Wellesley Island State Campground

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape to the pristine waters of the St. Lawrence River, Wellesley Island State Campground stands as the premier destination. As the largest camping complex in the Thousand Islands region, this flagship state park offers over 2,600 acres of rustic beauty, ranging from lush woodlands to dramatic granite outcrops along the shoreline. Whether you are a local resident from the North Country or traveling up from the city, Wellesley Island provides an immersive outdoor experience that captures the heart of the "Queen of American Lakes." From the gentle morning fog lifting off the river to the sound of distant shipping vessels navigating the Seaway, camping here is a sensory journey into the best of New York’s wilderness.

The campground is uniquely situated on the second-largest island in the archipelago, providing a sense of seclusion that is hard to find on the mainland. Despite its size and popularity, the park maintains a peaceful atmosphere where families can reconnect. One of the most cherished aspects of the park is its versatility. You can find everything from high-energy activities at the beach and marina to quiet, contemplative moments on the secluded hiking trails. It is a place where childhood memories are minted, where kids learn to catch their first perch, and where the tradition of the evening campfire is still the main event of the day.

Location and Accessibility are highlights for any traveler planning a trip to the 1000 Islands. Located at 44927 Cross Island Rd, Fineview, NY 13640, the park is easily reached via I-81. To get there, you will cross the iconic Thousand Islands International Bridge—a scenic drive in itself that offers breathtaking views of the river and Boldt Castle. Once on the island, the campground is well-signposted and accessible for vehicles of all sizes. The park has made significant strides in accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, dedicated parking lots, and accessible restroom and shower facilities. For those looking to explore the water, the park features four boat launches and an ADA-accessible kayak launch on Eel Bay, ensuring that the beauty of the river is available to everyone.

• Over 430 campsites, including tent sites, trailer sites with electric hookups, and 57 full-hookup RV sites (water, sewer, and electric).
• A diverse cabin colony featuring 10 winterized cabins and 12 fully outfitted vacation cottages overlooking Eel Bay for a more refined stay.
• Full-service marina with 150 slips, offering transient dockage, fuel, bait, tackle, and boat rentals (14' and 16' fishing boats).
• Comprehensive onsite services including a camp store, laundromat, and an arcade for entertainment.
• Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, featuring a museum, live animal exhibits, and a seasonal butterfly house.
• Modern amenities such as public restrooms with running water and hot showers located throughout the various camping loops.
• Safety first with lifeguard-staffed swimming areas at the sandy river beach during peak season.
• Convenient payment options accepting credit cards and debit cards for camping fees and store purchases.

• The largest camping complex in the Thousand Islands, offering varied terrain from sunny fields to shaded forest groves.
• Miles of scenic hiking trails, including the 1/4-mile accessible trail at the Nature Center and kid-friendly loops with "pothole" geological formations.
• Excellent fishing opportunities, renowned for world-class muskie fishing in the autumn and great bass fishing throughout the summer.
• Recreational facilities including a 9-hole golf course, a baseball field, a basketball court, and three distinct playgrounds for children.
• Picnic areas equipped with barbecue grills and tables, ideal for large family gatherings or a quiet lunch by the river.
• Unique "carry-in" sites for those seeking a more primitive and secluded wilderness experience away from the main loops.
• Pet-friendly environment where dogs are allowed in designated loops (proper vaccination records required at check-in).
• Abundant wildlife viewing, from bald eagles soaring above the Narrows to the industrious raccoons that frequent the wooded sites.

For those ready to book their next adventure, contacting the park office is the best way to get the most current information on site availability and seasonal procedures. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for the coveted waterfront and full-hookup sites, which often fill up months in advance through the state's reservation system.

• Address: 44927 Cross Island Rd, Fineview, NY 13640, USA (Wellesley Island)
• Phone: (315) 482-2722
• Marina Office: (315) 482-6503
• Nature Center: (315) 482-2479

What is worth choosing at Wellesley Island State Campground is the unparalleled variety of the experience. It is one of the few places in New York where you can combine a rugged hiking trip with a morning round of golf and an afternoon at a sandy beach. Choosing a site in the Heron or Eagle loops puts you in the heart of the action near the marina, while the more secluded sites along the banks of the St. Lawrence offer the peace and quiet that many long-time campers crave. The inclusion of the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center makes it worth choosing for families; it turns a standard camping trip into an educational journey through one of the most unique ecosystems in the state.

Furthermore, the park's commitment to maintenance and safety—highlighted by the pristine bathhouses and the presence of lifeguards at the beach—makes it a reliable choice for families with young children. For those who own a boat, the marina and the many accessible docks mean your vacation doesn't have to stop at the shoreline. Whether you are staying in a luxury cottage to watch the sunset from your porch or pitching a tent right on the water’s edge, Wellesley Island offers a level of beauty and community that defines the quintessential New York summer.