Wellesley Island State Park
Fineview, NY
A large island park reached by the Thousand Islands Bridge, with river campsites and a nature center with trails over granite knobs.
Wellesley Island State Park lies on Wellesley Island in the St. Lawrence River, in the Thousand Islands region of northern New York State. The park covers about 2,600 acres (10.7 km²) and, according to Wikipedia, has the largest camping complex in the region. The park lists 432 campsites, including 56 with full hookups, plus cabins and cottages; some riverside tent sites can be reached only on foot or by boat. The 2026 camping season ran from May 1 to October 11 (as of October 2026). You reach the island via the Thousand Islands Bridge.
The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center sits on a 600-acre (about 240 ha) peninsula and has a butterfly house; four glacial potholes can be seen along the Eel Bay trail. There are about 8 miles (13 km) of hiking trails, open year-round from sunrise to sunset and, when conditions allow, used for cross-country skiing in winter. The park also has a sandy river beach, a marina with boat launches and a nine-hole golf course.
- Nearest town
- Fineview, NY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.3140, -76.0230
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Keewaydin State Park CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Wellesley Island State Park · 48 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Santway ParkCampsite13 mi from Wellesley Island State Park · 5 pitchesFree
- Black River Bay CampgroundsMotorhome stopover21 mi from Wellesley Island State ParkMotorhomes
- Love's RV HookupMotorhome stopover22 mi from Wellesley Island State Park · 5 pitchesMotorhomes
- Jacques Cartier State Park CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Wellesley Island State Park · 35 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Bird's Nest CampgroundMotorhome stopover24 mi from Wellesley Island State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Wellesley Island State Park?
Wellesley Island State Park is in Fineview, NY, at GPS 44.3140, -76.0230. It is about 5 mi from Alexandria Bay.
Can you camp near Wellesley Island State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Swan Bay Resort, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Wellesley Island State Park?
Wellesley Island State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands.
What is there to see near Wellesley Island State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Boldt Castle (5 mi), Tibbetts Point Lighthouse (23 mi), Fort Ontario (63 mi) and The Wild Center (79 mi).
When is the best time to visit Wellesley Island State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)