1000 Islands / Association Island KOA

To really experience the 1000 Islands region, you’ll need to make a trip up to Wellesley Island, about an hour's drive to the north. This is the heart of the St. Lawrence River Islands and a great jumping off point if you want to kayak out to any of them. Rentals are available on the island, but be careful about where you paddle; the middle of the river denotes the border between the U.S. and Canada. One of the more interesting sites to paddle to on the American side is Boldt Castle, just east of Wellesley Island. The massive stone castle is open for tours when it’s not rented out for events. A little way down the coast from 1000 Islands/Association Island KOA is Robert Wehle State Park, one of the best places for a picnic when you book an RV in Jefferson County. In addition to their waterfront picnic tables, the park offers hiking and biking opportunities on its small nature trail network. There are even volleyball and tennis courts set up for visitors. Even farther south is Southwick Beach State Park, one of the best strips of sand on Lake Ontario. Sunbathing is undoubtedly the most popular activity here, but swimming is also possible on most days. Just watch out for the big waves that get whipped up whenever the wind is blowing. Great hiking can be found less than half an hour's drive from Association Island at Salmon River Falls. The 110-foot-tall waterfall is one of the most popular natural attractions in this part of the state thanks to its accessibility (it’s very close to the road). However, more intrepid hikers can venture down into the gorge to see the falls from below; it’s quite steep and can become slippery with spray from the falls.