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81 campgrounds and RV Parks near Clayton, NY. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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8516 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Clayton, NY
Lanzs Campground Cottages and Motel
Clayton, NY (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
Riverside Acres Campground and Cottages
Clayton, NY (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(66 sites)
+5
Merry Knoll 1000 Islands Campground
Clayton, NY (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(87 sites)
+9
1000 Islands Campground
Alexandria Bay, NY (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(88 sites)
+10
Grass Point State Park
Clayton, NY (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(78 sites)
+7
Cedar Point State Park
Clayton, NY (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(173 sites)
+5
Wellesley Island State Park
New York (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(414 sites)
+11
Swan Bay Resort and Marina
Alexandria Bay, NY (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+11
Dewolf Point State Park
New York (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
+4
Sportsmans Hideaway RV Park
Chaumont, NY (9 miles away)
Keewaydin State Park
Alexandria Bay, NY (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(48 sites)
+5
Burnham Point State Park
Cape Vincent, NY (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+6
Most common amenities
Playground Toilets Tables Showers Pet friendly Dump station Grills Firewood Laundry Internet
Campgrounds near Clayton, New York
Clayton sits on a peninsula along the American Channel of the St. Lawrence River in the heart of the Thousand Islands region of northern New York, minutes from the Canadian border. The area draws RV travelers for river access, fishing, and small-town amenities, with campgrounds concentrated along Route 12E between Clayton and Cape Vincent.
Options range from state-run waterfront parks to family-owned private resorts. Grass Point State Park is on a point of land that projects into the American Channel of the St. Lawrence River, known for some of the best fishing in the country, and it is a popular spot for campers and day-users who come to boat, swim, fish, picnic, or just relax. Private choices include Merry Knoll 1000 Islands Campground, Riverside Acres Campground and Cottages, 1000 Islands Campground, and Lanzs Campground Cottages and Motel.
Clayton village itself is compact and walkable, home to marinas, the Antique Boat Museum, and river-access points. Most campgrounds sit within a short drive of the village center, making day trips into town easy without breaking camp.
Things to do near Clayton
Fishing drives many trips here. The St. Lawrence River is known for bass and muskellunge, and public launches and marinas in Clayton give RV travelers straightforward boat access. Grass Point State Park offers a marina and boat launch, plus a sandy swimming area that suits families with young kids.
Off the water, visitors browse Clayton's shops, tour the Antique Boat Museum, and take island cruises from the village docks. Beyond angling, guests enjoy boating, swimming, hiking trails, and waterfowl hunting in season by permit.
Merry Knoll 1000 Islands Campground and Riverside Acres Campground and Cottages both offer on-site amenities like pools, playgrounds, and game rooms, which help on rainy afternoons or when kids need a break from the road.
Camping spots and RV parks near Clayton, NY
Seasonal patterns in the Thousand Islands
- spring
March - May
52° / 34°F 80 mmState park opens mid-May; cool nights; high water possible
- summer
June - August
77° / 57°F 90 mmPeak season; waterfront sites book weeks out
- fall
September - November
57° / 39°F 95 mmWettest stretch; fall color; state park closes mid-Sept
- winter
December - February
30° / 14°F 70 mmCold and snowy; campgrounds closed; river ices over
The camping season in the Clayton area is short and clearly defined. The camping and cabin season at Grass Point State Park runs from mid-May to mid-September, with some loops or sites opening later or closing earlier within that window. Private parks track a similar calendar, generally operating from May through October.
July and August are peak, with warm river temperatures, full village events calendars, and the highest demand for waterfront sites. Weekends and holiday weeks book out well in advance, especially sites with river views or full hookups.
Shoulder months bring quieter campgrounds and cooler nights. Spring can still see frost and high water, while September and October deliver fall color but shorter days. Mean temperatures from January through mid-February hover well below freezing, with much of the precipitation falling as snow, and the river begins to ice in December. Most campgrounds are closed by then.
How to book campgrounds near Clayton
New York state park reservations are made using the ReserveAmerica system. Bookings can be made online or by phone at 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267). Camping reservations can be made up to 9 months in advance, which matters for popular waterfront loops at Grass Point State Park in July and August.
Campsite reservations can be made for today and up to 9 months in advance, while cabin and cottage rentals have longer lead-time rules and stricter cancellation windows.
Private parks in the area, including Merry Knoll 1000 Islands Campground and Riverside Acres Campground and Cottages, book directly by phone or through their websites. Holiday weeks, including Canadian holidays, often require multi-night stays and non-refundable deposits, so confirm terms when reserving.
What to expect on site
Hookup availability varies. Private parks in the Clayton area generally offer 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer at most sites, along with pools, laundry, and camp stores. Grass Point State Park accommodates RV camping with electric hookups, tent camping, and a full-service cottage, but it lacks sewer and water hookups for RVs. Standard amenities include showers, restrooms, drinking water, a dump station, picnic tables, and grills.
Bugs can be intense near the river in early summer, so pack repellent. Pets are welcome at most local campgrounds, though some private parks restrict certain breeds and current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in for state parks.
Cell coverage is generally reliable in and around Clayton village, and many private parks offer Wi-Fi.
Own an RV? Earn up to $25,831/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Clayton, NY
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Clayton, NY?
Great news for budget-minded travelers: an RV rental in Clayton, NY is one of the most affordable ways to experience the Thousand Islands. On RVezy, nightly rates typically range from about $95 to $175 for travel trailers, $130 to $225 for Class C motorhomes, and $200 to $325 for larger Class A coaches, with hosts setting their own pricing. To find a cheap RV rental in Clayton, book midweek, travel in late May or September shoulder season, and use the price filter to sort listings low to high. Pro tip: many Clayton hosts include generous mileage allowances or free local delivery, which can save you $100 or more compared to picking up in a bigger city like Syracuse.
visit1000islands.com/communities/clayton-ny/What license do I need to rent an RV in Clayton, NY?
Good news: for almost every RV you'll rent in Clayton, your regular Class D driver's license is all you need. New York only requires a special R endorsement for personal-use RVs with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds, and the vast majority of campervans, Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels on RVezy fall well under that threshold. You'll need to be 25 or older to book an RV rental in Clayton, NY, and RVezy verifies your ID right inside the platform during checkout. Visiting from abroad? An International Driving Permit paired with your home license works perfectly. No CDL, no RV school, just pick your rig and go.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs there protection included when I rent an RV in Clayton?
Yes, and this is one of the best parts of booking through RVezy. Every RV rental in Clayton, NY includes an RVezy renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can explore the St. Lawrence River with confidence if a stone chips the windshield on Route 12 or a tire gives out near the Thousand Islands Bridge. You choose your coverage level at checkout, not the host, and the plan covers most physical damage to the vehicle. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers carefully during booking so you can pick the package that matches your comfort level for your Thousand Islands adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change? Can I cancel my Clayton RV rental?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy for every rental, and it includes a grace period after booking where you can cancel and get a refund, with additional flexibility tied to how far out your trip is. Because the policy is platform-wide, you will not see different rules on different Clayton listings. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best waterfront RVs near the St. Lawrence River, knowing the grace period has your back if plans shift. You can always message RVezy support for help walking through your options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Clayton RV trip?
Yes, the Thousand Islands are wonderfully dog-friendly, and finding a pet-friendly RV rental in Clayton is easy on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see motorhomes and travel trailers whose hosts welcome four-legged guests. Once you arrive, Wellesley Island State Park allows up to two leashed pets at campsites and day-use areas (with proof of rabies vaccination), and Riverside Acres Campground in Clayton is known for being especially pet-welcoming. Pro tip: pack a long tie-out and a collapsible water bowl, then walk your pup along the Clayton Riverwalk on Riverside Drive for sunset views over the river. It's one of the best dog walks in the North Country.
parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/wellesley-island-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Clayton?
Yes, RV delivery in Clayton is one of the smartest options for first-time renters. Many RVezy hosts will tow or drive the motorhome directly to your campsite at Merry Knoll Campground, Riverside Acres, or Wellesley Island State Park, then level it, hook up water and electric, and walk you through everything before they leave. Use the Delivery filter when searching to see which hosts offer this and what their delivery radius and fee look like. Pro tip: delivery is a game-changer if you are flying into Syracuse Hancock International Airport, because you can skip towing entirely and arrive at your site to a fully set-up RV ready to enjoy.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Clayton%2C%20New%20YorkHow far can I travel on a Clayton RV trip?
You can cover serious ground from Clayton because hosts set their own mileage policies, and many offer generous daily allowances or even an RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer trips. Popular routes include Watertown (about 25 miles south), Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario (about 35 miles), Alexandria Bay and Boldt Castle (about 12 miles east on Route 12), Adirondack Park's western entrance near Old Forge (about 90 miles), and Niagara Falls (around 230 miles). An RV road trip from Clayton along the Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway is a local favorite. Pro tip: check the listing's mileage details before booking and message the host directly if you have a longer route in mind, most are happy to customize.
fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2355Where are the best campgrounds near Clayton, NY?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in Clayton. Top picks include Wellesley Island State Park, the largest camping complex in the Thousand Islands with 432 sites, a sandy beach, marina, and full-hookup Fox loop; Merry Knoll Campground, perched above the St. Lawrence River with views of passing freighters; Birch Haven Campground on Route 12E with full hookups; Riverside Acres Campground & Cottages, family-run and pet-friendly 1.2 miles west of Clayton; and French Creek Marina and Campground right in town. Pro tip: waterfront sites at Wellesley Island fill 9 months out, so book the moment your dates open through the New York State Parks reservation system.
parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/wellesley-island-state-parkWhen is the best time of year to rent an RV in Clayton?
The sweet spot for a Clayton RV trip runs from late May through early October, when the St. Lawrence River campgrounds are open and the weather is genuinely beautiful. July and August are peak season with daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 80s°F and warm river swimming. June brings fewer crowds and blooming wildflowers, while September and early October deliver crisp 60s°F days and brilliant fall foliage along the Seaway Trail. Most local campgrounds open mid-May and close by October 15. Pro tip: book a late-September trip to catch peak leaf-peeping plus the tail end of muskie fishing season, it's the local insider's favorite week to be on the river.
weather.gov/buf/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one around Clayton?
Yes, Clayton is one of the friendliest places in the country for first time renting an RV. Route 12 and Route 12E are wide, gently rolling two-lane roads with light traffic, and the village itself is compact and easy to navigate. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, awning, slide-outs, and dumping tanks, so you won't be guessing. If you'd rather skip driving entirely, choose a host who offers delivery and setup. Pro tip: stick to a smaller Class C motorhome or travel trailer for your first trip, and plan a short shakedown drive to Cape Vincent (about 20 miles) before tackling longer routes.
dot.ny.gov/regional-offices/region7What happens if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You are covered around the clock. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so if you get a flat on Route 12, a dead battery at Cedar Point State Park, or a propane issue at your campsite, help is one phone call away. Your host is also typically just a text away and knows the rig inside and out, so quick questions get quick answers. RVezy support is available before, during, and after every trip. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number and your host's contact info to your phone before leaving Clayton, cell coverage along the St. Lawrence River is solid but can dip in spots near Wellesley Island.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I cross into Canada with my Clayton RV rental?
Cross-border travel into Ontario is possible from Clayton, and many guests dream of crossing the Thousand Islands International Bridge to visit Kingston or Gananoque (about an hour away). Because cross-border travel depends on each host's insurance, message the host directly from the listing page before booking to confirm Canada travel is approved. Travel into Mexico is not allowed on any RVezy rental. Pro tip: if your host approves Canada travel, bring a passport for every traveler, pet rabies certificates, and budget for the bridge toll. The Canadian side of the Thousand Islands National Park is worth the trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Clayton RV trip?
Fuel is the second-biggest expense after the rental itself, but it's very manageable in this region. Expect roughly 8-10 MPG for a Class A, 10-14 MPG for a Class C motorhome, 18-22 MPG for a Class B campervan, and similar tow-vehicle numbers for travel trailers. Gas prices in Jefferson County, NY tend to run a bit lower than in New York City or the Adirondacks. For a 4-day, 300-mile loop around the Thousand Islands in a Class C, plan on roughly $120-$160 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Watertown along I-81 before heading north to Clayton, prices there are typically the cheapest in the area, then top off again at the Clayton stations on Route 12 before your trip home.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground around Clayton?
For the best campgrounds near Clayton, the earlier the better, especially for July and August. Wellesley Island State Park accepts reservations up to 9 months in advance through the New York State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica or 1-800-456-2267), and waterfront sites in the Heron and Fox loops disappear within hours of opening. Private parks like Merry Knoll, Birch Haven, and Riverside Acres book directly through their websites and fill up 2-4 months ahead for summer weekends. Same-day reservations at state parks are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival for campsites only. Pro tip: if you strike out on a peak weekend, try Tuesday-through-Thursday stays, they're often wide open and the river is blissfully quiet.
parks.ny.gov/camping/What are driving conditions like around Clayton?
Driving an RV around Clayton is refreshingly low-stress. The main routes (NY-12, NY-12E, and I-81) are well-maintained, with I-81 connecting you directly to the Thousand Islands Bridge and Watertown. Summer traffic peaks on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons in July and August, especially around Alexandria Bay. Winter is a different story: lake-effect snow off Lake Ontario can hit hard between November and March, so most RV rentals here run May through October. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk on rural stretches of Route 12E. Pro tip: the Thousand Islands International Bridge has a height clearance of about 14 feet 9 inches, well above any standard RV, but always know your rig's height before crossing any bridge.
511ny.org/What amenities will I find at Clayton-area campgrounds?
Clayton-area campgrounds are well-equipped for a comfortable RV stay. Wellesley Island State Park's Fox loop offers 56 full-hookup sites (water, electric, sewer) plus dump stations, hot showers, a camp store, laundromat, and a 9-hole golf course. Merry Knoll, Birch Haven, and Riverside Acres all offer full hookups, swimming pools, and Wi-Fi. Most private parks have on-site dump stations and potable water fill, so you'll rarely need to detour. Wellesley Island also has a marina with four boat launches if you bring a small boat. Pro tip: ask your host if the RV comes with a sewer hose, water pressure regulator, and 30/50-amp adapter, these little extras make hookup at any campground in the Thousand Islands a 10-minute job instead of a head-scratcher.
parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/wellesley-island-state-parkWhat features and equipment come standard in a Clayton RV rental?
Expect to be comfortable. A typical motorhome rental in Clayton sleeps 4-8 people and comes with a real bed (usually a queen), a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a wet or dry bath with shower and toilet, a dinette, climate control, and seatbelted seating for travel. Most listings include a TV and many include Wi-Fi hotspots or a generator for off-grid stays at places like Wellesley Island's non-electric sites. Travel trailers offer similar layouts minus the cab. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count and check the photos for outdoor kitchens and awnings, those features turn a riverside site at Cedar Point State Park into your own private deck overlooking the St. Lawrence.
nhtsa.gov/equipment/recreational-vehiclesWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with a Clayton RV rental?
Hosts in Clayton offer a great mix of practical add-ons to make your trip easier. Common extras include linen and kitchen kits (often $50-$100), bike racks, kayaks or paddleboards (perfect for the St. Lawrence), generators, outdoor furniture, and propane refills. Pickup is usually at the host's address, with many offering delivery to local campgrounds for a flat fee plus mileage. Mileage policies vary by listing, with daily caps typically between 100-150 free miles and unlimited options on longer bookings. Pro tip: bundle the kayak add-on with delivery to Wellesley Island State Park and you'll be paddling Eel Bay within an hour of arrival, easily the most photogenic spot in the 1000 Islands.
parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/wellesley-island-state-parkHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. When you book an RV rental in Clayton, NY through RVezy, you pay directly through the platform with a credit or debit card, with no cash exchanged with the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (amount varies by listing) and released after the trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid deposit issues, do a quick walkaround video at pickup and dropoff, return the RV with the same fuel and propane levels, and empty the tanks if your host requests it. Pro tip: read the listing's house rules carefully (smoking, mileage overage, cleaning fee) so there are zero surprises when your deposit is released.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat are the best road trip destinations from Clayton?
A motorhome rental Clayton NY puts you within easy reach of incredible destinations. Drive 12 miles east on Route 12 to Alexandria Bay for Boldt Castle boat tours, head 35 miles southwest to Sackets Harbor's War of 1812 battlefield on Lake Ontario, cruise 90 miles east to the Adirondacks' Old Forge and Fulton Chain of Lakes, swing 100 miles south to Syracuse for a city break, or drive about 230 miles west along the Seaway Trail to Niagara Falls. Pro tip: build a 5-7 day loop hitting Clayton, Sackets Harbor, and the Adirondacks for a campervan rental Clayton trip that combines river, lake, and mountain camping in a single unforgettable week.
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