Are you planning a visit to Kring Point State Park? In this post, learn everything that you need to know to have a great time at the park.
You will find out:
- How to get to the park and details you need to know
- What types of activities you can explore at Kring Point
- Details about camping and how to make reservations
- About swimming, fishing, and the boat launch
- Whether you can visit Kring Point in the winter
- A bit about the park’s history
- And more!
Kring Point State Park was the very first park that my family and I visited after moving to North Country New York at the end of 2020. We didn’t know anything about the area that we moved to, so we used the NYS Parks Explorer App (for iPhone or Android) to find the closest park to us.
Boy, were we in for a treat. This region is full of beautiful state parks, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities, and Kring Point is a great place to start your adventure.
Where is Kring Point State Park NY?
Kring Point State Park is located in Redwood, New York, in Jefferson County, on a small peninsula between the St. Lawrence River and Goose Bay. Redwood, NY is a town of only about 600 people, and is bordered by the towns such as Theresa and Alexandria Bay.
There are a few popular lakes in Redwood, such as Butterfield Lake and Mud Lake. However, you will likely not get bored at Kring Point, as there is plenty to do during your visit!
Directions to Kring Point State Park
This 61-acre state park is accessed by going north on Kring Point Road off of NY Route 12. Kring Point is about 40 minutes from Watertown, 1 hour 45 minutes from Syracuse, and 5 hours 30 minutes from New York City.
To open directions to Kring Point State Park automatically in Google Maps, you can click on the link below to get the coordinates:
What river is Kring Point on?
Kring Point is a small, narrow peninsula that extends out into the St. Lawrence River, almost entirely enclosing Goose Bay. At this part of northern New York, the river runs between Canada and the United States, which means that you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Canadian shore less than two miles away.
There are numerous small islands south and west of the park dotting the area where Goose Bay connects to the main river. These islands, most of which are private property with no public access, are also visible from the main area of the park.
How much does it cost to get into Kring Point State Park?
Access to the park for one day costs $7 during peak season and $6 during the off-peak season. This fee is for regular passenger cars, and includes access to the swimming areas.
If you are interested in camping or boating at the park, additional fees will apply.
Are dogs allowed at Kring Point State Park?
Yes, a maximum of two dogs are allowed at Kring Point State Park, as long as they are on a leash and have proof of a rabies vaccination available. Dogs are not allowed in any building, such as showers or bathrooms, however.
There are a few cabins that permit domestic dogs. In addition, dogs are allowed at campsites as long as the above rules are followed.
Kring Point is a very popular park for dog walking! During my visits and camping stays, I saw plenty of dogs having a nice, pleasant walk.
What is there to do at Kring Point State Park in NY?
There are a variety of activities available for visitors to Kring Point. The first, and most obvious, activity that comes to mind is watching the river.
The St. Lawrence River is a very busy river and you will be able to see many large and small boats pass by during your stay at the park. The large shipping vessels that pass by the park are very interesting to see, and they seem to come at a fairly regular pace during daylight hours.
Many people enjoy being a bit more active, so for those of you who love to enjoy activity in the outdoors, the following opportunities are available:
- Boating (there is a boat launch and docks available)
- Camping (both cabins and campsites)
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife viewing
- Picnics
- Fishing
- Pavilions and shelter rentals available for large gatherings
- Playground
- Swimming
- Nature trails
- Hunting
The view below is from a photo I took at a cabin site. Almost all of the picnic tables and campsites at the park directly overlook or have a great view of the water, such as the view below of Goose Bay.
Camping at Kring Point State Park
Camping is one of the most popular activities to do at Kring Point. There 94 campsites and 8 cabins available for spending the night along, or near the bank of the St. Lawrence at the park.
All campsites have their own fire ring and picnic table, but most of the sites do not have electricity. Leashed pets with proof of a rabies vaccine are generally allowed at the campsites (see below for cabin information), but be sure to check your specific site to make sure.
It is important to note that some sites can be accessed by driving right up to the site, and others require you to “hike” in, so be sure to reserve the right type of campsite to suit the type of camping equipment you have. While it isn’t a long walk to the sites that don’t have drive-up parking, it could be difficult for some campers.
The hike-in sites are tent only. The walk isn’t long, as I mentioned, but many of the hike-in sites are not level enough to a pop-up trailer with wheels.
The best part of camping at Kring Point, aside from the beautiful views, fishing and boating opportunities, is the laundry room. Yes, there is a laundry area at Kring Point where you can wash and dry your clothes – so, be sure to bring change.
How much does it cost to camp at Kring Point State Park?
Camping reservations at Kring Point cost between $18-$30/night, with a small extra fee added on holidays or weekends. In addition, non-residents of New York State will be charged a surcharge of $5 per night.
Are there cabins at Kring Point Cartier State Park?
Yes, there are 8 cabins to choose from at Kring Point State Park. While most of the cabins are very basic, all of the cabins have electricity, and some have a refrigerator and/or microwave.
Some of the cabins sleep four people, and others sleep 6. Cabins 7 & 8 are the largest and also, according to the park’s website, have hot water.
Cabin 1 is an accessible cabin, and has parking, a paved entrance, and ramp access for campers who are searching for an accessible way to enjoy the St. Lawrence river.
Also important to note, not all cabins allow pets, so be sure to carefully check the cabin you want to reserve, especially if you want to bring your pet or if you are very allergic. For example, Cabins 7 & 8 do not allow pets.
Cabins are considerably more expensive than the camping sites at the park. The cabins can be rented by the night or the week and start at about $52.50 a night and go up to about $101.50 a night, with an additional surcharge for holidays and for non-residents of New York State applying.
Since there are only several cabins available, and Kring Point is a beautiful, popular park, reservations for these spots fill up quickly. By the beginning of May, most of the cabins are full for most nights of the camping season, so be sure to make your camping plans early.
Is there hiking at Kring Point State Park?
There are no long hiking trails at Kring Point, as the park is only 61 acres in size. However, there is a relatively short nature trail on Morgan Island that can be accessed via a beautiful bridge on the north side of the peninsula near the park maintenance office.
This island is technically private property and is owned by a group of fishing guides. There is public access to the park during daylight hours, except between 11 am – 3 pm.
During 11 am – 3 pm, the fishing guides bring various groups and clients to the island and so there is no public access during these hours.
Can you swim in the St. Lawrence River at Kring Point?
There is a swimming beach at the St. Lawrence in Kring Point State Park. Swimming is allowed when a lifeguard is on duty, which is in the swimming season that runs approximately from the end of June until Labor Day.
Is there a pool at Kring Point State Park?
No, there is no pool at Kring Point State Park. However, you can find a pool at nearby Keewaydin State Park, about a 15-minute drive north on State Route 12.
Can you visit Kring Point State Park in the winter?
Kring Point State Park has winter activities available. For example, cross country skiing is allowed at the park during the winter months.
While there are no hiking trails as such directly on the park property, there are open spaces and paths throughout the park that can be enjoyed for cross country skiing in the winter, and even early winter or early spring outdoor walks. I have visited the park in late April, when most of snow has melted (though it can certainly snow in April or even May in this part of New York!), and it is a nice, while windy and chilly, place to explore.
During my April visit, I had the privilege to witness an osprey snatch a nice-sized fish right out of Goose Bay from only several yards away. Observing plants and wildlife, including birds, is an activity especially suited for Kring Point due to its position between a smaller bay and the large river.
History of Kring Point State Park in New York
The property that eventually became Kring Point State Park was sold to the the state in the 1890s, making this one of the state’s oldest parks in the North Country region of New York. Originally only between 30-35 acres (historical sources report different sizes), the park is now more than 60 acres.
The land purchase was part of a larger plan that included the purchase of several other properties intended to be designated for public recreation use. As you might note from the image below, which came directly from an annual report by the Commissioners of Fisheries, Game and Forests of the State of New York, most of those properties eventually became state parks that are still enjoyed today.
How Kring Point State Park got its name
According to what is written in the Documents of the Assembly of the State of New York, Volume 25 (page 72, if you are curious), compiled in 1902, the property was purchased from a family with the last name of Kring. Thus, the “point” of land between Goose Bay and the St. Lawrence River retained the name of Kring, and became Kring Point State Park.
Conclusion
I truly hope that you have enjoyed this article, and that it has helped you plan for your visit to Kring Point. If you have a question about something that you read, or if you have a specific question about the park, let me know and I will try to answer it for you.
Thanks for reading!