The Adventure Van Rolls into The Thousand Islands Region: My Week of Relaxation and Cross Border Fun!
Van life offers unparalleled freedom, and my recent journey through the stunning Thousand Islands region of Upstate New York perfectly illustrates why. As I rumbled across the Pennsylvania border into New York, after my time at Blue Mountain Resort, which you can read about here, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. This area holds so many memories from my undergrad days, a delightful (and sometimes dramatic) mix of past emotions. These days, however, I’m all about the “total view” – embracing the present and crafting new experiences. And as a solo van lifer, I get to define every single one of those memories, setting the parameters and guardrails for what will undoubtedly be some of the best times of my life. This trip, blending incredible scenery, historic exploration, and charming Canadian day trips, was no exception!
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Detour & Downtime: Prepping for the Islands
Think opulent mansions, grand estates, and a lifestyle that made “Keeping Up with the Vanderbilts” look like a casual Tuesday. Many of these incredible homes still stand, allowing you to easily step back in time.
Before diving headfirst into the aquatic wonderland of the Thousand Islands, a quick pit stop was in order. Unfortunately, my “trusty” Trek mountain bike seems to have a litany of ongoing issues, requiring a brief consultation with a bike guru. After nearly a week of off-grid van life without hookups (and desperately needing to launder my mud-caked cycling gear), a night of welcomed reprieve in Binghamton was just what the doctor ordered.
THS Cycling to the Rescue!!!
The building may not be much to look at from the outside – but the inside was the cleanest, best organized shop I’ve ever been in.
And Tony and his wife Lorraine (who are the owners) were beyond friendly.
They assured me they’d order parts and get repairs underway with due haste. And – they were just some of the nicest folks – even emailing me recommendations of places to go and things to see in Binghamton after I left the shop! So, if you find yourself in need of repairs, definitely stop in and see Tony and his crew. Plus – you are convenient to Planet Fitness, a laundry mat, grocery stores (Wegman’s is my chain of choice in NY), and a Cracker Barel that allows overnight parking, is safe, and is conveniently located next to a Regal Cinema for those of us who love a movie!
Binghamton: Cracker Barrel and Clean Clothes.
Since THS was located close to everything, it was a productive afternoon: a grocery run at Wegman’s, followed by a workout and refreshing shower at Planet Fitness. Conveniently, Dud’s and Sud’s laundry was right across the street, offering reasonably priced machines to tackle the mountain of dirty clothes. My evening ended with an overnight stay at the Binghamton Cracker Barrel, perfectly situated next to Regal Cinema. Dinner, a late-night movie, and an early breakfast — a winning combination to reset before the real adventure began.
With typcial van life logistics handled and my gear (mostly) sorted, I pointed the van north, eager to explore the famed Thousand Islands.
Thousand Islands: History Lessons and Cross Border Expeditions Meets Water Relaxation Time.
With typcial van life logistics handled and my gear (mostly) sorted, I pointed the van north, eager to explore the famed Thousand Islands.
A Glimpse into History: The Thousand Islands Region.
The Thousand Islands boasts a rich and fascinating history, once serving as the exclusive playground for America’s ultra-rich during the Gilded Age.
Think opulent mansions, grand estates, and a lifestyle that made “Keeping Up with the Vanderbilts” look like a casual Tuesday. Many of these incredible homes still stand, allowing you to easily step back in time.
Cruising the St. Lawrence: The River Tour.
The St. Lawrence River isn’t just big; it’s enormous – flowing over 740 miles from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean!
I took a 2.5 hour boat tour using Uncle Sam’s and was happy with the experience!
This massive waterway forms a natural boundary between the United States and Canada, with parts of the Thousand Islands region famously straddling both nations. It’s also home to a unique phenomenon: “The Thousand Islands” isn’t an exaggeration; there are actually 1,864 islands that dot the river here, each requiring at least one square foot of land and a living tree to be counted.
I took a fantastic river tour with Uncle Sam Boat Tours. The boat was comfortable, offering snacks and clean bathrooms – essential for any extended waterborne adventure. Our guide, a young woman reading from a script on her phone, somehow managed to make the typical cheesy tour jokes entertaining despite the fact that she was reading the script – on her phone – in front of everyone. Her delivery was surprisingly impressive, given the circumstances! Cruising along, you truly get a sense of the region’s gilded past, marveling at the grand summer homes and imagining the lavish parties that once filled their halls. The bridges connecting various islands and countries further transport you back to a bygone era.
A Castle Fit for a King (or a Hotelier): Boldt Castle.
As you motor past Alexandria Bay, one structure immediately dominates the horizon line: Boldt Castle. This grand, imposing fortress is impossible to miss. Built by George C. Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, as a testament of love for his wife, Louise, it’s packed with interesting tidbits:
- A Love Story Cut Short: Construction abruptly halted in 1904 after Louise’s sudden death, leaving the castle unfinished for decades. Talk about a heartbreak hotel.
- Heart Island’s Unique Shape: The castle is built on Heart Island, which Boldt actually reshaped into, you guessed it, a heart! Now that’s commitment.
- Tunnels and Towers: The castle boasts 120 rooms, tunnels, a powerhouse, and a grand archway entrance, making it more of a small village than just a home.
- A “Playhouse” on Another Island: Boldt also built a “playhouse” for his children on nearby Wellesley Island, which is essentially another mansion. Because, you know, kids need their space.
- Thirty Years of Restoration: The castle has been undergoing meticulous restoration for over 30 years, and the efforts truly shine through.hori
I have a real soft spot for well-restored historic buildings, and Boldt Castle is no exception. What I enjoyed most was the presentation: festive music playing, unobtrusive guides offering information, and an overall ambiance that made it feel as though I was walking into a very fancy ball, an invited guest to the grandest party of the Gilded Age
Quaint Charm: Alexandria Bay.
The town of Alexandria Bay is small, cute, and wonderfully quaint. Is it worth a stop? Absolutely!
Main Street is tiny and walkable in minutes, offering exactly what you’d expect from a small tourist hub: a few restaurants, some quirky shops, and plenty of ice cream. Coupled with a river tour, you can easily make a full day of it.
Back to Nature: Wellesley Island State Park.
Needing to get out of the van and stop writing this blog (haha), I decided a hike was in order.When I say “hike” at Wellesley Island State Park, I really mean a glorious nature walk.
This park features a lovely nature center and about 9 miles of trails that offer gentle elevation changes and some rather nice views of the river. Dogs are welcome on the trails, following usual leash laws, but the paths were fairly empty during my visit, possibly allowing Odie a moment of glorious (and if not necessarily legal!) liberation. The trails aren’t overly complex or technical, but I’d recommend proper footwear, at least a sturdy pair of running shoes, to navigate any roots or loose gravel.
Beyond the Islands: Canadian Adventures.
One of the coolest perks of exploring the Thousand Islands is its proximity to Canada. A short hop across the border opens up a whole new world of exploration!
Day Trip Delight: Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is less than 100 miles away and provides a fantastic opportunity for exploration.
I absolutely love Canada – it offers that wonderful blend of feeling at home yet getting a distinct taste of Europe. And Ottawa itself is a gorgeous city.
The drive is easy, with multiple easily accessible border crossings. We crossed at a smaller crossing with only one immigration line and returned through a larger one. On Canada Day, of all days, the border crossings werent crowded at all, and we cleared the border in minutes! (A quick note for fellow van lifers: make sure to store any firearms safely and legally before you even think about approaching the border. Seriously, don’t be “that” person.) They have a designated lane for RVs at the bigger checkpoints and I strongly suspect you will be searched.
Ottawa is a large city offering diverse opportunities. The river and parks are stunning, and the architecture, both old and new, is fantastic. We toured several museums, including the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada. Both were engrossing, with impressive collections and spot-on curation. Afterward, we found a lovely French boulangerie on the Quebec side (just across the river!) and indulged in delectable French pastries while enjoying a lively street fair. You could easily spend days exploring Ottawa and its surroundings; I only scratched the surface!
Harbour Views and College Vibes: Kingston!
Kingston, Ontario, is another short hop across the Canadian border, boasting a lovely and lively harbor front brimming with bars and restaurants.
Being home to Queen’s University, you definitely get that vibrant college town vibe. We popped over for dinner and a stroll along the harbor.
While there, you can also:
- Explore Fort Henry: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 19th-century fortress offers live demonstrations, re-enactments, and incredible views of the city and lake.
- Visit the Kingston Penitentiary: Take a tour of Canada’s most notorious maximum-security prison, now open to the public for a truly unique (and slightly eerie) experience.
- Stroll through the Historic Downtown: Discover charming boutiques, art galleries, and historic limestone buildings.
Van Life Logistics & Thousand Islands.
Thousand Islands presents few opportunities for free camping in the immediate proximity. However, as will be discussed below, there are some places available for free camping – at least to overnight. And I would also venture a guess that outside the immeidate touristy areas, there is less enforcement.
My Van Life Base Camp: Kring Point State Park Review.
Kring Point State Park isn’t what I’d call a “destination campground.” There aren’t many bells and whistles beyond several small “beaches” on the river, boat launches, and some undeniably pretty views. And that’s about it.
My site was confusingly marked and lacked hookups – essentially a glorified parking spot – and at just over $30 a night, it wasn’t exactly a steal for what I got.
But (and this is a big “but” for van lifers!), some campsites are truly riverfront and offer spectacular views. What I genuinely appreciated were the bathhouses. Each one was individual, featuring a toilet, sink, and shower, providing much-needed privacy. And they were clean! Bonus tip for fellow travelers: Of the six shower stalls I checked (specifically site 57), only one had a regular showerhead where you didn’t have to hold down a button to get water. Do you know how hard it is to wash your backside while simultaneously holding a button 4.5 feet in the air? Totally worth finding and waiting for that shower! The campground also provided laundry facilities, water taps, and dump stations. My understanding is that some sites do offer electric hookups.
On the downside, many campers seemed to take great joy in seeing how many vehicles they could cram into their spots. Some even decided to use my space as extra parking without the courtesy of asking. I’m chalking this up to being there on a holiday weekend – definitely “amateur hour at the Apollo” rather than typical park culture. But still, something to bear in mind: you might not always be camping with seasoned pros who understand campground etiquette!
A quick logistical (and slightly humorous) note: The reservation required proof of a current rabies vaccination, and they did check it. I jokingly asked if they were also checking for MMR vaccines, a far more prevalent threat to my safety than a rabid dog (there have been 3 identified cases of rabies transmission from dogs to humans in the US in the last decade, none from bites in the US, versus 180 cases of measles in the US in July – 3 a decade or 6 a day, you decide the bigger threat!). She, predictably, did not find it as funny as I did.
Van Life Bliss: Black River Drive-In.
Okay, so a possible life dream was fulfilled: I slept in a drive-in movie theater parking lot! What an amazing night! It felt straight out of a dream.
Just outside Watertown proper, you’ll find a true vestige of American greatness: an actual, real-life Drive-In Movie Theater.
Since I arrived early, I learned some cool stats. At its peak in American culture, there were over 5,000 drive-in theaters across the country. Sources vary, but I believe only about 300 of these glorious, old-school silver screens remain – perfect for a dose of retro nostalgia and catching new releases under the stars!
I called the theater, spoke to the owner, and he graciously agreed to let me stay overnight (though I later discovered he’s a fairly new Harvest Host, so it’s best to book through that platform). For just $8 per person admission, you can catch a double feature of new releases.
But this theater’s true profit center is its concession stand, and I wholeheartedly recommend checking it out. I had a cheesesteak, waffle fries, popcorn, and Raisinets. Yum, yum, and more yum! And the food is very reasonably priced – about $10 for a burger and fry combo. I also learned that their pizza is made fresh on-site with handmade dough. I wish I’d known that in advance; I would have absolutely snagged a pizza! The owner was incredibly nice, even checking on me several times throughout the evening.
Definitely check out what’s showing and what’s for dinner at theBlack River Drive-In Theater by clicking here.
One important van life note for drive-ins: My Sprinter van makes it nearly impossible to disable the running lights, and Winnebago added some fancy decorative lights up top that I definitely couldn’t figure out how to turn off. This is a big no-no at a drive-in, as those lights can be distracting. The owner was kind enough to lend me a physical radio (since most drive-ins broadcast audio via FM). However, if possible, you might want to test your van’s lights before arriving, or consider just purchasing a small, cheap portable radio beforehand.
More Van Life Logistics & Thousand Islands.
For fellow van life enthusiasts, there are plenty of free camping options in the Thousand Islands area. IOverlander and Free Campsite both list several spots. As mentioned, the Black River Drive-In is now a Harvest Host member. Additionally, the Cracker Barrel in Watertown currently allows overnight parking. The Planet Fitness in Salmon Run mall is a 24/5 operation, and while I didn’t stay there, I imagine you might be okay doing so (though this is based on a single conversation, so please don’t hold me to it!). I also found some other sites on iOverlander that were relatively close but didn’t test them out. Also – because you are close to the Canadian border – there are New York State rest stops along the major thoroughfares that might offer a place to rest in a pinch. So you have a backup strategy!
Big, important note for international travel: If you’re carrying firearms, alcohol, or tobacco, make sure to secure them safely and appropriately in the US before crossing the Canadian border. They absolutely search RVs (they even have a dedicated lane!), and firearms are a big fat no-no – a possible ticket to jail. So please, for the love of God, don’t be that idiot. Your Second Amendment rights stop at the border.
Strategy Permanent BaseCamp Thousand Trails.
My overall basecamp strategy is to leverage my Thousand Trails membership as I go to save money and to provide the occasional rest and respite from boondocking. For more about my Thousand Trails and Van life Strategy, click here. Since I was in an established campground most of the time, I didn’t need to check in to a Thousand Trails affiliated park. However, there was a Trails Collection Park nearby.
Thousand Trails Nearby.
While I didn’t personally stay there (sometimes I fail to consult the globe in my geographically challenged usual manner – I’m solid proof the Earth isn’t flat; if it was, I would have already fallen off the end), there is an Encore/Trails Collection park in Pulaski, NY, very close to where I was staying. While I can’t offer a first-hand review or recommendation, I did check several Thousand Trails memberships groups I’m in, and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive for Brennan Beach. My family was staying just 1.5 miles from Kring Point State Park, so I would have stayed there regardless.
Ty's Takeaways: Thousand Islands Edition.
After a great week in the Thousand Islands, its pretty hard to come up with reasons not to go! Here are my top takeaways for Van Life in the Thousand Islands:
After a great week in the Thousand Islands, its pretty hard to come up with reasons not to go! Here are my top takeaways for Van Life in the Thousand Islands:
- The Thousand Islands region is truly dreamy in that wonderful, nostalgic Americana sort of way. Taking a river tour allows you to genuinely feel the history of America’s Gilded Age. The fact that an operating drive-in theater still exists here just adds to that timeless charm
- As I’ve traveled the country, I’ve found I deeply enjoy that sensation of stepping back in time, like America paused in a bygone era – one that, in many ways, feels better than the present. I felt that sensation on the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach, and I felt it strongly here in the Thousand Islands.
- Overall, this is a fantastic destination during the summer months. You’re far enough north that the temperatures are relatively cool, especially on the St. Lawrence River. You have a plethora of recreational activities available, but also the option for sophistication and culture by simply crossing the Canadian border.
- And oh yeah – you legitimately get to add a whole other country to your awesome van life adventure log, plus two Canadian provinces! How cool is that?
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Other Van Life Trip Reports!
Check out my New York State Guide by clicking here for all of my other NY State content! Or check out the posts below for other #VanLife / #RVLife trip reports! Also – be sure to check out my Van Life Page for all my tips/tricks, trip reports, and other adventurs!
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A Little Bit About Me.
I started writing this blog as a way to capture the adventurous and free lifestyle I’m privileged to live. I’ve traveled to over 28 countries and 35 U.S States. I’ve lived aboard in multiple countries and averaged over 100 days a year of travel for work. I’ve skied and hiked all over the world – and my new obsession is mountain biking.
What I bring to you isn’t AI generated. It’s based on my feet on the ground – or sometimes conversations with locals. Click here to read more about me!
Spend 50 minutes on the phone with Ty — a fellow camper who reads the actual contracts. Whether a Thousand Trails membership is right for you at all, which type fits how you actually travel, what to ask before you commit, and the traps that cost people thousands. Geared entirely to YOU.