Jacques Cartier State Park
Explore park information, recreation, camping, maps, and visitor details.
Park overview
Jacques Cartier State Park is a popular recreation and camping park near Morristown, New York. Set along the St. Lawrence River and a tranquil swimming bay, it’s a much-loved spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.
With a sheltered bay and a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards on duty in July and August, Jacques Cartier State Park is the perfect RV camping spot in the summer months. Once you’ve set up your RV camp, take a stroll along the nature trail, challenge the family to a game of basketball, or simply relax with a picnic in the forest.
An expansive lawn area is perfect for kids to run around on and a children’s playground keeps them entertained for hours. During the winter months, cross-country skiing can be enjoyed along the park’s hiking trails.
Park map
View the park location and surrounding area.
Nearby lakes
Lakes within 25 miles of Jacques Cartier State Park.
Things to do
In-season activities
Popular things to do during the park's primary season.
Boating
Set on the St. Lawrence River with a sheltered bay and sandy swimming beach, Jacques Cartier State Park is a boater’s paradise. Bring your own watercraft along and enjoy water skiing and snorkeling here, or rent your own on-site. There are boat launch areas and boat docks available. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August.
Fishing
Anglers love Jacques Cartier State Park. Set along the St. Lawrence River you can enjoy excellent fishing from a boat, the small dock, or along the shoreline. If you’re lucky you may catch some smallmouth bass, perch, and northern pike to cook on your campfire for dinner.
Hiking and Biking
A variety of trails wind their way through Jacques Cartier State Park which are perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Hike the 0.26-mile Apple Wood Trail, 0.31-mile First Falls Trail, 0.65-mile Hemlock Trail, 0.58-mile Krooked Kreek Trail, 0.13-mile Maple Trail, or the 0.25-mile Miles Rock Ridge Trail.
Off-season activities
Recreation commonly available outside the primary season.
Cross-Country Skiing
During the winter months, the hiking trails of Jacques Cartier State Park are open to cross-country skiing. It’s the perfect way to admire the incredible scenery. Please make sure that you stick only to the designated park trails for your own safety.
Ball Sports
A variety of outdoor sports can be enjoyed at Jacques Cartier State Park all year round. Bring your own balls to kick around on the wide open lawn or challenge a friend to a game of basketball. It’s the perfect way to warm up in the cooler off season months.
Winter Picnics
Winter picnics are a great way to spend a winter’s day at Jacques Cartier State Park. A variety of picnic areas and pavilions are available in the park for both day visitors and campers to enjoy.
Campgrounds
Reservable campgrounds
Sites that generally accept advance reservations.
Main Campground
Jacques Cartier State Park is home to 89 campsites overlooking the St. Lawrence River or the forest, made up of mostly no-hookup sites and a limited number of electric-only sites. The campsites are suitable for both standard campers with tents and RVs and trailers up to 50 feet. Campers have access to restrooms and showers, water spigots, a dump station, and a playground. Facilities include a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards on duty in July and August, a boat launch area, boat rentals, and boat docks. Jacques Cartier State Park is pet-friendly for up to two dogs, but they need to be kept on a leash at all times and have had a rabies vaccination.
Getting there and around
Driving directions
The entrance to Jacques Cartier State Park can be found off Route 12 in Morristown, New York. Once inside the park there are no strict driving restrictions, but keep an eye out for any low-hanging branches if you're setting up camp near the forested area. Parking is available for day visitors and camping guests can park their vehicles in the campground. Once you’ve set up camp, there are hiking trails to explore as well as a boat launch area so you can explore the park from the water.
Average monthly temperatures
Typical daily high and low temperatures near Jacques Cartier State Park.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30° | 32° | 39° | 52° | 65° | 75° | 79° | 78° | 72° | 59° | 47° | 35° |
| Low | 13° | 13° | 23° | 33° | 45° | 55° | 60° | 59° | 51° | 42° | 31° | 20° |
Historical averages describe typical conditions and are not a weather forecast.