Wellesley Island State Park
Wellesley Island State Park
Wellesley Island State Park
4.5
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Restaurants
6 within 3 miles
Attractions
28 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
85 reviews
Excellent
50
Very good
23
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Lisa C
Rush, NY66 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
I did a lot of research and thought I found a great site. Unfortunately, a lot of other people like that site and the surrounding areas. So, several groups of people just made themselves at home and then wandered right through our site. We asked nicely for some space. Then, not as nicely. I called the office and they were nice, but basically said they couldn’t do anything except give us another site. Since, we would’ve had to break camp anyway, we decided to just leave. I wouldn’t go back to that campground ever, for any reason. I’ve never encountered so many self entitled, self centered, rude people. And apparently the families that visit don’t believe in adult supervision, as at least half of these groups were young people. And all of them incredibly rude.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don S
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Although the park overall and the campsites are the best but they take no pride or to say any care in the restrooms and showers. The neglect and with no attention for at least the first two days of our stay it was so bad the after several complaints a crew finally came and had to power wash and scrub ever room. Absolutely no attention after that. Filthy and no paper. The excuse of we can’t find any workers is a cop out. Everything else is staffed. Worst 10 days stay here in the last 37 consecutive years coming here.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaleoGypsy
Philadelphia, PA2,347 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
In July, it was 55 degrees. Not too shabby when you’re trying to dodge the heat and humidity. From the Nature Center, you may hike 1.3 miles on well-maintained trails to view the glacial potholes. One is 6 feet deep. The other is 15 feet deep. Bring water and snacks. Park at the Nature Center, use the bathroom, and begin your hike.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerzeyjen
Little Egg Harbor, NJ106 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Amazing campground with great views. I was so pleased when I arrived and saw the park. It was so much better than I expected, and I had high hopes! The store was new and clean. The boat ramp was well thought out and was easy to use. Our campsite had Amazing views of the river and even its own peninsula.
Written October 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betsy M
Syracuse, NY130 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Was thoroughly impressed with Wellesley Island State park itself, the nature center, the well marked trails, but most especially the cozy cottages right on Eel Bay. Warmed by a propane stove (operated simply by a thermostat) the cottage had everything you need for a comfortable stay including linens, kitchen ware, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, stove, fridge and bathroom with shower. I spent a week, first exploring the park, then venturing out to Alexander Bay, Clayton and Cape Vincent as well as the Indian River lakes. I appreciate being able to explore the area without masses of people and the weather cooperated. If you are dressed warm, the Thousand Islands area has lots to offer off season and the cottages at Wellesley Island State Park make a perfect home base.
Written December 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mllrz
Cobourg, Canada67 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Stayed here twice this year in our RV, once in Coyote area and once in Fox. Fox has full hook ups (water, power and sewer), beautiful cement pads, large sites but minimal privacy. Coyote has only power, with water taps available throughout CG and a few mire trees. All have fire pits and the places on way in before park gate has lots of firewood. The more you buy the cheaper it is.
Groceries are best bought in the Price Chopper. It is located just east of the interstate on next exit (southbound) after the state park. Just continue right over the bridge and get off right after. There is alcohol available in the same location and gas and smokes across street.
Park is well maintained and clean.
We had friends staying in pet friendly cabins. No running water, no linens, no cooking facility and a hard mattress.
Store is nice place with lots of snacks, ice cream etc.
Good place to bring bikes and kids.
Canadian phone signal was acquired from Rogers so no roaming charges.
All in all a nice well equipped park.
Groceries are best bought in the Price Chopper. It is located just east of the interstate on next exit (southbound) after the state park. Just continue right over the bridge and get off right after. There is alcohol available in the same location and gas and smokes across street.
Park is well maintained and clean.
We had friends staying in pet friendly cabins. No running water, no linens, no cooking facility and a hard mattress.
Store is nice place with lots of snacks, ice cream etc.
Good place to bring bikes and kids.
Canadian phone signal was acquired from Rogers so no roaming charges.
All in all a nice well equipped park.
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne R
21 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
My familty recently spent two nights in one of the Eel Bay cottages in the Wellesley State Park. We paid $100 a night. It was a two bedroom cottage. One room had two beds, the other with a double bed. These cottages come with linens but you will have to make the bed. They have small towels, washcloths and hand towels. The kitchen had dishes, some pots and pans and utensils. Cottage also had a toaster, microwave and coffee maker
Everything was clean and functional.
We loved the screened in porch with the two large Adirondack chairs!
One bummer is there is NO water access from the cottages. In fact the water is over 50 feet away. Hard to see through the trees and brush. So B+ for actual cottage. Only a C for location.
Everything was clean and functional.
We loved the screened in porch with the two large Adirondack chairs!
One bummer is there is NO water access from the cottages. In fact the water is over 50 feet away. Hard to see through the trees and brush. So B+ for actual cottage. Only a C for location.
Written June 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MPS333
Cleveland, OH66 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
The location is beautiful! The camp needs renovation. The sites by the water - some of which are beautiful - are typically NOT for an RV. There is only some gravel and grass - none are very level. The RV location is away from the water - quite a ways away. If you are lucky enough to get a site near the water - it will NOT have electricity. Instead of peaceful dry camping - you may be subjected to hours of industrial-sized generator noise in the evening.
PLEASE eliminate all generators!!
PLEASE eliminate all generators!!
Written July 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ginger B R
Oswego, NY534 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
I went tent-camping here and had a lovely site with a river view and plenty of shade. The park overall is lovely. In addition to camping, there is a beach, a shop which sells ice cream, and a nature center with trails and a butterfly garden. The trails run around the St Lawrence River and afford some fantastic views.
Written July 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey W
Syracuse, NY56 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Stayed for the weekend at one of the cabins. Clean, well kept cabins with beautiful view. Went to the nature center and took a nice walk on well marked trails right by the water! Have visited many nys state parks and thus one is my favorite! Will return for a longer stay and bring my kayaks!
Written September 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Distance from marina at Wesley island state park to cottage rentals at park
Written September 14, 2024
Can rv trailers ( 22 ft) go on loop D or C , or are they just tent sites?
Written July 10, 2018
C for sure (coyote) but be prepared for very high density camping. We changed our site to Heron loop after looking at coyote loop. There were so many extra trucks parked on both sides of road that we knew it would be tough getting our trailer into our reserved site. The outside of loop c is better spaced (sites 1-10). Heron is another world. More spacious and quiet.
Written June 24, 2019
libdimarco
Rochester, New York
Any suggestions on what to do with three year olds on a rainy day? We have a camping trip in Wellesley Island State Park this weekend, but it's going to rain 2 of the three days.
Written September 6, 2017
They have a fantastic hands on nature center, perfect for kids. Also, if you go back to the main intersection and turn right, you will come into TI park, wonderful ice cream parlor..
Written September 8, 2017
In the summer, I think they are open until 9 pm. You can look the phone number up on internet and they'll answer you directly.
Written September 20, 2017
etobucina
Ottawa, Canada
We have a site that has no hydro. Can we use a generator?
Written June 9, 2017
You would have to check with the park authorities on their regulations. That being said, I believe the that the most important issue with running a generator would be the noise generated that may impact other campers whom have specifically selected an non hydro site so that they can camp using wood or other means of lighting and cooking...
Written June 18, 2017
I have heard that the Thousand Island bridge is quite slow during the summer. How much time would it take me to go from Alexandria Bay to the Wellesley Island State Park during the summer?
Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
Rob
Written November 18, 2016
Hi Rob
When we visited the area last July (around Fourth of July, actually), there was very little traffic. So I would not count on being delayed by traffic.
Written November 20, 2016
We have reserved sites 70 and 71 for our upcoming trip and I am wondering are these really sutiable for 30+ foot travel trailers? From the pics I saw online, 71 especially looks very close to the road and by no means 40 ft deep as the reserveamerica site describes!
Written July 21, 2015
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