Black River Bay Campgrounds Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking an outdoor adventure that blends the tranquility of camping with thrilling aquatic activities, Black River Bay Campgrounds in Dexter, NY, offers a unique and inviting destination. Situated on the picturesque Black River Bay, this full-service campground provides an ideal base for exploring the rich natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the region, including the nearby 1000 Islands and the famed Black River. Whether you're an avid angler, a whitewater rafting enthusiast, or simply looking for a spacious and peaceful site to enjoy nature, Black River Bay Campgrounds has something special in store for you.
Many visitors appreciate the campground's serene setting, which, despite being conveniently close to local stores, genuinely feels like a true camping escape. Guests have raved about finding perfect tent sites that offer ample space and privacy, providing a sense of seclusion even within a campground environment. The availability of essentials like a water spout right at the site and a small camp store for forgotten items like firewood adds to the overall convenience, ensuring a comfortable stay. While some past feedback mentioned concerns about staff interaction for non-regulars, other reviews highlight friendly and helpful hosts who contribute to a pleasant experience, suggesting that like any busy park, individual experiences can vary. What consistently shines through is the campground's beautiful location and the excellent facilities it offers for a genuine outdoor adventure.
Black River Bay Campgrounds offers a comprehensive array of amenities, including full hookup RV sites, cabins, and lean-tos, catering to diverse camping preferences. Its direct access to the Black River and its bay means prime opportunities for fishing, boating, and even thrilling whitewater rafting trips. This combination of comfortable camping and diverse recreational activities makes it a highly appealing choice for New Yorkers looking to explore the natural wonders of the Black River region and beyond.
Black River Bay Campgrounds is strategically located at 16129 Foster Park Rd, Dexter, NY 13634, USA. This prime address places it directly on Black River Bay, which feeds into Lake Ontario and is a short distance from the famous 1000 Islands region. For New Yorkers, this means being at the heart of a diverse and picturesque natural landscape, offering a wide array of water-based and land-based recreational activities.
Dexter, a quaint village in Jefferson County, provides a charming local atmosphere, while the campground itself offers that desired feeling of being "away from the city" once you enter its grounds. Its proximity to Watertown (just minutes away) and I-81 ensures excellent accessibility for travelers coming from various parts of New York State and beyond. This convenient location allows for easy resupply runs to local stores, access to medical facilities if needed, and quick trips to explore regional attractions like the Black River Canyon, home to exhilarating whitewater rafting. The Black River itself is renowned for its outstanding fishing, from walleye in the spring to bass in the summer and salmon in the fall. This blend of remote natural beauty and convenient access to essential services and exciting adventures makes Black River Bay Campgrounds an ideal and strategic choice for any New York outdoor enthusiast.
Black River Bay Campgrounds is designed as a full-service campground, offering a wide array of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and activity-filled stay for all types of campers:
- Diverse Campsite Options: The campground provides a range of sites to suit different preferences. This includes full hookup RV sites (water, sewer, and electric with 30 or 50 amp service), RV sites with electric and water only, non-electric tent sites (some offering privacy and water spouts), and even cabins and lean-tos for those seeking more structured accommodations.
- Restrooms & Showers: Restroom facilities are available, and showers are provided, often for a nominal fee (e.g., $1.00 for 7 minutes), ensuring hot water and a refreshing cleanse after a day of activities.
- Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are available, a significant convenience for longer stays.
- Camp Store: A small camp store is available, offering essential items like firewood, basic camping supplies, and possibly marine gas, making it easy to grab forgotten items or replenish supplies without leaving the campground.
- Boat Dockage & Rentals: The campground offers boat dockage for guests who bring their own watercraft. Additionally, boat rentals (potentially kayaks and tubes) are available directly on-site, providing easy access to the bay and river.
- Boat Ramp & Fish Cleaning Station: A boat ramp allows for convenient launching of personal boats, and a dedicated fish cleaning station is available for anglers to prepare their catch.
- LP Gas: LP (propane) gas is available for purchase, a convenient service for RVers and campers.
- Recreational Activities: On-site recreational facilities include courts for volleyball and basketball, horseshoe pits, and even a zip line for added fun.
- Partnership with Whitewater Challengers: Black River Bay Campgrounds is a base for Whitewater Challengers, allowing campers to easily book and embark on exciting whitewater rafting trips down the Black River.
- Wi-Fi: While not explicitly detailed, many modern campgrounds offer some form of Wi-Fi access.
Black River Bay Campgrounds stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in New York:
- Prime Waterfront Location: Its setting directly on Black River Bay, at the mouth of the Black River and near Lake Ontario, provides exceptional access to diverse aquatic environments. This is a huge draw for fishing, boating, and enjoying scenic waterfront views.
- Exceptional Fishing: The Black River and its bay are renowned for outstanding fishing opportunities year-round, including walleye in spring, bass in summer, and salmon in the fall. The on-site fish cleaning station further enhances the experience for anglers.
- Whitewater Rafting Hub: Being the home base for Whitewater Challengers means campers have direct and easy access to thrilling Class 3-4+ whitewater rafting adventures on the Black River Canyon, a unique and exciting offering.
- Variety of Campsites & Accommodations: The availability of tent sites (including private ones with water spouts), full hookup RV sites, cabins, and lean-tos caters to a wide range of camping styles and preferences.
- Privacy and Spaciousness: Many sites, particularly tent sites, are noted for being large and offering good privacy, allowing campers to truly feel immersed in nature without being overcrowded.
- Convenient On-Site Amenities: The camp store, laundry facilities, LP gas, and firewood sales add significant convenience, minimizing the need to leave the campground for essentials.
- Recreational Facilities: The presence of volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and a zip line provides structured fun and entertainment for families and groups.
- Proximity to 1000 Islands Attractions: The campground's location offers easy drives to explore the broader 1000 Islands region, including charming towns like Cape Vincent and the historic Sackets Harbor.
- Natural, Non-Urban Feel: Despite its accessibility, the campground maintains a natural and quiet atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel truly "camping" rather than being in an urban setting.
Black River Bay Campgrounds offers competitive and transparent pricing for its various site types and services. While they might not advertise traditional "promotions" with discount codes, their rates are structured to provide value, especially for longer stays. It's always best to check their direct website or call for the most current pricing, as rates can vary by season or for special events. Here's a general overview of their pricing structure:
- Tent Sites: Starting at $10 per person per night (with kids under 12 often free). Some sources indicate a tent site price of $15 per night for the site itself.
- Trailer/RV Sites (No Electric, No Water): Approximately $15 per night.
- RV Sites with Electric and Water: Approximately $45 per night.
- RV Sites with Water, Sewer, and Electric (Full Hookup): Approximately $50 per night.
- RV Sites with Water View (Electric and Water): Approximately $50 per night.
- Cabins: Starting around $65 per night (typically based on 4 people).
- Lean-tos: Starting around $40 per night.
- Weekly and Monthly Rates: These are often available and provide cost savings compared to daily rates. For example, some RV sites are listed at $240/week or $699/month.
- Additional Person Fees: Rates are generally based on two adults, with additional people (usually over 12) incurring a small extra charge (e.g., $3.50 each per night).
- Whitewater Rafting Packages: While rafting is a separate fee, being on-site with Whitewater Challengers means easy access to their various rafting trip packages, which vary by raft size and day of the week (e.g., 6-man rafts for $130-$160, 4-man rafts for $100-$130).
- Kayak/Tube Rentals: Kayaks are typically around $30 and tubes around $25 for rentals.
For seasonal rates, dockage fees, and specific boat rental pricing, contacting the campground directly is recommended. Paying in cash might also offer some savings on monthly rates, as mentioned in some reviews.
For reservations, current availability, or any specific questions regarding Black River Bay Campgrounds, please use the following contact details:
Address: 16129 Foster Park Rd, Dexter, NY 13634, USA
Phone: (315) 639-3735
Mobile Phone: +1 315-639-3735
Website: (While not directly provided, searching "Black River Bay Campgrounds Dexter NY" will often lead to their Hipcamp, RoverPass, or other listing pages which may link to their basic site.)
It is always advisable to call ahead, especially during peak season or if you have specific questions about site amenities, whitewater rafting trips, or pet policies. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred site type.
For New Yorkers, Black River Bay Campgrounds in Dexter offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for a local getaway that truly delivers on outdoor adventure. Its strategic location on Black River Bay provides immediate access to some of the best fishing and boating our state has to offer, making it a dream destination for anglers and water enthusiasts from across the Empire State. The proximity to the powerful Black River, acting as a home base for whitewater rafting trips, adds an exhilarating dimension, allowing locals to easily tap into world-class rapids right here in New York.
What makes it particularly suitable for residents is the effective balance between a secluded "camping feel" and convenient access to nearby towns and amenities. You can enjoy the peace and privacy of a spacious tent site or the comfort of a full hookup RV spot, all while being just a short drive from supplies and attractions. The range of on-site recreational activities, from volleyball to a zip line, ensures there's always something to do, catering to families and groups looking for active fun. Whether you're seeking the thrill of the rapids, the tranquility of a fishing trip, or simply a well-equipped base to explore the beautiful Black River region and the wider 1000 Islands, Black River Bay Campgrounds provides a comprehensive and exciting outdoor experience right in our own backyard.
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Black River Bay Campgrounds Location
Black River Bay Campgrounds
16129 Foster Park Rd, Dexter, NY 13634, USA
Black River Bay Campgrounds Reviews
The staff is extremely rude to people who arent regulars. I paid for my spot and associated me with other people and kicked me out with them. Every time I went to pay, they were extremely rude and ignored when I shared my side of things.
Jun 15, 2025 · Shawn HouseLove love love! The campground is located close to a lot of stores but once you hit the campground it actually feels like camping and not like you are in the city. We had a perfect tent site with a water spout, and was large and away from other people so we also had privacy! For $1.00 you can shower for 7 minutes in their restroom area. If you happen to forget anything like firewood, you can buy some at their little camp store. My family will absolutely be back!
Aug 29, 2021 · Brianna Rossnice and quiet place near to shopping malls and Syracuse.
Sep 10, 2024 · Jean BenoitThe most amazing place I have ever stayed at, for cabin and camping life!
Jul 29, 2020 · Jared KirsteinNote: these are my notes from 2021 July. Things may have changed…No site map, no reservation acknowledgment, no site numbers.Main bathhouse was unusable; shower $1 7 min and disgusting. Toilets have shower curtains not door.Most of campground are permanent campers and was very run down. Felt like we were in a bad neighborhood.Staff was nice and owner (Allen) is pleasant.They were installing new bathrooms but now showers.Based on my experience from 2021, I would not come back.
May 25, 2024 · L L
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