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Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages Introduce

Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages is a well-established outdoor destination situated in the scenic heart of the Thousand Islands region. This family-oriented facility offers a versatile range of accommodations, catering to everything from rugged tent campers and high-tech RV enthusiasts to those seeking the comforts of a fully equipped cottage. The park is designed to capture the classic Upstate New York summer experience, providing a home base for explorers who wish to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and maritime culture of the St. Lawrence River area. With a focus on community and convenience, the campground has become a seasonal staple for both local residents and travelers looking for a reliable retreat.

Operating from early May through mid-October, Riverside Acres provides a structured yet relaxing environment where guests can unwind. The grounds are thoughtfully laid out to accommodate different styles of camping, ensuring that those in large rigs have the power they need while tent campers enjoy the simpler pleasures of a traditional site. The management emphasizes a peaceful atmosphere, making it a preferred choice for those who value quiet evenings and a safe environment for their children to play. For New Yorkers seeking a getaway that feels miles away from the city while remaining within easy reach of local amenities, this campground serves as a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility.

Location and accessibility are major advantages for visitors to Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages. The facility is located at 38421 NY-12E, Clayton, NY 13624, USA, just approximately 1.2 miles west of the historic village of Clayton. This prime location on State Route 12E ensures that guests are only minutes away from the vibrant village center, which is home to the world-renowned Antique Boat Museum, local artisan shops, and diverse dining options. The campground itself is easily navigable with on-site parking and clear signage, making it accessible for large fifth-wheels and motorhomes as well as standard passenger vehicles.

The site is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot. This ensures that all guests, regardless of mobility needs, can comfortably enter and enjoy the primary facilities of the park. For boaters and anglers, the proximity to the St. Lawrence River is a significant draw, as the park is centrally located among several major boat launches and fishing hotspots. The ease of access from major New York highways makes it a convenient weekend destination for residents of the Finger Lakes, Syracuse, or the North Country.

  • Full RV camping sites with options for both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service.
  • Comprehensive RV water and electric hookups to support modern travel trailers.
  • Clean and maintained restroom and bathhouse facilities available to all guests.
  • On-site cottage and efficiency rentals for those preferring indoor accommodations.
  • High-speed Wi-Fi and cable TV access provided throughout the campground.
  • Flexible payment options including debit cards and NFC mobile payments for modern convenience.
  • Dedicated space for tent camping, including sites with or without electricity.

The features and highlights of Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages extend into both recreational and social offerings. A central feature of the park is the 20x40 foot in-ground swimming pool, which serves as a popular gathering spot during the warm summer months. For younger guests, the playground provides a safe and engaging space for active play, while the indoor game room—equipped with pinball machines, a pool table, and foosball—offers entertainment during occasional rainy days or cooler evenings. The campground often hosts community activities such as community campfires, outside movies, and even seasonal events like fish fries and picnics, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the campers.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s environment, which includes on-site fire pits and picnic tables at every site, encouraging the classic "cookout" experience. For those who travel with four-legged companions, the park is explicitly pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join in on the family vacation. The layout of the sites—some in open fields and others in more shaded areas—allows for a variety of experiences, whether you are looking for a spot to catch the afternoon sun or a cool retreat under the trees. The commitment to a 5 mph speed limit within the park further highlights the management's focus on safety and a tranquil living environment.

  • Large in-ground swimming pool that is well-maintained for guest use.
  • Dedicated playground area, making the facility exceptionally good for kids.
  • Pet-friendly policies that allow for dogs to stay with their owners.
  • Indoor game room featuring classic games and board games for family entertainment.
  • Individual fire pits and picnic tables provided at each campsite and cottage.
  • Centrally located community area for seasonal events and group gatherings.
  • Proximity to the St. Lawrence River, providing excellent opportunities for world-class fishing and boating.

For individuals looking to book a stay or inquire about seasonal rates and availability, the campground management can be reached through the following contact methods. It is recommended to call ahead, especially during the peak summer tournament season, to ensure proper site assignment and hookup requirements.

Address: 38421 NY-12E, Clayton, NY 13624, USA

Phone: (315) 686-4001

Mobile Phone: +1 315-686-4001

What is worth choosing about Riverside Acres is the personalized experience often found in family-run establishments. Many long-term visitors and tournament anglers choose this spot because the owners are known for going above and beyond to accommodate specific needs, such as managing last-minute shipments of equipment or helping with site logistics. The combination of essential modern services, like 50-amp hookups and mobile payments, with the nostalgic charm of a Thousand Islands summer camp makes it a standout choice for those who want an authentic Clayton experience.

Furthermore, the variety of lodging options—from simple tents to fully equipped 4-bedroom cottages—means that the park can accommodate any group size or budget. Choosing Riverside Acres means positioning yourself within a stone's throw of the best attractions in Clayton while enjoying a quiet, controlled environment that prioritizes the safety and satisfaction of its residents. For anyone looking to explore the St. Lawrence River region with the reliability of a professional yet friendly host, Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages offers a proven track record of seasonal success and natural beauty.

Ultimately, the value of this campground lies in its location and its community-focused spirit. Whether you are spending your days on the river chasing trophy bass or spending your evenings by the community campfire, the park provides all the necessary tools for a memorable New York summer. The dedication to maintaining clean facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere ensures that visitors return year after year to enjoy the unique tranquility that only the Thousand Islands can provide. For local travelers, it remains a trusted and accessible gateway to one of the most beautiful regions in the United States.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
82 reviews
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Addison Kelly
Jul 13, 2025

This is our second summer staying at Riverside Acres, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Pam has consistently gone above and beyond to accommodate us. My tournament partner and I travel to fish bass events, bringing both of our boats and tent camping with electric hookups. Pam has made everything easy—from letting us ship last minute baits to doing us several small but meaningful favors. The owners are incredibly kind, and the campground has everything we need to prepare, practice, and fish successfully. Highly recommend for any angler or camper looking for a great spot with even better people.

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Phil Bariteau
Aug 10, 2025

We have camped all over New York State and have never had a bad experience until we tried Riverside Acres. One of the owners, Pam, asked that we call her when 5 minutes out. We did and wait until 10 minutes for her as she stopped to yell at other campers while on her golf cart. After tersely telling us her rules - including a 5 mph speed limit, which we felt was reasonable- she led us to our campsite. As I was driving 5 mph- we lost Pam who was indeed breaking this rule on her golf cart.The Campgrounds amenities were less than stellar. There was a dusty, dimly light game room that appeared to have not been touched in decades. The bathrooms floors were dirty. The coin operated 4 minute showers was something that I will never forget.The pool was very nice but we were told that we could only use it if there were two adults in there at all times.Our "campsite" was in the middle of an open field with other campers. There was no septic hook ups which we knew about in advance. I had to leave with our son for a few days. My wife and daughter stayed behind. That night, lights flickered in our camper and our AC went off and circuits were popping. My wife called for help and Pam's husband, John, showed. Up. He rudely accused of having a poorly wired camper- our 5th wheel was a new 2025- only on our second trip. He also rudely told her that she shouldn't have requested a 30 amp. She emphatically denied as she knows our 40 foot camper runs on a 50 amp. This was requested multiple times with as we had previously made our reservation over the phone. Pam admitted that it was her mistake and she also admitted to moving our site. John pointed out that no other campsite would help people in "the middle of the night".... It was only 9:15 PM at the end of June! We have been at Swan Bay as well as several KOA s in New York State, and had wonderful pleasant people help us well after his "middle of the night" time.John continued to insist as he yelled inches from my wife's face (witnessed by my daughter and reported by my wife) that our RV was wired wrong and he boasted that he had a degree in electrical engineering from Penn State. He stated that he knew what he was talking and that my wife needed to listen to him. My wife and I have several degrees but we both know that no degrees are needed to be kind to people.He kindly hooked a battery charger to our (labeled) Deep Cycle battery. My wife called me and said that nothing seemed to be working and I asked if the charger was on regular or derp cycle. It was regular so my wife switched it over to the correct setting.Unable to have any power, my wife and daughter, fleed early and paid for a Vrbo in the area. We had made arrangements to keep our RV there and John was nice enough to help us move it. The price for the unoccupied camper stay increased from the quoted $50 to $100 which I found out about when I arrived. It seemed reasonable at that time. Pam said that for our troubles that she would reimburse us the $100 with a check since we were taking it back home to the Finger Lakes area to have our RV dealer look it over. When I arrived for pick up - Pam indeed handed me a check - only made out for $50.00.No money was offered for the day that we had to leave. After a thorough check from our RV dealer- it was found that our camper was fine. We have enjoyed using our RV to its fullest capacities at other campgrounds the rest of this summer.We were greatly disappointed and are still aggravated by our experience this summer at the Riverside Acres campground in Clayton, NY

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Tracy Hanchett
Jul 05, 2025

We’ve stayed at this campground for multiple years. Pam and John are very accommodating and always make our stay very enjoyable and comfortable. There is a nice pool, playground for kids, electric/water hookups and the sites are plenty big. If you're a camper and are looking for a great place to stay give it a try. You won’t regret it.

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Samantha McDonald
Jul 08, 2025

I cannot say enough about how much my father and I loved staying here! These amazing owners were able to get us a site for the 4th of July weekend last minute. We scooped up the last spot and we could not have been happier. The campgrounds itself is small, quiet and perfect. Our site was perfect and a very decent size in the shade. Did I mention it was quiet?? That is a major plus when you're tenting. The lovely owners even had a Pig Roast to which everyone was invited and could bring a dish to pass, I don't think ive seen that much food in years. Absolutely fabulous and we were stuffed afterwards. The owners even stopped by a few times to make sure we had everything we needed and to just check up. Not to mention she brought us some of her own homemade strawberry ice cream within 20mins of us getting to our site! That's what I call hospitality!! I am so happy that we were able to stay here. We just got back home and are already thinking about booking a site for this fall. We cannot thank them enough for making our trip perfect. Thank you sooooo much for everything and we will definitely be back soon!!

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Alycia Hanchett
Jul 06, 2025

This is an awesome place to stay. It is very family friendly and the owners do all they can to make sure your experience is great. The sites are good size, you get electric and water and even WiFi. They even have ice and wood on site for a very good price. Would definitely recommend!