Camelot Island (TI National Park) - Image 1
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Camelot Island TI National Park

4.7
·7 reviews·, Canada

A serene island escape in the Thousand Islands, perfect for peaceful camping, kayaking, and stunning sunset views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-July

Good camping weather, despite rain.

CrowdMedium
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Camelot Island (TI National Park) - Image 1

Camelot Island TI National Park

Best Time

Mid-July

Good camping weather, despite rain.

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene island escape in the Thousand Islands, perfect for peaceful camping, kayaking, and stunning sunset views.

4.7
(7 reviews)

"Amazing National Park Island with great hiking, clean washrooms, and peaceful vibes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Pack Wet Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky, shallow waters around the island .

🕷️ Be Prepared for Spiders

The island is known for its abundant spider population, especially at night .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Trail

Sunset Trail

Island Trail

Hike this scenic trail for breathtaking sunset views over the water.

Campsite Serenity

Campsite Serenity

Designated Campsites

Enjoy a peaceful camping experience with clean facilities and available firewood.

Calm Waters

Calm Waters

Island Shoreline

Perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking with calm, shallow, rocky waters.

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Planning Your Visit

Island Access & Booking

Access Camelot Island via boat; book campsites in advance, though some are first-come, first-served. Be aware of day-use and camping fees. Confirm payment methods with park staff, as they may not always be fully informed.Reddit

Wildlife & What to Pack

Expect abundant small wildlife and insects, including many spiders and garden snakes. Bring wet shoes for rocky, shallow waters and bug spray for mosquitoes and ticks. Cockroaches can be found in camping gear and garbage areas.Reddit

Best Times

When
Mid-July
Why
Good camping weather, despite rain.
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Ideal for sunset views.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🥾 Pack Wet Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky, shallow waters around the island.Reddit

🕷️ Be Prepared for Spiders

The island is known for its abundant spider population, especially at night.Reddit

🛶 Kayak/Paddleboard Ready

Calm waters make it ideal for water sports.Reddit

🪵 Firewood Provided

Sufficient firewood is available for campers to start campfires.Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Pack Wet Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky, shallow waters around the island.Reddit

🕷️ Be Prepared for Spiders

The island is known for its abundant spider population, especially at night.Reddit

🛶 Kayak/Paddleboard Ready

Calm waters make it ideal for water sports.Reddit

🪵 Firewood Provided

Sufficient firewood is available for campers to start campfires.Reddit

🐛 Check Gear for Pests

Thoroughly inspect camping gear and recycling for cockroaches before leaving.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Camelot Island for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful sunset views from the trail, and ideal conditions for kayaking and paddleboarding. The clean facilities and provided firewood enhance the camping experience. However, some find the abundance of spiders and the potential for cockroaches a drawback, and advise caution with the rocky, shallow waters.

"We took a boat to get to the island and stay there for 2 nights. Very quiet place with many boats parked next to the island in the reserved places.

There are no big animals but there are plenty of small animals and annoying insects. Firewood is great to start a camp fire and cook food. Island has a trail with a great view to a sunset. Water is not too cold but depth is low and rocky. Please make sure you bring your wet shoes with you.

Island has 6 sleeping spots. 2 of them are not for reservation on the first come first served basis. Island is surrounded by other islands and is very close fo the US border guaranteed to meet high speed borer control

Stay safe."

David Beilis

"Amazing National Park Island. Great hiking trail, clean washrooms, camp sites and docks. Close to USA border and also Gananoque, ON. Day use and camping fees apply. Maintained by 1000 Islands National Park"

Graham Ketcheson

"Very quiet, nice views and spots to go into the water.
Great area for paddle and kayak, calm water"

Stephanie Crowther

What People Like

Peaceful island camping
Great sunset views
Calm waters for paddling

What People Dislike

Abundant spiders
Potential cockroaches
Rocky, shallow water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to Camelot Island is primarily by boat. Visitors can take their own boat or arrange for transport. The island is maintained by 1000 Islands National Park and is located close to the US border and Gananoque, ON.Reddit

Parking is not directly available on the island itself. Access is via boat, and there are reserved places for boats parked next to the island.Reddit

Yes, day use is permitted on Camelot Island, with applicable fees. It's a beautiful spot for a short exploration by boat.Reddit

Camelot Island is very close to the US border, so be prepared to encounter border control if you are arriving by boat from the US side.Reddit

The island is close to Gananoque, ON, and Mallorytown Landing is mentioned as a point where payment can be made for park services.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, both day-use and camping fees apply to Camelot Island National Park. It's advisable to confirm payment methods with park staff upon arrival or at a designated visitor center like Mallorytown Landing.Reddit

Camelot Island has 6 sleeping spots, with 2 available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's recommended to book the reservable spots in advance, especially during peak season.Reddit

Campsites CA1 and CA2 are private, with CA2 being on a hill which might require leveling for BBQs and tents.Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned for Camelot Island, 1000 Islands National Park typically offers various passes. It's best to check the official Parks Canada website for current pass options and validity for island camping.Reddit

As an island park, access is generally available during daylight hours for day use, and campsites are accessible for overnight stays. Specific operating hours for facilities like washrooms are usually 24/7 during the season.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find plenty of small animals and insects. Be prepared for many spiders, garden snakes (which are shy), some mosquitoes, and potentially ticks. Cockroaches have also been reported in camping areas.Reddit

Yes, there is a trail on the island that offers great views, particularly for watching the sunset.Reddit

The water is not too cold but is shallow and rocky. It's ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking due to calm conditions.Reddit

The island has clean washrooms that are well-stocked with toilet paper. Firewood is also provided for campers.Reddit

Yes, Camelot Island offers a peaceful camping experience with designated campsites, clean facilities, and available firewood. It's a great spot for an overnight stay.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, firewood is provided, making it great for starting campfires to cook food. Many campers bring their own grills or cooking equipment.Reddit

There are no restaurants or food services on Camelot Island itself. Visitors need to bring all their own food and supplies for their stay.Reddit

Bring all non-perishable food items, snacks, and plenty of water. Consider easy-to-cook meals for campfire cooking.Reddit

While there are no specific food storage lockers, it's important to store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife and to be mindful of cockroaches that might hide in garbage or recycling bins.Reddit

Yes, firewood is provided, and campfires are a popular way to cook and enjoy the evenings on the island.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The sunset trail offers stunning opportunities for landscape photography. The shoreline and surrounding islands also provide beautiful scenic shots, especially for boaters.Reddit

Early mornings and late evenings, especially during sunset, offer the best light for photography. The golden hour can create dramatic and beautiful scenes.Reddit

Capturing the close proximity to the US border, the diverse small wildlife, and the serene boat-filled waters can lead to unique shots.Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife from a distance. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions during sunset.Reddit

It's advisable to be cautious and respectful when photographing border control or any official vessels. Always prioritize safety and follow any posted regulations.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Camelot Island offers a unique camping and nature experience for families. The calm, shallow waters are great for younger children to splash around in, provided they wear protective wet shoes due to the rocky bottom.Reddit The hiking trail provides a manageable adventure with rewarding views, perfect for a family stroll. Ensure you pack plenty of snacks and meals, as there are no food services on the island.Reddit Be mindful of the abundant small wildlife, like shy snakes, which can be exciting for kids to spot from a safe distance, but also prepare them for the many spiders.Reddit

🛶 Paddlers and Kayakers

For those who love to explore by water, Camelot Island is a dream destination. The calm, shallow, and rocky waters surrounding the island are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.Reddit You can easily navigate around the island, discover hidden coves, and enjoy the serene Thousand Islands landscape. There are boat parking areas available, making it convenient to dock and explore the island's trails and campsites.Reddit

🏕️ Campers Seeking Peace

If you're looking for a quiet escape, Camelot Island delivers. The campsites are described as peaceful, with clean washrooms and readily available firewood for campfires.Reddit While some sites are first-come, first-served, booking in advance is recommended for the reservable spots to secure your place in this tranquil setting.Reddit Be prepared for a natural environment, including the island's unique insect and spider population, which adds to its wild charm.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Camelot Island: Access and Amenities

Reaching Camelot Island TI National Park is an adventure in itself, primarily accessible by boat. Visitors can use their own vessels or arrange for transport. Upon arrival, you'll find designated areas for boat parking. The island is maintained by the 1000 Islands National Park and offers essential amenities for campers, including clean washrooms stocked with toilet paper and a good supply of firewood for campfires.Reddit While the island is serene, it's crucial to confirm payment methods for fees, as park staff might not always have the latest information; Mallorytown Landing is a key point for handling payments.Reddit

Be prepared for a rustic experience. The island has 6 sleeping spots, with two operating on a first-come, first-served basis, so booking ahead is wise for the others. Campsites like CA1 and CA2 are available, though CA2 is situated on a slope, which might require some leveling for your tent and BBQ setup.Reddit The waters surrounding the island are shallow and rocky, making them perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking, but requiring caution and likely wet shoes for wading or exploring the shoreline.Reddit

Encountering Island Wildlife: What to Expect

Camelot Island is teeming with small wildlife and a notable insect population. Many visitors report seeing a significant number of spiders, leading to its colloquial nickname, 'Spider Island,' especially after dark.Reddit Garden snakes are also common, though they tend to be shy and will retreat when approached.Reddit While mosquitoes are not overly abundant, it's wise to bring bug spray as they can be present, along with ticks.Reddit

A peculiar aspect of the island's fauna is the presence of cockroaches. These can be found in camping gear, garbage, and recycling areas. It's highly recommended to thoroughly inspect all your belongings, especially recycling bins, before packing up and heading home to prevent accidentally transporting them.Reddit Despite these encounters, the island offers a rich natural environment for those who appreciate observing local flora and fauna.

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