Jacques Cartier State Park
New York’s St. Lawrence River Campground — 89 Sites, Sandy Swimming Beach, Smallmouth Bass Fishing, Boat Launch & Winter Cross-Country Skiing Near Morristown
Jacques Cartier State Park is an 89-site waterfront campground on the St. Lawrence River in Morristown, New York, within the Thousand Islands region. The park offers tent and RV camping (up to 50 feet) with electric hookups, a sheltered sandy swimming beach with lifeguards, a boat launch and dock, excellent smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing, hiking trails, a playground, basketball court, and picnic pavilions.
Located along one of the most scenic stretches of the St. Lawrence River, Jacques Cartier provides direct access to the world-class Thousand Islands fishery. The campground’s riverside sites offer views across the St. Lawrence to Canada. The park is a favorite for anglers targeting smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike from boat, shore, or the park dock. In winter, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing and ice fishing destination. For families and anglers exploring the Thousand Islands, Jacques Cartier delivers full-service riverside camping at a fraction of the cost of private waterfront facilities.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Species: Smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, walleye
- Access: Fish from boat, shoreline, or park dock
- Thousand Islands fishery: World-class bass fishing on the St. Lawrence River
- New York fishing license required
- Ice fishing: Available in winter (conditions permitting)
Swimming
- Sheltered sandy beach: Protected swimming area on the St. Lawrence
- Lifeguards: On duty during peak season (typically July–August)
Boating
- Boat launch: Direct access to the St. Lawrence River
- Dock and boat rentals: Available at the park
- Kayaking and canoeing
Hiking & Recreation
- Nature trails: Through riverside forest and wetlands
- Playground and basketball court
- Picnic pavilions
- Winter: Cross-country skiing on groomed trails
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 89 total (tent and RV) |
| RV Max | 50 feet |
| Hookups | Electric available (some sites); others non-electric |
| Facilities | Showers; restrooms; water spigots; dump station |
| Views | Many sites offer St. Lawrence River views toward Canada |
| Pets | Allowed — proof of rabies vaccination required |
| Reservations | Via ReserveAmerica — up to 9 months in advance |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Beach swimming with lifeguards; bass fishing; boating; full campground services; longest days | Most popular — reserve months ahead; hot + humid; thunderstorms |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Fall foliage on the St. Lawrence; perch + pike active; quiet campground; cool hiking | Beach closes; cooling; some services seasonal |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Spring bass run; birding migration; uncrowded; river filling | Cold water; variable weather; some facilities opening |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; ice fishing; Thousand Islands winter scenery; solitude | Campground closed for camping; day-use only; cold; check conditions |
Visitor Tips
- Thousand Islands: Jacques Cartier is in the heart of the Thousand Islands region — combine with visits to Boldt Castle, Wellesley Island SP, and the Thousand Islands International Bridge.
- Bass fishing: The St. Lawrence River smallmouth bass fishing is world-class — bring quality tackle and consider hiring a local guide for the best experience.
- Reserve early: Riverside sites fill months in advance — book via ReserveAmerica up to 9 months ahead, especially for July and August weekends.
- 50-foot RVs: The park accommodates RVs up to 50 feet — one of the most generous limits in the NY state park system.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome but require proof of rabies vaccination — bring documentation.
- International border: You can see Canada across the St. Lawrence from many campsites — a unique camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch at Jacques Cartier State Park?
Jacques Cartier State Park provides direct access to the St. Lawrence River’s world-class Thousand Islands fishery. Common species include smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and walleye. Anglers can fish from the park’s boat launch, dock, or shoreline. The park also offers boat rentals. A valid New York State fishing license is required. Ice fishing is available in winter when conditions permit. The Thousand Islands region is internationally recognized as one of the top smallmouth bass fishing destinations in the world.
Does Jacques Cartier State Park have a swimming beach?
Yes — Jacques Cartier State Park features a sheltered, sandy swimming beach on the St. Lawrence River. Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak summer season (July and August). The protected beach area provides calmer water than the open river. The park also offers a playground, basketball court, picnic pavilions, and 89 campsites — making it a complete family destination on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands region.
Last updated: May 2026
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