The best waterside campgrounds near Watertown, New York

The small town of Watertown sits less than an hour's drive south of the Canada/New York border. The famous Thousand Islands dot the Saint Lawrence River, providing 50 miles of tremendous sightseeing along the coast. Wellesley Island State Park offers the largest camping area in the islands region. Picnic tables and a playground recreation area make this a good spot for family fun.

As the name implies, there are plenty of other options here for Hipcampers who love to be by the water. Head southwest to reach Westcott Beach State Park on the shores of Lake Ontario. Boat ramps and a connected marina make this an excellent choice for those who enjoy bass fishing. There's also a tremendous view of the Great Lake from the tent camping area—don't miss out!

Head just a little northeast from Watertown proper for a different kind of waterfront experience. The Black River Trail runs through woodland and along the titular river for about 3.5 miles. Jog or bike it in the summer, or visit in winter and slap on some snowshoes for a memorable evening.

All the waterfront in and around the town does mean that temperatures can get bracingly cold in winter. Average highs are at or below freezing from December to February! Summer months are nearly perfect, though. Expect highs in between 70 and 80 from June through September.

96% (246) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Watertown

Beaver Camp

1. Beaver Camp

100%

(12)

38mi from Watertown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, this 87-acre expanse of forest, streams, and lake is the perfect escape from the business of life. Located in the Adirondack State Park directly on Beaver Lake, we have access to the lake and Beaver River flow and the wide expanse of forests and trails of the park. With heated cabins, water and electric RV sites, and outdoor tenting areas, we provide a camping experience that can be tailored to fit the needs of small and large groups. Whether it's cozying up around the fire in one of our indoor lounging areas; pitching a tent at our outpost camp lean-to site in the middle of the woods; sipping complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, or tea as you watch the sunrise over the lake; or hiking through the woods (or across the lake when its frozen over) and watching the wildlife, Beaver Camp offers a great opportunity to unplug and soak in the peace and quiet of nature.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$40

/ night

Whetstone Gulf State Park

2. Whetstone Gulf State Park

State park 29mi from Watertown · 57 sites

Upstate may be the best part of New York and you’ll find out why at Whetstone Beach State Park. Set in one of the prettiest gorges in the East, you’ll have access to hiking and biking trails, swimming, and playgrounds that are fun for e’rebody! Hike up the gorge for world class fishing in the reservoir and when the day is done relax under the starry sky in one of the wooded campgrounds.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Selkirk Shores State Park

3. Selkirk Shores State Park

100%

(3)

State park 33mi from Watertown · 170 sites

Wide open meadows, lush forest and bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario are just a FEW of our favorite things about Selkirk Shores State Park. The others? Well you can pitch your tent and have awesome water views from the campgrounds, toss your boat into the Salmon river for some stellar fishing and meandering, or head down to Sandy Island Beach State Park for a dip. Other things you can catch here include glimpses of spectacular migratory birds--all of which can be spotted while hiking or biking. And did we mention the sunsets? That's the cherry on top!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

The small town of Watertown sits less than an hour's drive south of the Canada/New York border. The famous Thousand Islands dot the Saint Lawrence River, providing 50 miles of tremendous sightseeing along the coast. Wellesley Island State Park offers the largest camping area in the islands region. Picnic tables and a playground recreation area make this a good spot for family fun.

As the name implies, there are plenty of other options here for Hipcampers who love to be by the water. Head southwest to reach Westcott Beach State Park on the shores of Lake Ontario. Boat ramps and a connected marina make this an excellent choice for those who enjoy bass fishing. There's also a tremendous view of the Great Lake from the tent camping area—don't miss out!

Head just a little northeast from Watertown proper for a different kind of waterfront experience. The Black River Trail runs through woodland and along the titular river for about 3.5 miles. Jog or bike it in the summer, or visit in winter and slap on some snowshoes for a memorable evening.

All the waterfront in and around the town does mean that temperatures can get bracingly cold in winter. Average highs are at or below freezing from December to February! Summer months are nearly perfect, though. Expect highs in between 70 and 80 from June through September.

96% (246) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Watertown

Beaver Camp

1. Beaver Camp

100%

(12)

38mi from Watertown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, this 87-acre expanse of forest, streams, and lake is the perfect escape from the business of life. Located in the Adirondack State Park directly on Beaver Lake, we have access to the lake and Beaver River flow and the wide expanse of forests and trails of the park. With heated cabins, water and electric RV sites, and outdoor tenting areas, we provide a camping experience that can be tailored to fit the needs of small and large groups. Whether it's cozying up around the fire in one of our indoor lounging areas; pitching a tent at our outpost camp lean-to site in the middle of the woods; sipping complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, or tea as you watch the sunrise over the lake; or hiking through the woods (or across the lake when its frozen over) and watching the wildlife, Beaver Camp offers a great opportunity to unplug and soak in the peace and quiet of nature.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$40

/ night

Whetstone Gulf State Park

2. Whetstone Gulf State Park

State park 29mi from Watertown · 57 sites

Upstate may be the best part of New York and you’ll find out why at Whetstone Beach State Park. Set in one of the prettiest gorges in the East, you’ll have access to hiking and biking trails, swimming, and playgrounds that are fun for e’rebody! Hike up the gorge for world class fishing in the reservoir and when the day is done relax under the starry sky in one of the wooded campgrounds.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Selkirk Shores State Park

3. Selkirk Shores State Park

100%

(3)

State park 33mi from Watertown · 170 sites

Wide open meadows, lush forest and bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario are just a FEW of our favorite things about Selkirk Shores State Park. The others? Well you can pitch your tent and have awesome water views from the campgrounds, toss your boat into the Salmon river for some stellar fishing and meandering, or head down to Sandy Island Beach State Park for a dip. Other things you can catch here include glimpses of spectacular migratory birds--all of which can be spotted while hiking or biking. And did we mention the sunsets? That's the cherry on top!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

E

Ella

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beaver Camp

We loved staying at Beaver Lake Camp! The seclusion on chicken coop island was perfect and made for a perfect long weekend trip. Our favorite part was taking a sunset paddle around the lake and seeing beavers, turtles, and loons up close.