Jacques Cartier State Park
Opens May 15, 2026 for the Lower Loop and May 22 for the Upper Loop. Lower Loop closes September 12; Upper Loop closes September 6. Playground closed until June 28, 2026 due to construction.
Special Weather Statement issued May 17 at 4:35AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
...Please check with state and local authorities regarding guidelines for allowed activities... * The warm air temperatures today in the mid 70s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently in the 40s to around 50 degrees across Lake Champlain, and possibly colder in the regions smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high. Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket! * Northwesterly winds of 10 to 18 mph are also expected today with gusts 20 to 25 mph. If boating on large bodies of water, these winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe, or kayak due to increased wave heights. * Due to recent rain, area rivers continue to run fast with swift water currents. The swift water can easily overturn a kayak or canoe into the frigid river waters. Once in the cold water, the strong currents will make it difficult to reach safety.
About
Jacques Cartier State Park occupies a prime location on the St. Lawrence River in the heart of New York's Thousand Islands region. The park's sheltered bay protects a sandy swimming beach staffed with lifeguards during July and August, while multiple boat launch sites provide direct access to some of the best fishing waters in the Northeast. Boating, waterskiing, and sailing are popular activities, with boat rentals and dockage available on-site. The campground offers 88 sites split between two loops with different opening dates. The Lower Loop (sites 101-122) opens earlier in the season, while the Upper Loop follows shortly after. Sites vary from forested settings to waterfront locations with St. Lawrence River views. Pull-through sites can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, and select sites offer 15 or 20 amp electric hookups. Amenities include hot showers, restrooms, dump station, picnic pavilions, playground, food concessions, and hiking trails. The park allows pets (maximum two per site) with proof of rabies vaccination and a 6-foot leash requirement. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights. Reservations can be made up to 9 months in advance through ReserveAmerica, with same-day reservations accepted until 3 p.m.
Directions
Located on Route 12, just west of Morristown, NY on the St. Lawrence River.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $17 - $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (315) 375-6371 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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