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Wellesley Island
Overview
Wellesley Island State Park stands as the largest camping complex in the Thousand Islands region, offering a quintessential New York outdoor experience. Located along the scenic St. Lawrence River, this expansive park provides a secluded natural escape for travelers. With its rugged shoreline and diverse ecosystems, it serves as a central hub for those looking to explore the beauty of the northern border. It is a place where wilderness meets recreation in a perfectly balanced environment that highlights the unique geography of the area.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Fineview, NY, the park is nestled on the largest island in the archipelago. Accessing the site involves crossing the iconic Thousand Islands Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waterways and lush greenery. The landscape is characterized by dense woodlands, granite cliffs, and the sparkling blue waters of Eel Bay. This unique geographic location provides a sense of isolation and tranquility while remaining accessible for mid-sized and large RV rigs navigating the region.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers hundreds of campsites, including several loops specifically designed with electric hookups for RVers. The park is well-equipped to handle long-term stays with various facilities:
- A full-service marina featuring boat rentals and four separate launches.
- The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, offering miles of groomed trails.
- A nine-hole golf course and a dedicated sandy swimming beach.
Practical features include clean comfort stations with hot showers, a camp store for supplies, and a dump station to ensure a comfortable stay for self-contained travelers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based recreation is the primary draw, with world-class freshwater fishing for muskellunge, bass, and northern pike. Outside the park boundaries, visitors can enjoy several local highlights:
- The historic Boldt Castle on Heart Island, accessible by local ferry or private boat.
- The charming village of Alexandria Bay for dining and sightseeing.
- Hiking through unique glacial potholes and protected wetlands.
The extensive trail system within the park is perfect for birdwatching or taking a peaceful evening stroll to watch the sunset over the river.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for active families and retirees who enjoy water sports, hiking, and a slower pace of life. Because of the vastness of the grounds, it suits those who prefer a nature-focused retreat over a high-density luxury resort. It is particularly well-suited for boaters who want to keep their craft close to their campsite. If you appreciate sprawling landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this state park is a premier choice for your New York itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Gregory Yap
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!
The Princess and The Troll
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.
Debra Robinson
The campsite are right on top of each other, I don’t like people that much! The beach area is small and Too regulated, my grandkids that are 3&5 And know how to swim and also had a floatie on, was told they could go pass the first rope , which Only went to their knees,(what 6 inches of water), how are they to have any fun scraping their stomach on the sand if they wanted to be even in the water (WTH),,without an adult which we were right there next to the water. Your rules are dumb, and you had a life guard on duty so what are They good for, just don’t have one!!
Kim Restucci
Clean facilities, sites. Camp store has lots of items you might have forgotten to pack. Stall was friendly and helpful But best of all are the other campers! And the view of the St Lawrence!
Beth DePaolo
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 .