Nestled along the border between the United States and Canada, the Thousand Islands region of upstate New York is an ideal and scenic destination for nature loving travelers. Here, nature enthusiasts can relax and appreciate the beautiful backdrop of the islands, surrounded by the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and the Adirondack Mountains. Although historically referred to as the Thousand Island region, the area is actually composed of more than 1,800 islands along a fifty mile stretch of the St. Lawrence River. The islands extend from Lake Ontario to Ogdensburg, New York. Visitors seeking outdoor recreation can choose from a plethora of activities including boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, golfing or hiking. For the truly adventurous, it is even possible to tour underwater shipwrecks by scuba diving in the St. Lawrence River. In addition to these many outdoor activities, the Thousand Islands region is the home of terrific campgrounds featuring a wide variety of amenities. If you are interested in camping in the Thousand Islands, here are a few great campgrounds to consider as you plan your trip.
Located in Ontario, the Thousand Islands/Ivy Lea KOA campground is a terrific choice for campers seeking an outdoor experience with modern amenities. The Thousand Islands/Ivy Lea KOA features a movie lounge, fitness center and nature trails along with two heated pools and two hot tubs. Not only does this campground offer traditional tent campsites, the Thousand Islands/Ivy Lea KOA also features deluxe cabin and RV sites as well. Located close to the historic Singer and Boldt Castles, travelers can enjoy tours of these historic sites. Nearby, the historic town of Gananoque, Ontario offers shopping, dining and entertainment. The Thousand Islands/Ivy Lea campground is even located in close proximity to Ontario’s largest casino. For those seeking an opportunity to bond with nature while simultaneously enjoying modern luxuries, the Thousand Islands/Ivy Lea KOA campground is an ideal choice. Visit http://www.koakampgrounds.com/where/on/55203/ for more information and reservations.
Another great campground of the Thousand Islands region is the Westcott Beach State Park, located several miles outside of historic Sackets Harbor along the shore of Lake Ontario. This campground features a beach, boat launching sites, hiking, playground, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. History buffs can enjoy historical re-enactments at the nearby Sackets Harbor Battlefield, site of the famous War of 1812 battle. To check out additional information about the amenities of Westcott Beach State Park and other New York state parks, you can visit the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/.
The Merry Knoll Campgrounds, located near Clayton, NY is another excellent choice for nature loving travelers. The campground is situated along the banks St. Lawrence River, allowing visitors to enjoy watching ocean-bound ships as they travel up the river. The town of Clayton is a quaint, charming river town with wonderful shopping and dining opportunities. Furthermore, Clayton, New York is home to the Thousands Islands Museum, tracing the historical river heritage of the region. After a long day of sight-seeing, visitors can enjoy the swimming pool, game room and camp store back at the Merry Knoll. RV sites, tent sites and camping cabins are available for rental. For additional information, check out their website at http://www.merryknollcampground.com/.
The camping facilities highlighted above are just a few of the numerous campgrounds of the Thousand Islands region. If you are seeking a unique camping experience in the heart of historical towns and breath-taking scenery, look no further than the Thousand Islands of New York and Ontario.
