Wellesley Island State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Wellesley Island State Park is a rustic retreat located within the St. Lawrence River near New York's border with Canada. Before the public recreation area opened in 1954, two other parks came before it on the same land. These two parks were called Dewolf Point and Waterson Point, both having been established in 1898. Wellesley Island State Park is known for having the biggest camping complex out of any park in the Thousand Islands region, an archipelago consisting of 1,864 islands that run along the border of the U.S. and Canada. The state park, which encompasses a massive total land area of 2,636 acres just outside Fineview, NY, stays open throughout the year. Some of the closest communities include Fishers Landing, Clayton, and Watertown.
Spring 24-62 F
Summer 57-76 F
Fall 33-70 F
Winter 14-34 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Wellesley Island State Park
A roomy RV can greatly improve your experience at Wellesley Island State Park. You'll have all the amenities you need when you stay at the park's 432-site campground. To find the right rental for you, take a moment to look through your area on RVshare.
1000 Islands Campground
One of the most popular RV parks near Wellesley Island State Park is 1000 Islands Campground. Located between the villages of Clayton and Alexandria Bay, this campground fully embodies the spirit of the Thousand Islands region. While here, you can enjoy the playground, hayrides, picnic tables, fire rings, and more. The nightly rates to stay at 1000 Islands Campground is $45 for back-in sites and $53 for pull-through sites. Both types come equipped with full hookups. The address of the campground is 42099 NY-12, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.
Swan Bay Resort & Marina
Swan Bay Resort & Marina boasts a great RV park that's just across the river from Wellesley Island on the mainland. The campground includes over 100 sites as well as a charming boutique store called The Rift. Fishing and swimming are common activities that guests enjoy while staying here. Nearby attractions you can experience are the St. Lawrence Art Gallery and Antique Boat Museum. The rates to stay at standard sites with full hookups are $78 from Monday to Thursday and $98 from Friday to Sunday. The address of Swan Bay Resort & Marina is 43615 NY-12, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.
What to Do at
Wellesley Island State Park
Inside Wellesley Island State Park
Wellesley Island State Park is a haven for outdoor adventure seekers in northern New York. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Visitors also love to explore the nature trail at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center. Many of the hiking trails at the state park offer views of Eel Bay, aptly named for the eels that like to burrow into the muddy floor of the bay. Amenities on the water include the marina and three boat launches.
How to Get to
Wellesley Island State Park
If you're heading north from Syracuse, you'll take I-81 N to County Rd 191 in Wellesley Island. Get off from I-81 N when you reach Exit 51. Complete the route by following Cross Island Rd to Nature Center Rd.
For those coming from New York City, your first step is to take I-78 W to NJ-139 W in Jersey City. Next, you will want to follow I-280 W, I-80 W, and I-380 N until you get to I-81 N. From there, the route is the same as from Syracuse.
Entering Wellesley Island State Park
Wellesley Island State Park’s hours of operation are 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M., Thursday through Saturday, and 7:30 A.M. to 4 P.M., Sunday through Wednesday.
Wellesley Island State Park Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Wellesley Island State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with us at 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 Wellesley Island State Park
Visitors often see bald eagles, turkey vultures, osprey, pileated woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks and great blue herons. White-tailed deer, beavers, red foxes, coyotes, raccoons and opossums can also be found living in the woods.
The Fox Loop area at Wellesley Island State Park has 56 RV campsites with sewage, water and electrical hookups. Many of the other spots only have electricity. The park offers a full-service marina, showers, grills and boat launches.
While reservations aren't required at Wellesley Island State Park, they are recommended as only 56 of the 400+ campsites have full hookups. Expect to pay a $7.25 non-refundable reservation fee.
You can bring up to two pets as long as they're always leashed. Pets are permitted in the campgrounds and day-use areas but not in any of the buildings. Staff may ask for current rabies vaccination documentation.
Wellesley Island State Park has accessible showers, picnic areas and bathrooms. Many of the campsites are also accessible. Don't forget to check out the wheelchair-accessible trail near the Nature Center.