Mary Island State Park

1 review

36661 CEDAR PT.STATE PK.DRIVE, CLAYTON, New York, 13624, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mary Island State Park

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A flat $14 fee is charged for campsite reservations. No distinctions between standard, hookup, premium, or hike/bike sites.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America

Provider

3154829381

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefullocationwater

Some mention

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"User reviews generally praise the park for its seclusion, waterfront locations, and natural beauty. Accessibility by boat adds to the sense of adventure and isolation."

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Campground Map

36661 CEDAR PT.STATE PK.DRIVE, CLAYTON, New York, 13624, United States

Mary Island State Park

36661 CEDAR PT.STATE PK.DRIVE, CLAYTON, New York, 13624, United States

Driving directionsAccess the park by boat only. Launch from Keewaydin State Park, which is 2 miles away, or Grass Point State Park, approximately 4 miles over water. A motorized boat of at least 14' is mandatory. Motorboat rentals are available at Keewaydin State Park Marina (315-482-9381) and Wellesley Island State Park Marina (315-482-6503).

The campground is accessible only by boat and requires launch from nearby parks. No bridges or ferries available, making the accessibility somewhat challenging.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are within 10 miles. Marina services for boat rental also exist nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Mary Island State Park

Mary Island's climate dances with the seasons, offering unique charms throughout the year. Summer brings gentle warmth perfect for water activities and lazy afternoons in the shade of old-growth forests. As autumn arrives, the island transforms into a camper's paradise—crisp air replaces summer humidity, rainfall becomes less frequent, and the changing leaves create a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures. Each season paints the island in different hues, from spring's fresh greens to winter's stark beauty, though fall's comfortable temperatures and clear skies make it the crown jewel of camping seasons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm water activities and shaded camping; noted as ideal season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fall provides cool scenery but late season can be wetter and colder per notes.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 20% in NY

Spring and early summer described as mild and dry, ideal for camping (noted).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Although open year-round, island access and winter conditions likely limit use.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round for reservations.

About Mary Island State Park

Escape to Mary Island State Park, a hidden gem where adventure begins with a boat ride across pristine waters. This exclusive island sanctuary welcomes only those willing to journey beyond the mainland, rewarding visitors with untouched wilderness where towering trees meet dramatic rocky cliffs. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, setting up camp beneath ancient canopies, or sharing a sunset picnic on weathered stone outcroppings, Mary Island offers an authentic back-to-nature experience that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Mary Island State Park focuses primarily on waterfront camping. Options include traditional campsites suitable for tents and small setups. The park is boat-access only, which adds a unique aspect to the camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsMary Island's climate dances with the seasons, offering unique charms throughout the year. Summer brings gentle warmth perfect for water activities and lazy afternoons in the shade of old-growth forests. As autumn arrives, the island transforms into a camper's paradise—crisp air replaces summer humidity, rainfall becomes less frequent, and the changing leaves create a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures. Each season paints the island in different hues, from spring's fresh greens to winter's stark beauty, though fall's comfortable temperatures and clear skies make it the crown jewel of camping seasons.

ElevationPerched at nature's perfect vantage point near sea level, Mary Island rises from the surrounding waters like an ancient sentinel, its rocky foundations creating dramatic vertical landscapes that contrast beautifully with the horizontal expanse of water stretching to the horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryDense forests blanket Mary Island in a verdant embrace, where centuries-old trees create cathedral-like groves that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The island's dramatic rocky outcroppings serve as natural observation decks, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Canadian shoreline and the steady parade of vessels navigating the international shipping channel. These granite sentinels provide front-row seats to spectacular sunrises and sunsets, while the surrounding waters mirror the sky in an ever-changing display of blues and grays.

Geological RegionMary Island showcases nature's architectural prowess through its striking geological features—ancient bedrock erupts through dense forest cover in dramatic rocky outcroppings that tell stories of glacial sculpting and timeless erosion. These natural monuments frame stunning vistas of the international waterway, where the Canadian shore beckons across the channel and maritime traffic provides a constantly changing scene. The island's unique position offers visitors a rare blend of forested seclusion and expansive water views, creating a landscape where earth, water, and sky converge in perfect harmony.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Acamping party may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights before having to leave for 48 hours.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is 6 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwelve scattered waterfront campsites ensuring privacy and seclusion.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America or through the RA Call Center (1-800-456-2267).

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability is limited to reservations made within three days of arrival for one-night stays.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or via the RA Call Center within specific windows outlined under OPRHP rules; cancellations outside these windows may incur penalties.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites are waterfront but no specific size measurements are provided.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as secluded, providing privacy for campers.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for sites with views of the Canadian shoreline for a picturesque camping experience.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking. The waterfront setting enhances these activities.

FishingFishing is listed as a key activity, though no specific details about the type of fish or fishing conditions are provided.

BoatingBoating is a primary activity at Mary Island State Park. Campers can moor their boats near campsites, and motor boats are available for rent from nearby marinas.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep rocky terrain and required boat accessibility present physical challenges. Wildlife and water hazards may exist.

Weather at Mary Island State Park

Reviews

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Mary Island State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the park for its seclusion, waterfront locations, and natural beauty. Accessibility by boat adds to the sense of adventure and isolation.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the scenic waterfront views, and the opportunity for boating and fishing. Jeffrey Folino commented, 'From a picnic to overnight camping, Mary's Island is...

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are mentioned in the provided reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to prepare for boat-only access and to bring a motorized boat of at least 14' in length. Renting a boat from nearby marinas is an option.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather data indicates that spring and early summer may offer mild and dry conditions, making these seasons ideal for camping. Late fall may bring cooler temperatures and higher precipitation.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'From a picnic to overnight camping, Mary's Island is an awesome location. Accessible only by boat, it is a semi-isolated location that is very relaxing.' - Jeffrey Folino

Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-related reviews are provided.

Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park allows pets, but there is a strict limit of two pets per site. Proof of rabies inoculation is required upon check-in, and pets must be leashed at all times.

Based on 1 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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