Coles Creek State Park.
From Potsdam and all points south, proceed northwest along Route 345 until you reach Route 37. Turn east on Route 37, and follow it all the way to Coles Creek State Park.
From Malone and all points east, simply drive northwest on Route 37. It will take you to Coles Creek State Park.
Entering Coles Creek State Park
There is no fee to park in the day-use parking area at Coles Creek State Park.
Coles Creek State Park Per Vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Coles Creek State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coles Creek State Park
The summer is the best time to visit Coles Creek State Park because of the spectacular boating and other water activities that are available. Secondarily, spring and autumn are nearly as good because of the migrating birds that can include more than 400 species.
Aside from the aforementioned species of birds, there isn't much wildlife in the park itself. At the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area, however, there are amphibians, reptiles, and mammals of all kinds to see and photograph.
Yes, there are 232 RV-specific camping sites at Coles Creek State Park. About two-thirds of them have electrical hookups.
Yes, you must make a reservation for a camping spot at Coles Creek State Park. It costs $35 per night, and nonresidents of New York pay an additional $5 per night. When it comes to campsite reservations, you can make them as much as 11 months in advance up to the day of your arrival. If you want to rent the pavilion for an activity of any kind, then you must make the reservation at least 14 days ahead of your visit.
Yes, you may bring your pets with you to Coles Creek State Park. They must be on a leash of no more than 6 feet in length, and you have to pick up after them. Additionally, pets are not allowed inside of any buildings in the park, nor are they allowed in the picnic areas. When you're not at your campsite, your pets must either be in their own tent or in your vehicle.