🌤 Weather at Crab Island State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–68 °F | 53–81 °F | 29–71 °F | 10–34 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Plattsburgh Intl Airport, 2 mi away, elevation 234 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Revolutionary War Island — Island in Lake Champlain where American forces staged the FIRST naval battle of the Revolution — Benedict Arnold’s 1776 fleet fought the British here
Crab Island State Park is a small island in Lake Champlain near Plattsburgh — with a military history far beyond its modest size. During the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold (before his treason!) assembled a makeshift fleet on Lake Champlain in 1776 to delay a British invasion from Canada. The Battle of Valcour Island (October 1776) — fought just miles from Crab Island — was the first major naval engagement of the American Revolution. Although Arnold lost the battle, he delayed the British invasion by a full year — arguably saving the Revolution. The island also saw action in the War of 1812.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, NY |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Battle | 1776 — FIRST naval battle of Revolution! |
| Hero | Benedict Arnold — before treason! |
About Crab Island
Crab Island State Park sits in Lake Champlain near Plattsburgh — where the decisive Battle of Plattsburgh (1814) was fought during the War of 1812. The American naval victory on Lake Champlain forced the British to abandon their invasion of New York and directly influenced the Treaty of Ghent ending the war. Crab Island served as a hospital station during the battle. The island is accessible only by boat.
Things to Do
Boating to the island, picnicking, swimming in Lake Champlain, fishing, exploring the War of 1812 battlefield site, and viewing the Adirondack Mountains across the lake.
Insider Tips
Lake Champlain: Crab Island sits in Lake Champlain — where the 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh was a decisive American victory that helped end the War of 1812. Pro tip: Lake Champlain was a strategic military corridor from the French and Indian Wars through the War of 1812. “Champ”: Lake Champlain has its own lake monster legend — “Champ” — with sightings reported since the 1600s.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Boat access and lake recreation. Fall: Adirondack-Champlain foliage. Spring: Fishing. Winter: Frozen lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Plattsburgh?
The Battle of Plattsburgh (September 11, 1814) was a decisive American naval and land victory on Lake Champlain — stopping a British invasion of 10,000+ troops from Canada. The victory was as strategically important as the more famous Battle of New Orleans. It helped persuade Britain to negotiate peace (Treaty of Ghent, 1814). Master Commandant Thomas Macdonough’s tactical brilliance on the lake is studied at naval academies.
More parks nearby: Cumberland Bay State Park is a short drive away, while Point au Roche State Park lies a short drive away.
Wildlife & Nature
Crab Island State Park — on Lake Champlain near Plattsburgh — preserves a historic island that was the site of the Battle of Plattsburgh (1814), a decisive naval battle in the War of 1812. The island — accessible by boat — has undeveloped shoreline. Bald eagles patrol the lake. Common loons nest nearby. Lake Champlain has the “Champ” lake monster legend.
Nearby Attractions
Plattsburgh — adjacent — has the War of 1812 heritage and Cumberland Bay SP. Lake Champlain — surrounding — has the ferry to Vermont. Adirondack Mountains — to the west. Montreal — 60 miles north.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Crab Island State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in most state parks and campgrounds (maximum two pets per site where allowed), but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 ft required, pet under control at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on guarded beaches, boardwalks, pools or spray-grounds
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- No uniform statewide rule — pets are prohibited in buildings and most cabins, but some parks designate pet-friendly cabin areas (e.g. Letchworth Cabin Area C); check with the individual park
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Proof of rabies vaccination required upon request; maximum two pets per campsite; some parks (e.g. Wildwood State Park) do not allow pets at all
Are dogs allowed at Crab Island State Park?
Pets are permitted in most state parks and campgrounds (maximum two pets per site where allowed), but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ny.gov. More: New York state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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