Wellesley Island State Park
Discover serene camping, fishing, and nature exploration along the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Wellesley Island State Park
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene camping, fishing, and nature exploration along the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands.
"Amazing! Campsites are clean and spacious with beautiful river views. Highly recommend!"
🐾 Pet-Friendly Camping
Bring up to two dogs to enjoy the park with you! Just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them.
🛶 Kayak & Boat Access
Easy boat launches and marina access make it simple to explore the St. Lawrence River. Many campers leave boats docked.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Camping
Campgrounds
Enjoy diverse camping options from primitive to full hookups, with many sites offering beautiful river views.
Minna Nature Center
Nature Center
Explore the museum and butterfly house for an engaging, close-up nature experience.
Thousand Islands Shoreline
Park Shoreline
Experience beautiful shorelines and clear green waters, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Island Access Tolls
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Visiting 1000 islands, what to eat, do, and visit? (near the ledges and marina)
🐾 Pet-Friendly Camping
Bring up to two dogs to enjoy the park with you! Just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them.
🛶 Kayak & Boat Access
Easy boat launches and marina access make it simple to explore the St. Lawrence River. Many campers leave boats docked.
🍎 Secure Your Food
Raccoons are known visitors! Always store food properly in your RV or tent to avoid unwanted guests.
🚴♀️ Bike & Hike Trails
Miles of trails offer great opportunities for biking, walking, and hiking throughout the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Pet-Friendly Camping
Bring up to two dogs to enjoy the park with you! Just remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them.
🛶 Kayak & Boat Access
Easy boat launches and marina access make it simple to explore the St. Lawrence River. Many campers leave boats docked.
🍎 Secure Your Food
Raccoons are known visitors! Always store food properly in your RV or tent to avoid unwanted guests.
🚴♀️ Bike & Hike Trails
Miles of trails offer great opportunities for biking, walking, and hiking throughout the park.
🛒 Camp Store Essentials
A camp store on-site offers ice and other necessities, plus an arcade and laundry facilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wellesley Island State Park for its beautiful river views, clean and spacious campsites, and family-friendly atmosphere. The Minna Nature Center and well-maintained trails are frequently highlighted as enjoyable amenities. While some note that campsites can be tightly packed, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.
"The staff were very helpful when we were checking in. The site for the RVs was well appointed, however you are packed in really tightly with other campers. The camp is very family oriented with boat launches and bike trails. You can bring 2 dogs with you and the bathrooms are cleaned regularly in the morning. Happy camping!"
Gregory Yap
"The campground was quiet and clean. Raccoons visited a few of the nights so it is important to put your food up or in the tent. Sites were all different sizes but generally spacious . Quiet time is observed after 10pm. Bathrooms were spacious and clean with 2 showers and 3 stalls. Minna Nature Center on the grounds was a great place to get closer to nature. Lots of places to ride bikes, wallk or hike ."
Beth D
"A nice state park between the United States mainland and Canada. Coming on the island from either direction costs $4.00 for a car and $9.00 for a truck and trailer. It does not cost to leave the island in either direction. The Canadian border is about a five minute drive.
The campground has primitive to full hook up sites. Loop F is the full hook up sites and there is no bathhouse. Most people bring their boats and leave them at the marina while leaving their boat trailers at the campsites. In Loop F, most sites are in the full sun and mostly level.
There is a camp store selling ice and other necessities. The building with the store also has an arcade and laundry. There is also a public swimming beach."
The Princess and The Troll
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wellesley Island State Park is located in the Thousand Islands region of New York. You can reach it by driving across the Thousand Islands Bridge from either the US or Canada. Be aware of the toll to enter the island.
Yes, there is a toll to enter Wellesley Island. As of recent information, it costs $4.00 for a car and $9.00 for a truck and trailer. Exiting the island is free.
The Canadian border is conveniently located about a five-minute drive from Wellesley Island State Park, making it a great stop for international travelers.
You can find detailed directions using GPS or mapping apps. Search for 'Wellesley Island State Park, Fineview, NY' for precise navigation.
Yes, Wellesley Island is situated between the US mainland and Canada, and you can access it via the Thousand Islands Bridge from either country.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there's a toll to enter the island itself, there are no separate admission fees for the state park. The toll covers access to the island where the park is located.
Wellesley Island State Park is generally open year-round for day use, with specific hours for campgrounds and facilities like the Nature Center. It's best to check the official New York State Parks website for current operating hours.
Reservations for camping at Wellesley Island State Park can typically be made through Reserve America. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular sites and during peak season.
Yes, the park offers a range of campsites, from primitive sites to those with full hookups (electricity, water, sewer). Loop F is known for its full hookup sites.
Wellesley Island State Park offers cabin rentals, including options like the Chipmunk Cabins and Eel Bay Cottages. These are popular and should be booked well in advance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming at the public beach, hiking and biking on the trails, and visiting the Minna Nature Center with its museum and butterfly house.
Yes, there is a public swimming beach available for visitors to enjoy the waters of the St. Lawrence River.
Absolutely! Wellesley Island State Park features numerous trails for hiking and walking, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the island.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The park's location on the St. Lawrence River provides excellent opportunities for anglers.
Yes, the Minna Nature Center is located within the park and features a museum and a butterfly house, offering educational and engaging experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself doesn't have full-service restaurants, there is a camp store that sells ice and other necessities. You'll find dining options in nearby towns on the island or mainland.
The camp store typically offers basic necessities like ice, snacks, and some convenience items. It's a good place for quick grabs but not for full meals.
Yes, all campsites are equipped for cooking. Campers often bring grills, camp stoves, and picnic supplies to prepare their meals.
Nearby towns on Wellesley Island and the surrounding Thousand Islands area offer various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
It's recommended to bring all your groceries and cooking supplies, as options on the island can be limited. Plan your meals and pack accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots along the shoreline, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Minna Nature Center and the marina also offer picturesque scenes.
Absolutely! The park offers beautiful vantage points of the iconic Thousand Islands landscape, perfect for landscape photography.
Keep an eye out for various bird species, small mammals, and aquatic life. The nature center is also a great place for close-up shots of insects and butterflies.
Yes, many campsites offer scenic views of the river. Capturing the atmosphere of camping, especially with morning mist or evening light, can be very rewarding.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details at the nature center.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the beach and nature center, the park offers plenty of room to run around, and the availability of bike trails makes for enjoyable family rides. Bringing pets is also a plus for many families, as the park allows up to two dogs. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as while there's a camp store, it's best to be prepared for meals and treats for the little ones.
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Boaters can easily explore the vast expanse of the Thousand Islands, discovering hidden coves and enjoying the scenic beauty from the water. The park's facilities are well-equipped to support these activities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all watercraft owners. Whether you're planning a fishing trip or a leisurely cruise, the park's waterfront access is a major draw.
🏕️ Budget-Conscious Campers
Remember the toll to enter the island, which is a one-time cost per vehicle. By planning your meals, utilizing the free activities like hiking and exploring the nature center (which has a small museum), and opting for more basic camping sites, you can have an affordable and enjoyable trip to this beautiful state park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Wellesley Island
Campers often highlight the family-friendly atmosphere, with amenities like boat launches and bike trails enhancing the experience. The park's commitment to cleanliness is evident, with bathrooms regularly cleaned. Quiet time is observed after 10 PM, ensuring a peaceful stay for all. For those bringing pets, the park is pet-friendly, allowing up to two dogs, though leash rules and cleanup are enforced. The presence of a camp store selling ice and necessities, along with laundry facilities and an arcade, adds convenience to your stay.
Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons being frequent visitors. Campers are advised to secure their food properly to prevent unwanted guests. The park's location on the St. Lawrence River also means opportunities for boating and fishing are abundant, with many visitors utilizing the marina facilities. Whether you're seeking a rustic escape or a comfortable base for exploring the Thousand Islands, Wellesley Island State Park's campgrounds provide a memorable outdoor adventure.
Exploring the Minna Nature Center
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the nature center serves as a gateway to the park's natural beauty. It's a great starting point for exploring the park's hiking trails and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. The center's staff are often knowledgeable and can offer tips on the best trails or wildlife viewing spots. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful and engaging activity, the Minna Nature Center provides a refreshing break from camping or other outdoor pursuits.
Visiting the nature center is a fantastic way to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystem of Wellesley Island. It’s a well-maintained facility that adds significant value to the overall park experience, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance of nature in this beautiful part of New York.
Activities on the Water
For those who prefer to paddle, kayaking is a popular choice, allowing for intimate exploration of the river's coves and shorelines. The clear green waters are inviting for swimming, and the park boasts a public swimming beach where families and individuals can relax and cool off. Fishing enthusiasts will also find ample opportunities to cast a line, with the river being a rich habitat for various fish species.
Whether you're an avid boater, a kayaker, a swimmer, or a fisherman, the water activities available at Wellesley Island State Park provide endless enjoyment and a chance to fully immerse yourself in the stunning Thousand Islands environment.
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