When you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Cumberland Bay State Park is a fantastic choice no matter what you are into. This 350-acre state park is located on the Cumberland Head Peninsula in Plattsburgh, New York in Clinton County where you can camp at one of the 134 campsites that accommodate up to a 50-foot rig and trailer. There is a 2,700-square-foot sandy beach on the western shore of Lake Champlain with picnic tables, grills, ball fields, and playgrounds for the kids. With an amazing view of the Adirondack Mountains and the mountains in Vermont, it is nice just to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Whether you are interested in fishing, boating, swimming, camping, or hiking, Cumberland Bay State Park is perfect for you. In fact, this park is even popular in the winter when people come from far and wide to do some ice fishing and during the fall, cross-country runners and hikers enjoy the trails and the changing colors of the trees. Just north of Plattsburgh on Route 314, the park is easy to find and get to no matter where you are coming from. So, if you are wanting to go picnicking, swimming, or sunbathing the beach is a great way to spend the day with a comfort station, concession stands, and picnic areas. And if you would rather go boating, sailboarding, or water skiing, enter the lake by the boat launch.
In northeastern New York, located on Route 314, Cumberland Bay State Park is just minutes from Plattsburgh, two hours from Albany, and Lake Placid is only an hour to the southwest. If you are coming from Vermont, the park is a short five-minute drive from the ferry. Although there are some curvy roads that you may need to go slow on, you will have no trouble getting to the park no matter how large your motorhome or trailer. If you are coming from anywhere besides the ferry, the drive to the park is almost as good as the park itself with the scenic Adirondack Mountain view and woodlands along the way.
Once you get into the park, you will see the huge parking lot by the beach that has ample space for everyone, including your motorhome or trailer. The roads into the campground can be tricky if you are driving a large rig but as long as you go slow, you will have no major issues. Some of the campsites are a bit close to each other but there are many with plenty of room so as long as you do some research first and be sure to book your site in advance, you will be able to get a place you will love.
This fantastic and spacious campground has several loops with a total of 134 campsites; 18 with electricity. They all allow up to two pets per campsite, but you must keep your pooch on a leash of six feet or less. There is a shower with hot water available in the middle of each campground loop. You will also find several restrooms with flush toilets and running water scattered throughout the park. Near the large parking lot, there is a shower house, restrooms, and pay phone if you need one. There is also a campground store there where you can buy groceries, bait, beach items, and supplies for your boat, trailer, or camper.
Some sites may be available at the campground on a first-come, first-served basis.
Whether you have a large bass boat or a small kayak, Lake Champlain has plenty of room for all that and more. You can go fishing for dinner, pull the kids on a raft or tube, or even do some skiing if you wish. With over 500 square miles of space on the water, you can find a nice secluded spot to fish even on one of the busiest days. So be sure to remember to put the poles in the rig when you are getting ready to head out.
Whether you call it sailboarding or windsurfing, it is fun to do and although it takes some skill, it can be easy to learn. It has been around since its inception in 1948 when a young man named Newman Darby was trying to build a handheld sail to control his catamaran. Lake Champlain is perfect for sailboarding with excellent winds and plenty of room to maneuver and there is always a lifeguard on duty in case you need them.
Whether you are staying for the night, the weekend, or just hanging out for the day in your campervan, Cumberland Bay State Park is a fantastic place to have a picnic. You can bring your own picnic lunch, BBQ on one of the grills by Lake Champlain or your, or bring some food from nearby Plattsburgh. Eating a hamburger from a fast food joint in Plattsburgh always tastes better at the park. Many of the picnic tables are right on the beach and have BBQ grills, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds for the kids.
In the winter, put on the long johns and boots, pack your fishing gear in the RV, and head on over to Lake Champlain in Cumberland Bay State Park. This is known as a premier fishing destination for ice fishing and there are ample opportunities to catch crappie, walleye, perch, pike, trout, and even landlocked salmon. Don’t forget the ice auger to dig yourself a hole to fish in and make sure you have some trolling jigs and spoons for pike, tube jigs for bass and trout, and any kind of worm for panfish.
At Cumberland Bay State Park you will find the Long Point Trail, which is a nearly four-mile loop that is easy for all skill levels. Whether you are staying the night, the weekend, or just there for the day, you can park your rig in the huge parking lot and take a nature hike. If you are quiet, you will be sure to see some type of wild critters such as a fox, deer, or some of the many species of birds in the park.
Whether you are riding a mountain bike, trail bike, or road bike, the trail is a nice short loop that you can enjoy while visiting the Cumberland Bay State Park. Biking is excellent exercise and you can explore the woods and see the abundant wildlife along the way. The path is shared with dog walkers, hikers, and joggers as well so be aware of your surroundings. There is also a paved path along Lake Champlain that you can ride as well.
