Good Sam Park of the Month: Swan Bay Resort
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Swan Bay Resort
Straddling the border of upper New York state and Canada, the Thousand Islands region is a stunning fusion of woodlands, islands, miles of shoreline, landmarks, shipwreck diving opportunities, and some of the best boating and fishing in the world. In the heart of this idyllic hub for outdoor activities, Swan Bay Resort, with its 300 full-hookup RV sites and vacation rentals, is set on 55 acres along the St. Lawrence River. Each RV site has a 40-foot concrete pad and a gravel driveway for parking two vehicles, a picnic table, and a firepit. Waterfront sites are available for motorhomes.
The gated RV resort in Alexandria Bay, New York, is open May 1–October 31 and keeps guests entertained with events such as cornhole and bocce ball tournaments, festivals, Pirates Weekend with a site-decoration contest, and kids’ crafts, Christmas in July, and Neon in the Park where happy campers dress in their brightest clothing. Food trucks are on the premises Thursday–Saturday during the summer. There’s live music every weekend at the Why Knot Tiki Bar, which serves up fruity island drinks and other delicious concoctions next to the pools where guests enjoy volleyball tournaments, games, and lounging.
The resort’s full-service marina offers various rental watercraft, including 10-person pontoon and two-person pedal boats, 16-foot fishing and Polar Kraft boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Landlubbers can buzz around the area in a rental golf cart or on a fat-tire bicycle.
Swan Bay Resort is situated between two waterfront towns, Alexandria Bay and Clayton, and offers complimentary shuttle service to both. From there, you can check out the weekly farmers market, book a scuba diving adventure, or hop aboard Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours to experience the fascinating history of two castles that are only accessible by water—Singer Castle on Dark Island and Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Swan Bay Resort has received a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam North American Campground Guide.
Photo Credit: Wildsam
Shoreline Adventure: The Maine Coast
If your summer is all about being on the water, consider Maine, the land of lobsters, oysters, islands, nature, and culture. Wildsam’s Maine Coast Guide leads through the Dawnland:
Lobsters & Oysters
There are almost too many options. To sample Maine’s fast-growing oyster scene two ways, hit The Shop on bustling Washington Avenue in Portland or detour to Glidden Point Oyster Farms for the snappy half-shells of the Damariscotta River. For the heart of Maine lobster culture, head for Stonington, the biggest lobster port in the state.
Outdoor Stop
Maine comes richly stocked with hiking, boating, and scenic views, but Cobscook Shores stands apart as something special. A linked network of 15 waterfront parks run by a nonprofit is a wonderland of manicured trails, pristine coastline, and prime picnicking spots near the town of Lubec.
Culture Destination
Historic, cozy Rockland boasts an art scene worthy of a town 100 times bigger. Galleries like the Caldbeck and Dowling Walsh showcase local and global work. The Farnsworth Museum is the place to go to take in legendary Maine paintings.
