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Black River Bay Campgrounds Introduce

Black River Bay Campgrounds is a dedicated outdoor destination located in the scenic region of Dexter, New York. Situated directly along the banks of the Black River, this campground serves as a gateway to the famous Thousand Islands area and offers a blend of tranquil nature and convenient access to local urban amenities. Whether you are a seasoned RV traveler or a traditional tent camper, the grounds provide a rustic and welcoming environment designed for families, anglers, and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of Upstate New York. The facility operates seasonally, typically opening in the spring and concluding its operations in mid-October, allowing visitors to experience the peak of the region's fishing and foliage seasons.

For those living in or traveling through the New York region, Black River Bay Campgrounds represents a classic riverside retreat. The property is known for its peaceful atmosphere and its community of both seasonal residents and transient visitors. With a focus on providing an authentic camping experience, the campground emphasizes quiet hours and a family-friendly environment. Its location on the Black River Bay provides direct water access, making it a premier choice for those who wish to spend their days on the water and their nights under the stars in a well-maintained, pet-friendly setting.

The campground is conveniently positioned at 16129 Foster Park Rd, Dexter, NY 13634. It is easily accessible for travelers coming from various parts of the state, located just a short drive from Watertown and approximately an hour north of Syracuse. Its proximity to Interstate 81 makes it an ideal stop for those heading toward the Canadian border or exploring the historic Sackets Harbor area. The terrain at the campground is generally flat, featuring a mix of open grassy areas for sunshine and wooded spots for shade. For those with mobility considerations, the facility provides several accessibility features to ensure all guests can navigate the grounds comfortably.

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance for easy site access.
  • Dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces.
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities centrally located on the grounds.
  • Convenient proximity to local shopping centers and dining in nearby Watertown.
  • Easy boat launch access to the Black River and the greater Lake Ontario waterway.

Black River Bay Campgrounds offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of modern campers while maintaining a traditional outdoor feel. The site is fully equipped to handle various types of camping equipment, from large motorhomes to small backpacking tents. Onsite services are designed to make long-term stays comfortable and short-term visits hassle-free. The management provides essential utilities and maintenance to ensure that the "home away from home" experience is seamless for every guest.

  • Full RV hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections.
  • 30-amp and 50-amp power options to accommodate different rig requirements.
  • Spacious tent sites available for those seeking a more traditional camping experience.
  • Onsite laundry facilities for the convenience of long-term and seasonal guests.
  • Public restrooms and hot shower facilities (available for a small fee).
  • A fully stocked camp store providing essential supplies, firewood, and snacks.
  • Propane and gasoline services available for boaters and RVers.
  • Wi-Fi access available across the campground to keep visitors connected.
  • Onsite parking for guests and additional vehicles.
  • Payment flexibility including the acceptance of debit cards for all services.

The highlights of Black River Bay Campgrounds revolve around its exceptional location and recreational opportunities. The campground is particularly famous for its fishing, with the Black River offering some of the best opportunities for catching salmon, trout, bass, and walleye depending on the season. Beyond the water, the grounds feature various amenities to keep children and families entertained throughout their stay. The addition of modern features, such as a community pizza oven, adds a unique social element to the camping experience, encouraging gatherings and shared meals among neighbors.

  • Direct dock access and a boat launch for easy entry into the Black River.
  • A dedicated playground area featuring slides and swings for children.
  • Basketball court and open spaces for outdoor sports and activities.
  • A large pavilion and community pizza oven for group events and family dinners.
  • Picnic areas equipped with picnic tables for outdoor dining.
  • Dog-friendly policies that allow you to bring your well-behaved pets along.
  • Beautiful views of the river, especially during the fall foliage season.
  • Close proximity to white-water rafting, kayaking, and boat tours of the 1000 Islands.
  • Easy access to the Black River Trail, a 4.5-mile paved path for hiking and biking.

If you are planning a trip to the Dexter area or wish to inquire about seasonal site availability, you can reach the management through the following contact details. It is recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially during the peak summer months and the autumn fishing run, as sites can fill up quickly.

  • Address: 16129 Foster Park Rd, Dexter, NY 13634, USA
  • Primary Phone: (315) 639-3735
  • Mobile Phone: +1 315-639-3735

Choosing Black River Bay Campgrounds is a great decision for travelers who value a mix of recreation and relaxation. One of the standout reasons to stay here is the unparalleled access to world-class fishing. Being able to launch a boat or fish directly from the docks makes it a dream location for anglers. Additionally, the campground offers a very affordable pricing structure, particularly for tent and car campers, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious travelers and road trippers exploring the New York frontier.

Furthermore, the campground serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the historical and natural landmarks of the North Country. Within a short drive, you can visit the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, the Thompson Park Zoo, or take a scenic cruise to Boldt Castle. The friendly, community-oriented atmosphere created by the seasonal residents often makes newcomers feel like part of a large family. For those who want a quiet place to retreat after a day of adventure in the Thousand Islands, Black River Bay Campgrounds provides the necessary amenities and a peaceful riverside backdrop to recharge for the next day's journey.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
166 reviews
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Whitney Horky
Oct 03, 2025

Great tucked away little campground right on the Black River with dock access. Many seasonal/year round residents, but a block of transient camper spaces with full hookups available, as well as very affordable tent/car camping at $10/person per night. We visited near the end of the season, as they close up October 15. The restrooms/laundry building is centrally located, and fairly rustic being that most residents there have full hookups- I could tell the showers hadn’t really been thoroughly cleaned recently, one was out of order, and the pressure was pretty low…but the water WAS hot and the seven minute shower sure felt like 10 minutes. ($1 per 7 minutes).We were a group of 3 vans doing a fall colors tour and really enjoyed the convenient campground here. Hope we come back soon [to catch some amazing salmon and trout!!!]!

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First Lady Alissa
Aug 24, 2025

Aweful experience. Management was rude, always had an attitude like she didn’t wanna be there. Went into our tent and removed items because we didn’t leave at 8am that day of us leaving. Will never return again, they don’t even have swimming or clean bathrooms. If you want a costly night this would be your go to with very little amenities or even decent courtesy.

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Brianna Ross
Aug 29, 2021

Love love love! The campground is located close to a lot of stores but once you hit the campground it actually feels like camping and not like you are in the city. We had a perfect tent site with a water spout, and was large and away from other people so we also had privacy! For $1.00 you can shower for 7 minutes in their restroom area. If you happen to forget anything like firewood, you can buy some at their little camp store. My family will absolutely be back!

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peggy lindsay
Jun 30, 2025

We LOVED it here! The camp hosts were amazing; extremely welcoming, nice and even scored us some fresh basil on the property!The sites and grounds are very nice and clean; lots of trees in most sites. Bathrooms, shower and laundry available on the property. It’s right on Black River Bay.Close by is a Dollar General which has a HUGE selection of pretty much anything you would need. The Dexter market is within 5 minutes and close to Watertown for larger stores.Be sure to check out Dexter and Sackets Harbor for quaint town stores.We will absolutely stay here again!

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Rebecca Kellogg
Jun 22, 2025

I Absolutely Love This Place! I have been going there for about 10 years now. Other than a few cleaning oops in our cabin, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!