A name like Grass Point State Park conjures images of a vast green space complete with rolling hills and dense forest. The park delivers that vision, to an extent -- you'll certainly find plenty of grassy areas and tall trees here, but the main draw to Grass Point is its location on the St. Lawrence River.
Renowned as one of the most popular fishing holes in the country, St. Lawrence flows from the Great Lakes all the way out to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a biodiverse habitat for a wide variety of freshwater fish species. Whether you're coming to Grass Point to lounge around in your boat, cast a line from the shore, enjoy a family picnic, or simply relax after a long day of motoring around New York's Thousand Islands region in the RV, Grass Point State Park is the perfect place to rest your head for a night or three.
If you are planning to cook your river catches, though, be advised that some species contain high levels of contaminants. While these contaminants aren't exactly life-threatening, they can cause indigestion and other symptoms that can put a damper on your camping trip. Before consuming any fish caught from the St. Lawrence River, read the fine print on the guide which accompanies your state fishing license.
Before you pack up the rig to hit the road again, be sure to stop by some of the nearby recreation areas, including Thousand Island State Park and Wellesley Island State Park. Other islands in the region, like Round Island, Picton Island, and Grindstone Island, are also well worth a visit.
Grass Point State Park is easily accessible from NY-12. The park's internal roads are paved and wide enough to accommodate motorhomes up to 40 feet long. Need to restock your bait and tackle box? The cozy hamlet of Fishers Landing is within walking distance of Grass Point and offers two marinas, a couple of restaurants, and antique shopping. The nearby town of Clayton provides more provisions, including gas stations and historic attractions.
Visiting Grass Point State Park for the day? You'll find two parking lots just outside the pet walking area, near the picnic shelters and electric campsites. Note that a vehicle entry fee -- which varies depending on the time of day you visit -- applies at Grass Point State Park.
Those seeking a spontaneous stopover will be relieved to discover that most New York state parks, including Grass Point, don't require reservations in advance. While you'll almost certainly find a spot on a weekday where you can park the rig and mosey on down to the river, don't expect the same to be true on a summer weekend! This campground is particularly popular during the summer, so book your site up to nine months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Grass Point State Park's campground offers 72 sites for tent and RV campers, but don't make the mistake of failing to reserve in advance if you're planning to camp during a summer weekend! This campground gets crowded during the peak season, and while reservations are not required at most New York state parks, they are recommended for campers looking to snag one of Grass Point's 14 lakeside sites.
Unfortunately, this park is not big-rig friendly; the maximum vehicle length is 40 feet, and electric hookups are only provided at select sites. Most of the electric sites are located in a separate loop by the swimming beach. The primitive sites can be found by the park's boat launch and docking area. Standard camping amenities include showers, restrooms, drinking water, a dump station, picnic tables, and grills.
All sites welcome up to two pets, but pet owners must present proof of rabies vaccination at check-in. A designated dog walking area is provided for cooped-up canine campers to stretch their legs.
Generator use is permitted at New York state park campgrounds from 9 AM to 11 PM and from 4 PM to 7 PM. Be aware that alcohol consumption is also permitted at most state-managed campgrounds; be a courteous camper, as a residential area borders the park.
Grass Point State Park is one of the best destinations in the Thousand Islands for angling enthusiasts itching to wet a line. Cast out from a boat or the shoreline and see if you can reel in an elusive largemouth bass. The most common catches include smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. A state fishing license is required. Be sure to check the state's department of environmental conservation website for information regarding bait and tackle.
Offering boat launches, rentals, docks, and a well-equipped, seasonal marina, Grass Point State Park makes it easy for paddlers and powerboaters alike to launch out and laze around on the calm waters of the St. Lawrence River. New York residents towing their own watercraft along with their trailer must have their boat registered with the state.
No riverside romp would be complete without a refreshing swim on a hot summer day, so don't forget to add sunscreen and swimsuits to your RV packing list when planning your camping trip at Grass Point State Park! The shallows along this sandy shoreline make a great place for novice swimmers to practice their doggy paddle. Speaking of dogs, unfortunately, pets are prohibited in the beach area.
Stay in style at Grass Point State Park's cozy cottage! This two-story structure is situated on the beach and comes equipped with a full kitchen -- including a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and utensils -- a full bathroom with a shower, and a screened-in front porch that overlooks the St. Lawrence River.
Unlike most New York state park cabins, Grass Point's cabin even provides bedding and linens, making it easy to pack light. Please note that pets are prohibited in the cabin.
Whether you choose to pack your picnic basket or grab some grub to-go from one of the local restaurants in Fishers Landing, Grass Point's accessible picnic areas make for a scenic place to chow down. Or, you can treat the family to an authentic camping experience and cook up some of the day's fresh catches on one of the grills in the picnic area.
Don't expect to bag any big game if you're visiting Grass Point during hunting season -- waterfowl hunting is permitted in season, but little information is provided on the species available to hunters visiting Grass Point. If you're planning a hunting trip to Grass Point, contact the park rangers with any inquiries, and make sure to acquire a hunting license beforehand.
If the kids in your camping party still aren't tuckered out after a day on the water, take them to the park's playground to burn some of that abundant energy. Feel free to bring along a beach ball or other toys to keep them occupied -- a spacious grassy area is a popular spot for an impromptu game of volleyball or cornhole.
