The best camping near Thousand Islands National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Thousand Islands National Park adventure.

Camp on an island in the St. Lawrence River in Canada’s first national park east of the Rockies.  

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Community favorites near Thousand Islands National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Thousand Islands National Park

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Waddington's Leishman Point

4 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Waddington, NY
Leishman point is owned by the Town of Waddington and was created during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Dredge spoils were transported and placed creating a tract of land that rises 50 feet above the river and surrounding lands. The New York Power Authority acquired the property from the Leishman's who owned and operated a farm on the surrounding lands. In 2000, the New York Power Authority deemed the property surplus and conveyed it to the Town of Waddington. This Hip-Camp endeavor is hopefully our first step in creating a fully functional RV Park and campsite for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Town of Waddington Museum at the Old Town Hall for more information on the construction of the the St. Lawrence Seaway and how it transformed Waddington. Learn more about this land: Park your RV or camper trailer or pitch your tent on top of Leishman Point in Waddington, New York and enjoy the unobstructed views of, and unlimited access to the majestic St. Lawrence River. The Waddington public beach is adjacent to the campsite with swimming, playground, and pavilion for all to enjoy. Bring your boat and safely moor it at the public docks at the beach. Watch the Great Lake freighters and recreational boats ply the waters of the St. Lawrence River whiling fishing, swimming, sun bathing, or just relaxing by the River.
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$31.50
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Better Farm

14 sites · Lodging, Tents62 acres · Redwood, NY
Better Farm is a 65-acre organic farm, animal sanctuary, artist colony, and retreat space. The property features forests, rolling hills, open fields, a pond, sauna, various paddocks for the rescued farm animals, organic gardens, a two-story Art Barn with local FM radio station, gallery, studio and recording space, and a second barn used for events. This second-generation property began as a 1970s commune that since 2009 has been revived and renovated to provide overnight lodging, event space, residencies, and educational opportunities for the curious and creative. The farm is 10 short miles from the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands of Northern New York. The area is a naturalist's paradise, with countless outdoor opportunities to enjoy from boating and swimming to snowshoeing and hiking. There are more than a dozen lakes within 10 minutes of the property, with cute towns to explore including Sackets Harbor, Clayton, Alexandria Bay, and Wellesley Island.
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$45
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The Grasse River Cabins

2 sites · Lodging56 acres · Russell, NY
|🏕️THE CAMPGROUND🏕️ ✨THIS LISTING IS FOR THE ENTIRE CAMPGROUND - PRIVATE TO YOU AND YOUR PARTY! UP TO 25 GUESTS!✨THIS LISTING IS NOT FOR AN INDIVIDUAL CABIN✨ 🌚 Open for the April 8th, Total Solar Eclipse - Right in the Path of Totality! Watch from the private field! 🌝 Up to 40 guests allowed for this event. Note: it is Mud Season - 4W drive is highly recommended to get into camp on the dirt road. Would need to know total car count (parking is not allowed in field). 📍Located in the towns of Russell and Clare, New York, escape to 56 beautiful private acres, surrounded by towering pine trees, half a mile of private riverfront, a pond, field and trails to explore! 🌲Tucked in the backwoods down a private dirt road, you will find four small cabins, one large main cabin and a bathhouse. You will have private access to half a mile of the Grasse River! On most days you can hear the sound of the river from camp! Bring your fly fishing or spinning reel rods, picnic or just relax on the shoreline! There is a huge field next to the cabins, a nearby pond and private trails to explore! | THE CABINS | Main Cabin: One larger cabin, consisting of a living room, full kitchen (dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, coffee maker, and toaster), laundry room with washer and dryer. Three bedrooms (2 king beds & 1 queen bed), two full bathrooms (one en-suite) with standup showers and one large bathtub. Two of the bedrooms have closets. The main cabin is not heated and space heaters will be provided during any colder months (Spring/Fall). Mini Cabins: Four small log cabins spread out in a row, underneath a canopy of beautiful pine trees! The cabins are spaced far enough that there is enough privacy in-between each one. The cabins come equipped with power, WIFI, Roku TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, screened-in porches, AC units, ceiling fans and outdoor water hookups. They each comfortably sleep between 2-3 adults. Cabins are not heated. Space heaters are provided during colder months (Spring/Fall). Cabin # 66: Full size bed Cabin # 64: Full size bed & Twin size bed Cabin # 62: Queen size bed & Twin size bed Cabin # 60: Queen size bed Guests can bring their own bedding and towels. Or, can request that sheets and towels are provided (free of charge). *The smaller cabins do not have running water or bathrooms. Water pumps are available outside each cabin, meant for bringing in your own water if you wish to. There is a bathhouse with separate men’s and women’s bathrooms and showers a short walk from the cabins. *Please note although the cabins are outfitted with modern amenities, they still have a rustic camp-like feel* *RVs are welcome and can be easily parked next to the cabins. There is only water hookups available outside the four smaller cabins. The site is not a pull-through, so RVs would have to turn around at the end of the driveway* | THE BATHHOUSE | Across from the four smaller cabins is a bathhouse, featuring men's and women's sides. Each side has two bathroom stalls, one stand up shower and double sinks. | THE GRASSE RIVER | The Grasse River is a 73 mile-long river, mainly flowing northeast from the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains into the St. Lawrence Valley. Stocked with brown trout, native brook trout, smallmouth bass and rock bass. Follow the trails from the campground to the river, where you can picnic, fish and relax! *Swimming is at guests’ own risk. The river’s current depends on the season or how much rain the area has received. While exploring the banks of the river you will find faster and slower areas.* | THE POND | There is a private trail which leads to a small pond. The pond is perfect for exploring by canoe or kayak. There are a few channels which lead to other trails on the property. *Several other properties have access to the pond. However, we have yet to see anyone else using the pond - it is very quiet! The pond is not meant for swimming* | THE TRAILS | There are multiple private trails leading to the river, into the woods and the pond. If you enjoy being in nature, these trails are truly lovely to walk/run/bike and enjoy! They are also extremely wide and well-groomed. We have added Adirondack chairs at certain end points. | THE FIELD | A large field abuts the smaller cabins. Adirondack chairs have been placed around a large fire-pit in the field, perfect for hanging out with family and friends and enjoying some s’mores while stargazing! | NEARBY ATTRACTIONS | Discover all of the beautiful Grasse River falls, located on popular Tooley Pond Road running right behind the property! -Basford Falls (closest to the property, short trail) -Lampson Falls Trail (wide smooth trail, access to a 100ft waterfall with an optional loop hike) -Sinclair Falls (short trail) -Rainbow Falls (25 ft cascade) -Greenwood Creek State Forest -Harper’s Falls Trail -Heritage Park Trail / Cascade Falls -Twin Falls -Stewart Rapids -Flat Rock Falls -Copper Rock Falls | NEARBY LOCATIONS | Points of Interest: -Shindigz on the River - 15 min drive -St. Lawrence University - 25 min -Clarkson University - 35 min -SUNY Potsdam - 35 min -Star Lake - 25 min -Cranberry Lake - 35 min -Tupper Lake - 1 hr -Saranac Lake - 1 hr 35 min -Lake Placid - 1hr 45 min -Ontario, Canada - 2 hrs -Montreal, Canada - 2hrs 45 min Restaurants & Bars: -Jocko’s Bar & Grill - 2 min drive -Plum Brook Cafe - 7 min -GT’s Family Restaurant - 10 min -Wayside Roadhouse - 10 min | IMPORTANT INFORMATION | Please read the full Listing Description, Location, Property Rules and Cancellation Policy before booking to ensure that the property is the best fit for your stay! Weddings, large parties, events or commercial photography/filming need to be discussed and approved prior to booking. If not discussed, guests will be asked to leave without a refund. Proof of insurance is required for photography/filming and these events may require a separate rental agreement. We are not allowing the use of ATVs/Side-by-Sides or snowmobiles on the property (field, trails, etc.). There are many local trails nearby that you can easily ride to. The property can comfortably sleep 16 adults, maximum occupancy allowed is 25 guests at any time on the premises. Please confirm how many adults, children and pets will be staying in your initial reservation message. Basic cookware (coffee maker, toaster, pots and pans and silverware) provided in the main house. All small cabins have coffee makers/mugs. Four complimentary sets of golf clubs are available to use to play at the local courses. In addition, four tennis rackets are provided. Exterior security cameras (filming and recording) are on the property, facing main entrance points, main cabin driveway and field. *Please note: There is a sixth cabin set further back towards the front of the property (#61), this cabin is not for use. There are also a few odd structures in the woods on the property. These include an old school bus, outhouse and small shed. They are not for use and are more permanent fixtures… Water is well water.
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$212.50
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Nature's Heritage Farm

9 sites · Tents52 acres · Natural Bridge, NY
Nature's Heritage Farm is a beautiful wooded farm in the Adirondack foothills. We consider ourselves stewards of our land, and thus draw from permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and other natural farming methods to rebuild soil and ecosystem health, raise delicious food and happy animals. We have a rabbit colony, a couple horses, a flock of chickens, and a family of miniature donkeys too! We're happy to give you a tour and introduction to them. You'll love seeing our historic bank barn, and Momma Donk is guaranteed to win you over with her love of ear scratches. Nature's Heritage Farm is excited to offer DAY TRIPS to the farm!! Come get a tour, learn about all the animals, enjoy lots of snuggles and pets, and then enjoy the property for the day! We have a great play area for the kids, beautiful hiking, and more. Message us to schedule your day trip & tour! We offer primitive tent campsites. No electric or toilets are available at this time. However, we can offer a number of services and rentals, including all of the camping gear you could need. Want the fun of camping without the half day spent setting up? Let us know, we'll have a tent ready and waiting with cots, camp kitchen and supplies ready to go! Most of the property is woods (pine plantation and natural hard wood forest) crisscrossed by park like trails. You can count on finding some peace and solitude if that is what you desire. Also, there are many state parks, preserves, lakes, rivers and other enjoyable attractions nearby. Our hilltop campsite is a dark site, and you can get a wonderful, clear view of the stars! Nearby Attractions include: - Baker Woods Preserve - Turning Point Park - New York Zoo - Numerous Adirondacks parks, hikes and peaks - within day trip distance of the Thousand Islands and the Wild Center! Note that this property is near Fort Drum, so sometimes you can hear their munitions practice in the distance.
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$16
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The best camping near Thousand Islands National Park guide

Overview

About

Along the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border between Canada and the United States, Thousand Islands National Park doesn’t include thousands of islands, but it does protect roughly 20 of the region’s many isles. Popular for kayaking, picnicking, and convenient camping getaways, the park is about 175 kilometres north of Syracuse, New York. The Mallorytown Landing Visitor Centre, with a small oTENTik (platform tent) camping area, is along the 1000 Islands Parkway between the eastern Ontario towns of Gananoque and Brockville. You can also camp on a dozen of the park islands that you can reach by canoe, kayak, or water taxi.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for convenient glamping: Mallorytown Landing
  • Best for kayak camping: McDonald Island
  • Best for a quiet island getaway: Mulcaster Island

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve 27 of the park’s campsites, as well as oTENTiks located on the mainland and on MacDonald and Gordon islands, via the Parks Canada online reservations system.
  2. Reservations open for the season in mid-January. The park also has 34 island campsites that are first-come, first-served.
  3. If you don’t have your own boat, remember to book a spot on one of the water taxis that take campers to the islands, or reserve a kayak, canoe, or other boat rental.

When to go

Thousand Islands National Park is open from mid-May through mid-October. Weekdays throughout the season are less crowded than weekends. While the park is busiest in July and August and during Canadian and U.S. long weekends, the best time to visit is in the fall, when the weather is usually comfortable and the trees take on their autumn colors. Another good time to come is the first half of June, which is typically less crowded than mid-summer.

Know before you go

  • Though located in Ontario, Thousand Islands is closer to Montreal (225 kilometres) than to Toronto (320 kilometres).
  • Both Ganaoque and Brockville have supermarkets and other stores stocking supplies for campers. Kingston, the region’s largest town, is 30 minute’s drive west of Gananoque.
  • Check the park website for local boat companies that can shuttle you to the islands and for canoe, kayak, and other boat rentals.
  • None of the park islands have shops or services, other than boat launches and composting toilets, so pack everything in and out. Central Grenadier is the only island with drinking water.

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