Wellesley Island State Park RV & Campground Guide
New York
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.
Outside Wellesley Island State Park
Your trip to Wellesley Island State Park is not complete until you explore the surrounding region in Jefferson County. The restaurant scene offers delicious options like The Purple House Cafe and Riva Italian Restaurant. The region is also full of entertainment. Additionally, the area is far from lacking when it comes to shopping destinations. You can easily find the stores you need to stay stocked with the necessities and find charming gifts for friends.
Restaurants
Sushi Sun
Sushi Sun is a modern sushi restaurant located in the heart of the 1000 Islands region. Here, you can choose from different fresh fish options like salmon, tuna, and eel.
Type: Sushi
Location: 1457 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
1000 Curry
Head to 1000 Curry for delicious Indian food during your trip to Wellesley Island State Park. It is known for its quality staff and traditional Indian cuisine.
Type: Indian
Location: 1525 Centennial Dr, Kingston, ON K7P 0K4, Canada
The Purple House Cafe
The Purple House Cafe is one of the best places to get pizza near the state park. The wood-fired pizza oven provides guests with a unique and delicious taste.
Type: Pizzeria
Location: 165 Main St, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M1, Canada
Riva Italian Restaurant
If you are a fan of Italian food, Riva Italian Restaurant is the place for you. The elegant dining room and educated staff make it a great place to have a night out with a loved one.
Type: Italian
Location: 45 King St W, Gananoque, Ontario K7G 2G1 Canada
Panache Bakery & Café
Panache Bakery & Café is a great stop for pastries and a cup of coffee. The restaurant receives praise from the local community and is an ideal location to stop for a quick breakfast.
Type: Bakery, Café
Location: 162 King St E, Gananoque, ON K7G 1G2, Canada
Shopping
Landmark Gift Shop & Resource Centre
Landmark Gift Shop & Resource Centre is a gift shop that sells memorabilia related to the Thousand Islands region. They also offer guidance to visitors who might be unfamiliar with the area.
Location: 34831 St Lawrence Ave, Thousand Island Park, NY 13692
Cranberry Boggs
Cranberry Boggs is a charming gift shop located in Jefferson County, New York. You should visit this store to pick up souvenirs to bring home to your loved ones.
Location: 43861 NY-12, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Alex Mosher Silver & Goldsmith
Head to Alex Mosher Silver & Goldsmith if you are interested in jewelry that reflects the feel of the Thousand Islands region. Here, you can find something to remind you of your journey that will last a lifetime.
Location: 40 James St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Price Chopper
Price Chopper is a large supermarket in Alexandria Bay, New York. Head here to restock on food during your trip.
Location: 43615 NY-12, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Walton Street Market
For groceries and general supplies, Walton Street Market is a great stop. The store offers the resources you need to get through your vacation with minimal stress.
Location: 69 Walton St #A, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Sightseeing
1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
1000 Islands Helicopter Tours allows its visitors to view the Thousand Islands region from up above. These tours really help you put the size of the state park into perspective while also allowing you to appreciate the full grandeur of the park from up above.
Location: 88 County Rd 32, Gananoque, ON K7G 2V3, Canada
Thousand Islands Winery
Those who possess an appreciation for fine wines should check out Thousand Islands Winery. Here, you can learn about the region’s best selections and immerse yourself in the culture.
Location: 43298 Seaway Ave, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Boldt Castle & Yacht House
Boldt Castle & Yacht House is a historical museum and tourist attraction that delves deep into the history of the Thousand Islands region. Its construction began back in 1900.
Location: 1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
1000 Islands Kayaking Day Trips
If you have an interest in kayaking, you should visit 1000 Islands Kayaking Day Trips. Here, you can enjoy the flow of the river in full swing.
Location: 110 Kate St, Gananoque, ON K7G 2M5, Canada
Antique Boat Museum
Located on the St. Lawrence River, the Antique Boat Museum possess the largest collection of antique and classic boats on the entire continent. It also hosts the Antique Boat Show & Auction on an annual basis.
Location: 750 Mary St, Clayton, NY 13624
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.
Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $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.