Jacques Cartier State Park

4.65

51 reviews

P.O. BOX 380, MORRISTOWN, New York, 13664, United States

Scenic Views

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New York#1 Summer Camping New York#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New York +12 more

Quick Facts

354 ft

Price

$7 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal swimming av...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

354 ft

Price

$7 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal swimming av...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit site

Official Website

Get Directions

Jacques Cartier State Park

$7.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $7-$14.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Provider

3153756371

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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 51 reviews

216 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousstaff

"Overall, users consider Jacques Cartier State Park a clean, well-maintained, and scenic campground. Common praises include friendly staff, spacious sites, and excellent waterfront views. However, some users suggest improvements, such as expanding the showers and introducing a camp store."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. BOX 380, MORRISTOWN, New York, 13664, United States

Jacques Cartier State Park

P.O. BOX 380, MORRISTOWN, New York, 13664, United States

Driving directionsThe park is on Route 12, 3 miles west of Morristown. For inquiries, call 315-375-6371.

The campground is accessible via Route 12, a paved road. There are no indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby supplies

Convenience store within 10 miles. Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are not explicitly mentioned but might be available in nearby Morristown.

Best Time to Camp at Jacques Cartier State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as it shifts from a summer water playground to a winter wonderland. When snow blankets the landscape, cross-country skiing trails wind through the frost-kissed forest, offering a completely different perspective of this riverside gem. Spring and fall bring their own rewards, though visitors should note that seasonal water level fluctuations can occasionally affect beach access—a reminder of the river's powerful presence and ever-changing nature.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in NY

Summer beach, lifeguards, boating and active review mentions make summer the peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Park shifts to quieter, scenic fall settings; seasonal transformation noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Shoulder-season activities possible; some beach closures/water quality issues reported in summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Cross-country skiing and winter scenery available but fewer amenities/activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific date ranges are provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Seasonal swimming availability from July to August indicated. No explicit campground closing or opening dates.

About Jacques Cartier State Park

Where the mighty St. Lawrence River meets pristine wilderness, Jacques Cartier State Park beckons adventurers with its expansive sandy beaches and tranquil forest trails. This waterfront paradise offers something for every outdoor enthusiast—cast a line into the river's abundant waters, launch your boat into endless nautical adventures, or simply relax on the sun-warmed sand while children explore the playgrounds. Spacious campsites perched above the riverbank provide front-row seats to stunning water views, while the sheltered forest offers cool respite on warm summer days.

Jacques Cartier State Park accommodates various styles of camping, offering sites suitable for RVs, tents, and groups.

Historical SignificanceWhile the park's modern amenities take center stage, the timeless flow of the St. Lawrence River carries whispers of centuries past, inviting visitors to create their own stories along these storied shores.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as it shifts from a summer water playground to a winter wonderland. When snow blankets the landscape, cross-country skiing trails wind through the frost-kissed forest, offering a completely different perspective of this riverside gem. Spring and fall bring their own rewards, though visitors should note that seasonal water level fluctuations can occasionally affect beach access—a reminder of the river's powerful presence and ever-changing nature.

ElevationThe park's gentle terrain rises from the river's edge to forested heights, creating diverse microclimates and viewpoints throughout the property. Each campsite offers its own unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry unfolds at every turn, from the golden sweep of sandy beaches to the emerald canopy of the protected forest. The St. Lawrence River dominates the scenery with its ever-changing moods—sometimes mirror-calm, other times rippling with gentle waves. Sheltered bays provide peaceful paddling spots, while panoramic viewpoints reveal the river's impressive breadth. Keep your binoculars handy for wildlife watching, as graceful waterfowl frequently visit these shores, adding life and movement to the already captivating riverscape.

Geological RegionCarved by glaciers and polished by time, this stretch of the St. Lawrence River showcases nature's patient sculpting. Sandy beaches tell the story of centuries of erosion and deposition, while sheltered bays reveal the river's gentler side. The park's position along this historic waterway offers visitors panoramic views that stretch to the horizon, where sky and water merge in an endless canvas of blue.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out time not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 continuous nights
campers must leave for 48 hours before returning.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 pets per site. Guest limits are not explicitly detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDescribed as spacious campsites in grassy fields, often waterfront.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or through the RA Call Center at 1-800-456-2267.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up reservations are allowed for 1-night stays if booked within 3 days of arrival.

Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after booking. Cancellation and refund policies for swimming closures are specified in official notices.

AccessibilityThe park's flat, grassy terrain and spacious sites suggest good general accessibility, though no specific ADA-compliant features were mentioned. Accessible site-specific experiences were not highlighted in reviews.

Site SizeThe campsites are characterized as spacious, with some capable of accommodating large trailers. Site 54, for instance, allowed easy trailer parking without backing in.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some, like site 36, are described as 'wonderfully separate,' while others are closer together but still provide 'a little privacy.

Recommended SitesSite 54: Offers ease of trailer parking and duck sightings. Site 36: Separate and peaceful, suitable for non-electric users. Site 115: Positioned near the loop end with easy access.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Jacques Cartier State Park offers a variety of recreational options, including seasonal and year-round activities. Boating, fishing, biking, hiking, waterskiing, snorkeling, and hunting are popular in warmer months, while cross-country skiing is available during the winter months.

HikingThe park includes a nature trail, although no specific details about its difficulty or length were provided. One user mentioned 'walking trails,' implying the presence of multiple options.

FishingFishing is one of the park's major highlights, with users noting the abundance of great fishing spots along the St. Lawrence River.

SwimmingA sandy swimming beach is available, staffed with lifeguards in July and August. However, some users noted closures due to water quality issues and the presence of lily pads. Swimming off the rocks near campsites is also an option.

BikingBiking is a popular activity at the park, with visitors praising the open and grassy terrain.

BoatingBoating opportunities are abundant, with facilities including boat launches and rentals. Users also noted the campground's proximity to the water for easy kayak and canoe access.

Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently report sightings of ducks and geese. Watching large boats and fireworks across the river was also highlighted.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh water levels may affect usability of sandy beach areas. Canadian Geese droppings and lily pads noted as concerns in some reviews.

Fire PolicyNo fire policies described.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station with contact at 315-375-6371. First aid station located within 10 miles.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage is collected daily by park staff, and users appreciate the convenience of leaving garbage by the road for pickup.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the St. Lawrence River with a sheltered bay and sandy beach.

Camp HostPark rangers are always on duty.

Weather at Jacques Cartier State Park

Reviews

4.7

51 reviews

Top-Rated

Jacques Cartier State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users consider Jacques Cartier State Park a clean, well-maintained, and scenic campground. Common praises include friendly staff, spacious sites, and excellent waterfront views. However, some users suggest improvements, such as expanding the showers and introducing a camp store.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the park's cleanliness, friendly staff, and beautiful views. The spacious, grassy sites and convenient amenities like daily garbage pickup are also appreciated.

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include closures of the beach and swimming area, the need for updated shower facilities, and the lack of a camp store. Some users also noted challenges with trailer parking in grassy areas.

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring proof of rabies inoculation if camping with pets. Consider pre-registering online to save time. For better experiences, users suggest booking waterfront sites and checking swimming area...

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the lifeguarded beach and open lawns, while winter reviews focus on cross-country skiing. Some summer visitors noted beach closures due to water quality.

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Stunning scenery. Very clean and well maintained.' - Ryan Gilbert. 2. 'We had site 111 - amazing views of the St. Lawrence, spacious pitch with fire pit.' - S and K Hughes. 3. 'Great spots to...

Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 54 allowed easy trailer parking and had a peaceful atmosphere. Site 36 offered separation and a spacious layout. Site 111 provided amazing waterfront views, and site 115 was easy to access. Some...

Based on 51 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features were not specifically reviewed, but the park's flat terrain and grassy sites suggest general accessibility.

Based on 51 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with proof of rabies inoculation. Users appreciated the pet-friendly environment, noting leash rules and the presence of open spaces for walking.

Based on 51 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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