Kring Point State Park, just like the entire 1000 Islands Region of New York State, is a top-rated destination among nature lovers. Surrounded by the beautiful St. Lawrence River, it delivers everything outdoor-oriented visitors are looking for – boating, fishing, hiking, and a waterfront campground with gorgeous views. The park appeals to people of all ages, from families with small children to retirees in their RVs who come for an extended stay. In this post, you will learn in detail about what the park has to offer and what you need to know to plan your visit.
KRING POINT STATE PARK IN 1000 ISLANDS, NY – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Usually, when I visit the 1000 Islands, I camp at Wellesley Island State Park, a very popular spot right on the St. Lawrence River. I love this park and have many wonderful memories from there, but for my last visit, I decided to try something new. In search of a waterfront campsite, I ended up making a reservation at Kring Point State Park, and I love it!
The 1000 Islands, NY
The region is popular with those looking for an authentic outdoor destination – a paradise for water activities and sightseeing. Located along the border between northern New York State and southeastern Ontario in Canada, the 1000 Islands area features endless shorelines, rich history, and unique culture. To truly enjoy it, you must see it from the water! Check out these 16 reasons to visit the 1000 Islands.
Location of Kring Point State Park
25950 Kring Point Road
Redwood, NY 13679
Information: (315)482-2444
Staying connected
Unlike many more remote parks in NY, this Kring Point offers a descent cellular and internet connection. The quality depends on your provider.
Activities in Kring Point State Park
Camping
Yes, at Kring Point State, camping is the main activity. The idea is to stay in the park for the most part and enjoy what it has to offer, in particular beautiful views and outdoor activities. Almost half of the 100 campsites are on the waterfront, and virtually every cabin and campsite have a river or bay view.
The sites are beautiful at the park but rather open with not a lot of trees, so privacy may be an issue, especially at the electric sites located at the tip of the peninsula. This area is taken over, but RVs and trailers rather close to each other. I will not recommend putting a tent there, especially in the middle area, with no water accesses. If you want privacy, you cannot beat site #29! It is on the water and completely hidden from the other sites.
The cabins are located on Goose Bay. Most of them are rustic, with no plumbing. Two cabins have bathrooms, running water and a stove, but they are up on a hill, and further from the water.
Do not be afraid to reserve walk-in sites! They offer more privacy and not a lot of distance to cover, plus most of them are waterfront. I really liked site #61, a little more isolated, and with nice shallow access to the water. It would work well for families with children.
Campground reservations
Finding your site – it is tricky!
Make sure to locate your site on the map before you start looking for it at the campground. The tiny site numbers are attached to the firepits! It is especially tricky when a firepit is located by the water and practically not visible from the road.
Where to get supplies
Just outside the campground, you will find the little Kring Point Grocery Store that has anything you might need during your stay, including wood, ice, and ice cream! Alexandria Bay is about 9 miles away, with bigger grocery stores, gasoline, liquor store, some restaurants, but not a lot more.
Pet Policy
Two pets are allowed in campsites and day-use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools, and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Boating
The park features boat launch sites and dockage; therefore, many campers bring their own boats. If you do not have your own boat, you can rent one from Alex Bay Boat Rentals located in Alexandria Bay. Pontoon boats are a lot of fun for families.
Canoeing and kayaking
In general, the St. Lawrance River being so vast is challenging for canoeists and kayakers, but it is doable. Kring Points State Park is an exception. It offers very calm waters around the peninsula perfect for leisure paddling.
Fishing
With boating, comes of course fishing. The St. Lawrence River is famous for smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, and muskellunge fishing. Reel Commander Fishing Charters in Alexandria Bay offer fishing trips if you want a big catch.
Swimming
The park offers a designated sandy beach, but you do not need to venture there to take a dip. Since almost half of the campsites are waterfront, many campers swim from their own site.
Hiking on Morgan Island
Most visitors seem to overlook this activity and mostly stay put at their campsites and enjoy the campground and the river. And that means that very likely you will have the island to yourself. Morgan Island, connected to the peninsula by a small bridge, is easy to reach and very interesting. Take a walk around the island, find your own swimming spot, and have a picnic by the water.
How to access Morgan Island
When you enter the park, look for an access road on the right, shortly after passing the toll booth. The road will lead you to a parking area right before the bridge leading to the island.
Socializing
Most of the campsites are perfect for groups, and you will see a lot of them in the park. You will also notice a lot of happy kids running around, biking, and making new friends at the centrally located playground. For larger events, pavilions, and shelter rental are available.
Sunset watching
You can never get tired of sunsets! Watching the sunset at the park is a long-lasting spectacle that changes minute by minute. And of course, with different cloud configurations, it displays a new show every day.
Activities outside of the park
Visit Alexandria Bay
I have to be honest, for me, the village of Alexandria Bay is just a gateway to 1000 Islands attractions. I do not find it appealing on its own. But if you get tired of your own cooking at the campsite, you find a decent meal there. Kids will certainly enjoy a scoop of ice cream or souvenir shops. Alexandria Bay also serves as a hub for scenic boat tours, boat rentals, and fishing charters.
Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers a few different tours, but I recommend the American Narrows Tour that will give you the best overlook of the region. This tour takes you on a 22-mile journey through what is considered the heart of the Thousand Islands through the “American Narrows” and to the Canadian border. This scenic trip gives you the best view of this truly unique geographical area shared by two nations, and you don’t even need a passport! Among other attractions, the highlights include a famous Boldt Castle and Millionaires Row – a stretch of beautiful waterfront houses on the Canadian side.
Taste local wines
My go-to destination for wine tasting in Finger Lakes Region of New York, but during my last visit to 1000, I noticed there are wineries there. I will have to visit them next time. Check out 1000 Islands wineries here.
Visit Canada
A US passport or other legal travel document is required! You cannot enter Canada with your driver’s license!
Start your visit with an observation tower on Hill Island, essentially on the US- Canada border, but formally located on the Canadian side. It provides panoramic views over the Thousand Islands of both nations, from a height of 400 feet above the St. Lawrence River. If you want to see more of Canda, visit the city of Kingston, known as the “Limestone City” for its grand 19th-century buildings, including the lakeside Kingston City Hall.
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