Jenny Builds A Campfire: Ivy Lea Campground

This is one of my favorite places to camp.The campground itself has changed a lot since the first time I went in early 2000's. I went to visit my Nana and fell in love with it right away. For the most part it is best if you can get a site along the water...but I say that for every campground! There are so many good things that I can say about this campground. The landscape alone is beautiful. The trees, the rocks, the water...the islands!! Depending on what area of the campground you are at you will get a completely different feel. If you are near the boat launch you are in a neat little cove with calm water, a small island and across from houses and cottages that make you wish you won the lottery. It's a relaxing area to camp in and is usually pretty quiet.
I camped in site 138 when I was younger, which is not waterfront, but is a huge site up on a hill. It's only good for tenting. If you go to the bottom of the hill you can sit and enjoy some sunshine with the sound of a small stream running around you. There are even some chipmunks that will get close enough to you to eat some of your salt and vinegar chips right out of your hand. Another peaceful thing you can do in this area is just sit on the boat dock, put your toes in the water and soak in the sun.
The site that I have spent most of my time in is site 84. It is close to the beach. Again another tent only site that you have to carry your things from the parked car, but not too far. This site is on a hill so they have built a wooden platform to pitch a tent on. I don't think a tent that is for more then 4 people would fit so this wouldn't be a good site if you are going with a group. The view from this site is spectacular! You can jump right in the St. Lawrence River right from your site. Beware it's deep and the current can get strong if you swim too far into the middle. From this site you are able to hear the bridge to Hill Island which continues to the US. The sound may seem odd at first, but to me this puts me to sleep like a baby! Just thinking about the sound of the transport trucks breaking on this bridge makes me happy. From the site you can see an island or two in the distance and you can see the boats. Everything from tour boats of the Thousand Islands, the loud engined cigarette boats and even wooden antique boats go through these waters. Bring some binoculars (or babe lookers) and you can be entertained for hours.
I've stayed at a few other sites in this park over the years but my favorite would have to be 106. I'm hoping we can get it for Canada Day long weekend this year. Other good sites in the campground if you are looking for good waterfront are: 105, 112, 117,118, 99, 144 and 145.
This campground is a close to a lot of fun things to do. You can take a tour of the 1000 Islands from Rockport or Gananoque. It's well worth it if you have never been. Remember your passport and take the cruise that stops at Bodlt Castle in New York. The story is sweet and it is great to explore the unfinished castle from the past. The pretzels they sell there are pretty yummy too! You can also go to Hill Island from the campground. You can drive or even better take the walk over the bridge. The view of the islands is worth it!

Ivy Lea Campground
Boldt Castle
Rockport Boat Cruises
1000 Islands Cruises - Gananoque

Here are some pics from over the last 3 years. Some of them were taken while there was still snow on the ground. We try and go in the end of winter on a nice day for a walk around..keeps us dreaming!

55 Days until Camping!

Enjoy!