When friends of ours told us about Wellesley Island State Park and offered to meet us there we were really excited, that is until we learned about the bridge to get there. Kevin hates driving over tall bridges. To be driving over one towing a camper is a double whammy for him. You see, to reach this picturesque island in the Thousand Islands region of New York, you must first drive over a bridge that is tall enough for barges motoring to the St. Lawrence river to drive underneath. This international bridge is 8.5 miles long and connects Wellesley Island, NY to Hills Island, Ontario Canada, and has a clearance of 150 feet! Neither of us are a big fan of heights, so this bridge gave us some pause, however, one thing that will have us overcoming our fear is talk of an amazing camping experience on the other side. Somehow with each new campground we try, our thirst to visit more of them only grows.
Wellesley island is the largest campground in the Thousand Islands region with 432 campsites, 56 of which are full hook up and cost only $31. per night.. Most sites have electric only, with water nearby to fill your tanks for $25. per night. We actually prefer to stay on the electricity only sites at this park because they offer shade. The full hook up sites are pretty wide open. Other options include rustic cabins offering 1 bedroom with a bunk for $73.50 a night or $294. per week, and 12, fully stocked, two or three bedroom vacation cottages. The two bedroom cottages rent for $840. a week or $168. a night. The three bedroom cottages rent for $1000. a week or $200. a night. Considering that there is a full bathroom, all the appliances and bedding, cooking utensils, dishes, glassware, silverware, a picnic table and fire ring, we think this is a great deal!
Click the link at the bottom to see our video tour!
The park is full of amenities like a full service marina with four boat launches, a sandy beach, camp store, laundromat, arcade, 9 hole golf course, picnic area, hiking trails, and the best dump station that we have ever seen in a state park. If you like to fish but don’t own a boat, or can’t tow a travel trailer and a boat at the same time, you can rent a variety of boats including a 14 foot, 15HP, or a 16 foot, 20HP craft, for a $100. or $150. per day respectively.
And now let me tell you about what there is to do in the area! Arguably, the most popular is Boldt Castle. Boldt Castle was built on what is known as Heart Island as a summer home by George C. Boldt for his wife Louise Boldt. Unfortunately, Louise passed away suddenly just after the castle was completed. The island is now owned by The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, and is only accessible by boat. If you are fascinated by castles, you need to also visit Singer Castle located on Dark Island. Both castles would make an exceptional wedding venue or place to stay for overnight accommodations. In nearby Clayton, NY you can tour an Antique Wooden Boat Museum, or take a free tour of Cornwall Brothers Museum, which offers a unique place to view Boldt Castle from. With everything to see and do in the Thousand Islands, you may want to spend a week instead of only a few days. You may also find yourself wanting to return again & again.
Camping Companions 
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