Jacques Cartier State Park
00 reviewP.O. BOX 380, MORRISTOWN, New York, 13664, United States
Jacques Cartier State Park
$7.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping fees range from $7-$14.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeThe campsites are characterized as spacious, with some capable of accommodating large trailers. Site 54, for instance, allowed easy trailer parking without backing in.
Sites 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.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 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.
Best CampsitesReviews highlight site 54, site 36, and site 115 for their spaciousness and views.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDescribed as spacious campsites in grassy fields, often waterfront.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal swimming availability from July to August indicated. No explicit campground closing or opening dates.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Laundry Facilities
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing is one of the park's major highlights, with users noting the abundance of great fishing spots along the St. Lawrence River.Swimming
A 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.Biking
Biking is a popular activity at the park, with visitors praising the open and grassy terrain.Boating
Boating 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 viewing
Visitors frequently report sightings of ducks and geese. Watching large boats and fireworks across the river was also highlighted.Beach activities
Beach activities include swimming and sunbathing. However, some reviews mentioned the beach is 'run down' and affected by lily pads.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing is available on park trails during the winter.Water Sports
Waterskiing, kayaking, and snorkeling are popular water sports at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No fire policies described.
- Quiet hours not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh water levels may affect usability of sandy beach areas. Canadian Geese droppings and lily pads noted as concerns in some reviews.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 11.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station with contact at 315-375-6371. First aid station located within 10 miles.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific date ranges are provided.
Trash and recyclingGarbage is collected daily by park staff, and users appreciate the convenience of leaving garbage by the road for pickup.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the St. Lawrence River with a sheltered bay and sandy beach.
Common complaintsBeach closures due to water quality or staffing, and lack of camp store facilities.
HostPark rangers are always on duty.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Jacques Cartier State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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.
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.
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...
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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.
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...
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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...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features were not specifically reviewed, but the park's flat terrain and grassy sites suggest general accessibility.
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.
Last updated August 10, 2025