Cedar Island State Park
🏝️ Camp on Your Own Island — Accessible Only by Boat in the Thousand Islands — Cedar Island State Park in the Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, New York, boat-access-only island campground, 18 tent campsites, docking facilities, Chippewa Bay, fishing, kayaking, island solitude — St. Lawrence County, NY
There are 1,864 islands in the Thousand Islands — and one of them is a state park you can only reach by boat. Cedar Island sits in Chippewa Bay on the St. Lawrence River, halfway between the Canadian border and the New York mainland. No bridge. No ferry schedule. You bring your own boat, or you don’t come.
Eighteen tent campsites on an island in the St. Lawrence River. You dock your boat, pitch your tent, and the rest of the world disappears. The river flows past in both directions. Other islands dot the horizon. And the only sounds are water, wind, and the occasional freighter heading for the Great Lakes.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Island Camping | 18 tent campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets. No electricity, no showers, no hookups. This is island camping — you bring everything in by boat and take everything out by boat. The privacy and isolation are the whole point |
| Docking | Dock space available for campers. The island has a pavilion for group gatherings and rain shelter. Secure your boat — the St. Lawrence can be windy and weather changes fast on the river |
| Fishing | The Thousand Islands region is legendary for fishing: smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, muskellunge (musky), and panfish. The rocky shoals and channels between islands create prime habitat |
| Kayaking | Paddle between the islands of Chippewa Bay — dozens of islands within easy kayaking distance. Granite shorelines, pine-topped islets, and crystal-clear water. Watch for boat traffic in the shipping channel |
| Stargazing | No artificial light on the island. The St. Lawrence River region has relatively dark skies. On clear nights, the Milky Way reflects in the river. One of the best stargazing locations in New York state |
The Thousand Islands
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Region | 1,864 islands spanning 50 miles of the St. Lawrence River where it exits Lake Ontario. Islands range from tiny rock outcrops with a single tree to multi-acre islands with castles. The US-Canada border weaves between them |
| Thousand Island Dressing | Yes — the salad dressing was invented here (or at least popularized). A fishing guide’s wife made it for shore dinners on the river. George Boldt of the Waldorf-Astoria put it on the menu. The name stuck |
| Boldt Castle | George Boldt built a six-story castle on Heart Island for his wife — then abandoned it when she died before completion. The ruins were restored and are now a major tourist attraction, accessible by tour boat from Alexandria Bay |
| Shipping Channel | The St. Lawrence Seaway — connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic — runs through the Thousand Islands. Ocean-going freighters and lakers pass between the islands. From Cedar Island, you can watch them glide by |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ☀️ Peak island camping. Warm water. Long days. Bass fishing at its best. Kayaking between islands. The river alive with boats |
| Fall (Sep) | 🍂 Autumn color reflecting in the river. Fewer boats. Musky season. The islands quieting. Cool nights, perfect for campfires |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Season opening. Water cold. Fishing excellent (walleye, pike). The islands greening. Wildflowers on the granite shores |
| Winter | Park closed. The river freezes in severe winters. Ice fishing on the bays is a local tradition |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat?
Yes — Cedar Island is boat-access only. No ferry service. You can rent boats at the nearby Wellesley Island State Park Marina or from private outfitters in the area. Kayaks work for the crossing from nearby launch points, but be aware of river currents and boat traffic.
How do I make reservations?
Reservations open on a 2-day advance window through the New York State Parks reservation system. With only 18 sites, the island fills quickly on summer weekends. Mid-week camping is easier to book.
🏝️ 18 Campsites. No Bridge. No Ferry. Your Own Island.
Dock your boat at a state park on an island in the St. Lawrence River. Pitch your tent. Watch freighters slide through the Thousand Islands. And sleep under a sky with no artificial light — on an island that doesn’t care what time it is.
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