Camping Companions

Blog by: Camping Companions

With every new camping season, the anticipation of all the new campgrounds we plan to visit mounts each day the cold NY weather embraces us. We dream of campgrounds we have never experienced before and chart all the places we want to see in the area. New York has so many beautiful campgrounds to offer. When we first started camping we only went to a handful of popular spots, all of which were close to home. All are beautiful in their own way, but we started craving more. If you are ready to stretch your comfort zone, check out this great campground in Clayton, NY.

Where is Cedar Point State Park?

Cedar Point State Park is in Clayton, NY in the 1000 Islands region. The 1000 Islands are located in Jefferson County along the St. Lawrence River. Just as the name suggests, there are thousands of islands in the area. What counts as an island? Any form that breaches the water’s surface and has at least one tree. Considering that, I wonder how many more islands there could be if only a tree started to grow. Each island is unique. There are islands with castles built on them, one of which is shaped like a heart! There is one with a campground, some are privately owned, some are in US waters, and some are in Canadian territory, but one thing they all have in common is that they are basking among the waters of the St. Lawrence River.

Cedar Point campground was much larger than we anticipated, including many different site options such as full hook up, electric only, or tent sites with no amenities at all. This 48 acre park was opened in 1898 making it one of the oldest State Parks in New York. 

The Features

The park offers a sand beach, life guarded swimming, a jumping dock, playground, Rec hall, marina, boat slips, boat rental, and excellent fishing. I’m sure I am missing something, but you get the idea. This one has it all. It even has a store across the street from the entrance with gas, supplies, and ice cream. If you want to take your boat out, just stop and get gas before entering the park, or get it at the marina within the park itself. Although this campground rests on the water’s edge, if you want to camp on an island, you will need to stay on nearby Wellesley Island. Both Cedar Point and Wellesley are state run campgrounds and both have a marina within the park.

The Surrounding Area

If you like to explore the area outside of a campground, the Thousand Islands have plenty to do and see. We loved our stop at St. Lawrence Spirits and Distillery Chateau. We sampled some drinks, ate some nachos, and sat on their patio with the stunning views of the islands. Also nearby is the Antique Wooden Boat Museum. There are boat tours that will take you to a few of the islands, small towns with shops and restaurants, lighthouses, and other stuff too. Alexandria Bay is a popular destination in the area as well! They have MANY themed weekends so plan your trip for what you want to see, but also prepare for crowds! Alex Bay sees many tourists but it is worth going if you don’t mind dodging people.

Saint Lawrence Distillery Chateau

To take a tour of this fantastic NYS Campground, check out our video tour below & don’t forget to subscribe while you are there!