Thousand Islands Region

Stretching from Lake Ontario north along the St. Lawrence River to Lake Champlain, the Thousand Islands Region -- which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1997 -- includes 30 state parks, 1 historic site and 6 boat launches, as well as thousands of great campsites.

At the southern end of the region lies Southwick Beach State Park, which offers 110 campsites, picnicking and swimming along the finest freshwater sand beach in the northeast. On the St. Lawrence River is Wellesley Island State Park, the largest of the 30 parks within the region. Wellesley Island features several winterized cabins, 429 campsites, a marina and golf course. The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center at Wellesley Island is one of the best outdoor education centers in the state. Robert Moses State Park offers 15 cabins and 169 campsites, while Coles Creek State Park remains one of the most popular camping areas with its 235 campsites. The region also offers a dozen vaction rental cottages.

Point au Roche State Park, with its expansive vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, remains a great scenic park, with swimming, picnicking, hiking trails, cross country skiing and a boat launch, while Cumberland Bay State Park, with 2,700 feet of beach on Lake Champlain offers 152 campsites.