Tucked along the shores of the St. Lawrence River in New York’s Thousand Islands region, Burnham Point State Park packs a remarkable amount of charm into its compact 12 acres. Established in 1898, this intimate state park offers one of the most accessible gateways to the legendary Thousand Islands — a sprawling archipelago of over 1,800 islands straddling the U.S.-Canada border.

What sets Burnham Point apart is its waterfront location. The park sits on a small peninsula jutting into Chaumont Bay, giving visitors panoramic river views and direct water access that larger, more crowded parks can’t match. It’s a favorite among kayakers and canoeists who use it as a launching point to explore nearby islands, and anglers come for the exceptional smallmouth bass, pike, and walleye fishing the St. Lawrence is known for.

The park’s small footprint creates a quiet, unhurried atmosphere ideal for families and couples looking to escape without venturing deep into the backcountry. Expect grassy shorelines, mature shade trees, and sunsets that light up the river in shades of gold and copper. Picnicking, swimming, and wildlife watching round out the activities — great blue herons and ospreys are regular visitors.

The best time to visit is June through September, when the river is warm enough for swimming and the islands are lush and green. Late summer brings the calmest waters for paddling.

Burnham Point proves that some of New York’s best outdoor experiences come in small packages.

Explore Nearby

• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York
• Mohawk Towpath Byway — Scenic Byway in New York
• Lakes to Locks Passage — Scenic Byway in New York
• Salisbury Center Bridge — Covered Bridge in New York
• Jay Bridge — Covered Bridge in New York