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Ivy Lea Park
Overview
Ivy Lea Park is a gem within the Parks of the St. Lawrence system, offering a front-row seat to the iconic Thousand Islands. Situated directly on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, this destination provides a classic camping experience where the scenery takes center stage. It serves as an ideal base for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying a scenic riverside atmosphere.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Lansdowne, ON, the park is nestled at the foot of the Thousand Islands Bridge. This strategic position offers stunning views of the bridge spanning the water and the numerous islands dotting the river. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the rugged granite of the Frontenac Arch, providing a lush, green backdrop for RVers traveling along the 1000 Islands Parkway.
Amenities & Park Features
The park accommodates a variety of setups, offering power and water hookups for RVers alongside more rustic sites. On-site facilities include clean washrooms, showers, and laundry services to ensure a comfortable stay. Notable features include:
- On-site boat launch and docking facilities.
- A playground for children and families.
- A retail store carrying ice, wood, and camping essentials.
These features allow travelers to remain self-sufficient while enjoying the river views and the refreshing breeze off the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do just minutes from their campsite. Taking a 1000 Islands boat cruise from nearby Gananoque or Rockport is a must-see for many visitors. For those who prefer to stay on land, the 1000 Islands Parkway features a paved multi-use path perfect for cycling or walking. Golfers can enjoy a round at the nearby Smuggler's Glen, while hikers can explore the trails at the Landon Bay lookout.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for boaters and nature lovers who want to be immersed in the Thousand Islands lifestyle. It is a fantastic choice for families looking for a traditional summer getaway and for cross-border travelers needing a convenient yet beautiful stop near the bridge. If you enjoy waking up to the sound of the river and spending your days on the water, this park offers the perfect scenic home base for your Ontario adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Alex Vezeau
This camping is a mixed bag. It all depends on the site you chose, the time of the year and your expectations. The elephant in the room is the noise, bridge and traffic and boat and helicopter. Sites seem like they were optimized to have the most campers per square meter. Some sites seem to be part of the road. But, I did enjoy it, I took a site with access to water. The noise was ok, the sight was incredible, swans and ducks and turtles ... It was in the fall season, not many campers. Don't be scared by bad reviews, choose your site wisely. I would recommend talking to the park staff for your site reservation if you want to be sure to be satisfied. If you kayak, sup, canoe, take a premium site and you won't be disappointed. We were at site 118.
Carrie Sheldrick
This is not the type of park we enjoy. The main part of the park is one giant parking lot of trailers with no privacy. The roads twist and turn making no real sense. There is no trails and walking around the park is not pleasant as it is so crowded. We had a premium waterfront site which I loved the view but the site had only a cement pad to park on and the rest was uneven and very rocky. View was spectacular though.
Baber Khan
I recently stayed at Ivy Lea Campground in St. Lawrence Parks, and the natural beauty of this area is truly breathtaking. Nestled along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, the campground offers stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. The campsites are spacious, well-maintained, and provide a great opportunity to connect with nature. However, my experience was marred by an unfortunate encounter at check-in. The staff member I dealt with was unwelcoming and displayed a condescending attitude, which was disappointing given the otherwise serene and inviting atmosphere of the park. It was a stark contrast to the beauty of the surroundings, and it did put a damper on the initial experience. Despite this, the park itself is a gem. The scenery and amenities are well worth the visit, but I hope management will address the customer service issues to ensure a more positive and cohesive experience from start to finish. Ivy Lea has so much to offer, and with improved staff interactions, it could easily become a top destination for campers.
Laurel McClean
1.No handicap parking at the beach area 2.Grass not cut and refused to do it when requested. Therefore, the ticks were horrendous 3. Nobody down at the dive area but me and my dive instructor and spouses and we were threatened with a ticket if we didn't move our vehicle after my husband unloaded dive gear 4. Washrooms were filthy. The men's was closed 5. On Sunday, regardless of whether you are leaving or not, the gate key is reset 6. Quiet hour is not enforced. Our neighbours played music until 1 am.
Aleksandra Shalakhova
We stayed at Smuggler's nook cabin. Given that it's the last cabin in the area and no one booked a camping site right next to it, we had a nice private area with no traffic. When booking the cabin I thought it would be close to the bathrooms (as it looked to me when I checked the map), but there is no short cuts and it's a little walk. The cabin and the washroom looked clean to me. The staff were pleasant. Where we stayed there was no noise from the bridge/ traffic. Overall pleasant experience for a cabin stay. It's a good spot for people going fishing/ boats or diving. I do wish there were some actual hiking trails at the camp site. The hiking trails are within10 min drive.