Merry Knoll Campground

- 38115 NY-12E, Clayton, NY 13624

Welcome to Merry Knoll Campground, the premier destination for your Thousand Islands getaway. Widely recognized as one of the highest-rated and most meticulously maintained campgrounds in the entire region, Merry Knoll offers an exceptional blend of pristine outdoor living and convenient access to one of New York State’s most beautiful natural treasures. Located near the charming village of Clayton, this family-owned facility is renowned for its dedication to customer comfort and its spectacular views.

The campground is perfectly situated on a hillside overlooking the main channel of the magnificent St. Lawrence River. This unique positioning is a huge draw for local New York users, as it allows guests to relax at their campsite or on the communal sundeck and watch the majestic, ocean-bound ships—known as 'salt-water tankers'—pass by on their journey to the Great Lakes. The experience of seeing these massive vessels gliding past is an unforgettable highlight of a stay here.

Merry Knoll Campground accommodates a wide range of needs, welcoming all styles of camping equipment from tents to large RVs, with sites that are notably spacious and well-kept. The owners, often mentioned by name in customer reviews for their hands-on hospitality and genuine care, ensure that the atmosphere is not only friendly but feels like a welcoming community. This personalized service, combined with immaculate grounds, makes Merry Knoll the ideal home base for exploring all the natural beauty and history the 1000 Islands region has to offer.

Merry Knoll Campground boasts a strategic location in the heart of the 1000 Islands, making it incredibly accessible for New York State residents traveling from various regions.

The campground’s physical address is 38115 NY-12E, Clayton, NY 13624, USA. It is conveniently situated on State Route 12E, a short distance from the picturesque downtown area of Clayton. The location offers excellent proximity to major regional attractions:

It is only a matter of minutes (approximately 3-4 miles) to the quaint Village of Clayton, home to wonderful dining options, unique shops, and the renowned Antique Boat Museum. This allows campers to enjoy the wilderness feel without sacrificing access to town conveniences. Furthermore, the campground is only about seven miles from the 1000 Islands International Bridge, and centrally located between other key towns such as Alexandria Bay (approx. 12 miles) and Cape Vincent (approx. 10 miles).

Its easy access from Interstate 81 (Exit 47) via Route 12 ensures a smooth drive for those coming from downstate or Central New York. Whether you are arriving in a large RV or a smaller vehicle, the drive is uncomplicated, and the road network provides effortless movement between the campground and regional sightseeing spots like Boldt Castle, which can be reached via local boat tours departing from Clayton or Alexandria Bay. This central, easily reachable location on the St. Lawrence River is a significant advantage for local New York travelers maximizing their vacation time.

Merry Knoll Campground is designed with guest comfort and convenience as a priority, offering a comprehensive array of services that cater to all types of campers.

• A high percentage of full hookup RV sites, providing 30 and 50 AMP electric service, water, and sewage connections.
• A selection of pull-thru sites designed for easy access and maneuvering of larger RVs and trailers.
• Dedicated and well-maintained transient sites, many placed perfectly on the hillside to maximize river and island views.
• Cozy camping cabins available for rent, which offer a great alternative to tenting and include a double bed, bunk beds, electric outlets, and exterior amenities like a picnic table, grill, and running water.
• Immaculate and regularly cleaned bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets.
• On-site laundromat facilities, a vital service for guests on extended trips.
• A camp store for purchasing last-minute supplies, snacks, and treats.
• A centralized dump station for added RV convenience upon departure.

The unique features and recreational highlights of Merry Knoll Campground make it a standout destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts in New York State.

• Unparalleled Views of the St. Lawrence River: The campground is positioned to offer stunning, unobstructed views of the main shipping channel, allowing guests to regularly witness the impressive passage of large freighters and tankers.
• Inground Swimming Pool: A clean, well-maintained inground swimming pool provides a refreshing option for guests on warm summer days, perfect for both children and adults.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The facility includes a designated playground for younger visitors and a dedicated game room to keep children and the 'young at heart' entertained on rainy days or during downtime.
• Private Fishing Pier: An exclusive fishing pier offers a convenient and dedicated spot for anglers to drop a line right into the St. Lawrence River, known for its diverse fish species.
• Sundeck and Communal Areas: A central sundeck provides a fantastic spot to relax, socialize, and maximize the viewing experience of the river and the Thousand Islands scenery.
• Personalized Host Service: The highly-praised, family-owned management offers exceptional hospitality, often checking in on guests and going the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay, creating a true sense of community.
• Proximity to Water Access: The campground is minutes away from numerous marinas in Clayton that offer a variety of boat rentals, from fishing boats to pontoons, allowing guests easy access to run the river and explore the islands.

For New York residents planning their visit to the 1000 Islands, reservations are strongly recommended due to the campground’s high rating and popularity.

Address: 38115 NY-12E Clayton, NY 13624, USA

Phone: Campground Office: (315) 686-3055 Mobile Phone: +1 315-686-3055

The friendly owners are available via phone to discuss site availability, cabin rentals, and to answer specific questions about accommodating your RV or tenting needs.

For residents of New York State, Merry Knoll Campground in the 1000 Islands offers a superior camping experience that is perfectly tailored to a local vacation getaway. It strikes a remarkable balance between the desired isolation of a natural setting and the high-quality amenities that make for a stress-free trip.

The suitability of Merry Knoll is rooted in its proven commitment to excellence and its unique location. The consistent customer praise for the impeccable cleanliness and spacious, well-kept sites ensures that visitors receive excellent value for their stay. More importantly, the unbeatable hillside views of the St. Lawrence River provide a daily spectacle of tankers and islands—an iconic 1000 Islands experience that simply cannot be matched by inland campgrounds.

The full hookups, swimming pool, and on-site laundry cater to the demands of modern camping, ensuring that families and RV travelers feel comfortable and well-cared for. Coupled with the authentic, personally invested hospitality from the family owners, Merry Knoll is more than just a place to park; it’s a temporary community and a trusted 'home away from home.' Its strategic location near the cultural hub of Clayton ensures that all the attractions, from Boldt Castle tours to the Antique Boat Museum, are within easy reach. For New Yorkers seeking a high-quality, memorable, and scenic escape to the legendary 1000 Islands, Merry Knoll Campground is unequivocally the best choice for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Merry Knoll Campground

38115 NY-12E, Clayton, NY 13624, USA