Local Area Recreation Near Natural Bridge / Watertown KOA Journey

We are located where The Adirondacks and The 1000 Island regions meet. The best of what both of these areas have to offer are within an hour of the campground making us a GREAT base camp

Water Sports - Star Lake

Water Sports - Star Lake

This quaint, pristine, and angular shaped lake boasts ample aquatic recreational opportunities for the entire family. The crystal-clear lake water is excellent for fishing for lake trout, swimming, and for all types of water sports and boating. From  canoes and kayaks,  to the unique "motorized rafts" (which is what Star Lake is famous for), to motor boats and jet skis, tubing, knee boarding and water skiing, to "REAL life social networking"  (Relaxing, meeting new folks and having a good time at The very popular "Sand bar" in the center of the lake)... this lake has something for everyone! Whatever your leisure, one thing is certain... Star Lake is one of the best kept secrets in the Adirondacks.
30 minute scenic drive into the Adirondacks from Natural Bridge KOA.

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Movies - Black River Drive-in Theatre

Movies - Black River Drive-in Theatre

Located in Black River, NY just outside of Watertown, near Fort Drum. We are projecting in beautiful Barco Digital and use Optimod-FM system for superior sound! Come see a few movies and talk to our staff in the concession stand or projection booth. Each night at intermission time we will draw a ticket stub from the evenings admissions, the winner will receive a large pizza with their choice of toppings! 20 minute drive from Natural Bridge KOA.

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Hiking - Baker Wood Preserve

Hiking - Baker Wood Preserve

Over 3 miles of trails extend throughout the preserve, including access to an Indian River landing and non-motorized boat launch. Visitors are invited to "Leave No Trace" and enjoy the lands for years to come. 6 minute drive from Natural Bridge KOA.

Additional hiking adventures further into the Adirondacks can be found at St. Lawrence County Trails.

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Horseback Riding - Stillmeadow Ranch

Horseback Riding - Stillmeadow Ranch

Welcome to Stillmeadow Ranch! Located near the western edge of the Adirondacks, in the Tug Hill Region of New York, Stillmeadow Ranch is an ideal stable for any and all horse experiences. Take a ride through scenic meadows and peaceful woods on horseback. Stillmeadow Ranch offers guided tours and lessons. No experience required, ages 6 and up.

To make a reservation or have questions please call: (315)397-2239, (315)408-1313, or (315)292-4557
$50.00 for the 1 hour ride
$100.00 for the 21/2 hour ride
$45.00 per lesson (price varies with lesson package)
*** Military Discounts***

50 minute drive from Natural Bridge KOA.

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Fishing - Lake Bonaparte

Fishing - Lake Bonaparte

Lake trout and brown trout are present in small numbers and may be taken in open water or by ice fishing. The most common angling targets are northern pike, largemouth bass or panfish. Northern pike up to 25" and large or smallmouth bass up to 18" are reasonably common. As of 2012, about 2,800 brown trout and 800 lake trout were being stocked annually.18 minute drive into the Adirondacks from #TheBridge

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Waterfall Tour - Cranberry Lake

Waterfall Tour - Cranberry Lake

The Cranberry Lake Waterfall Tour encompasses six easy-to-reach falls along a 20-mile drive. A couple of the waterfalls can be seen from the road, a couple require a short hike to reach, and one, Lampson Falls, is wheelchair accessible. The tour can be done in an afternoon, but it's more fun to take an entire day so there's time to fully enjoy each. Some of the falls are quite dramatic, while others have a gentle slope — all are worth checking out! To start the tour, follow Route 3 east from Natural Bridge about 44 miles, then turn left on Tooley Pond Road. This road is about a mile before Cranberry Lake and just after a bridge over the Oswegatchie River. (NOTE: Starting directions on the website are from Tupper Lake. Turn LEFT off Route 3 to start the tour.)

45 minute scenic drive into the Adirondacks from Natural Bridge KOA.

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Whitewater Rafting - Adirondack River Outfitters

Whitewater Rafting - Adirondack River Outfitters

ARO is the most experienced company in NY and was the original outfitter on the Black River with 33 years of great trips.  They run all available rapids between Watertown and Dexter.  Includes a powerboat tow and complimentary Labatts. 30 minute drive into Watertown from Natural Bridge KOA.

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Bowling- Harrisville Lanes & Lounge

Bowling- Harrisville Lanes & Lounge

Come out and meet the owners, Jeff and Lori. They have a variety of cold beers and an open kitchen with daily specials. WING NIGHT is Tuesday's with 65 cent jumbo wings! Cash Payment, ATM on sight, and we accept Mastercard and Visa.

Just a 10-minute drive from Natural Bridge KOA.

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Birding- Adirondacks Tug Hill

Birding- Adirondacks Tug Hill

Lewis County has much to offer for birdwatchers. Whether you're on a walk through the woods or out in a canoe or kayak, it's the perfect place to listen and look for the next bird species on your “life-list.”

Don't know where to find a perfect birding spot in Lewis County? Here are some suggestions: 

Tug Hill Wildlife Management Area – in Montague 

Whetstone Gulf – just outside Martinsburg 

The Tug Hill Traverse Trail – through Montague, Martinsburg, West Turin, & Osceola 

Inman Gulf (to Rainbow Falls) – in Rodman-Barnes Corners 

The East Branch of Fish Creek Access Trail – in West Turin 

Birding Checklist: 
https://adirondackstughill.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/wmabirdchecklist.pdf

Motorcycle Riding- Olympic Trail (Route 3)

Motorcycle Riding- Olympic Trail (Route 3)

Stretching from the Great Lake Ontario to legendary Lake Champlain, the Olympic Trail is packed with scenic and recreational attractions. One highlight of the trip is the Village of Lake Placid, which hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980. Spots for Adirondack hiking, camping, canoeing, and fishing are abundant. The hamlets are charming and the scenery is stunning.

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Arcades- Fun on the Run (at Salmon Run Mall)

Arcades- Fun on the Run (at Salmon Run Mall)

Arcade fun for all ages.  40 minute drive from Natural Bridge.

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Rails To Trails Bicycling - Clayton/1000 Island Area

Rails To Trails Bicycling - Clayton/1000 Island Area

We have a cool, rails to trails, that goes across farmland & forest. About 30 min from us, the trail ends in Clayton/1000 Island area (a fun coastal town overlooking Canada). There is also a seaway trail from Clayton to Sackets Harbor, with area elevation biking.

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Go Karts & Mini Golf- Route342 Karts & More

Go Karts & Mini Golf- Route342 Karts & More

Go Karts, Mini Golf, Ariel Ropes Course, Rock Wall, Bungee Trampoline, Inflatables, Gem Mining

30 minute drive from Natural Bridge KOA

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Canoeing & Kayaking

Canoeing & Kayaking

Flatwater paddling opportunities exist on many water bodies in the area…

>> Indian River. 6 minute drive from #TheBridge. From Natural Bridge to Theresa, the Indian is scenic, peaceful and largely underutilized. Here one can find peace and solitude of the outdoors in very picturesque settings. The canoeist will pass through areas of wooded banks and rocky ledges, as well as open pasture and farmland. Numerous beaver dams are encountered near Natural Bridge, adding a different quality to that river portion.  https://indianriverlakes.org/irlc-properties/baker-woods-preserve/

>> Black River Carthage Boat Launch. 14 minute drive from #TheBridge.

>> Lake Bonaparte. 18 minute drive from #TheBridge.

>> Francis Lake Hand Launch. 21 minute drive from #TheBridge. Provides an ADA accessible pathway and dock suitable for launching a canoe, kayak or small boat into the 120-acre Francis Lake.. https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/87743.html 

>> Black River in Denmark. 23 minute drive from #TheBridge. ADA accessible- Gravel area with accessible parking and single-lane boat launch. https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/124197.html

>> Beaver River Canoe Access. 27 minute drive from #TheBridge.

>> Clear Pond. 37 minute drive from #TheBridge. DEC hand launch site off Long Pond Road, 4 miles northeast of the Village of Croghan. https://visitmalone.com/paddling/little-clear-pond-boat-launch

>> Indian River. 37 minutes from #TheBridge. From Theresa to Black Lake, the channel is wide, the banks are marshy and the river meanders quite a bit. Here you enter a more popular stretch of the river..  https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/55733.html

>> Payne Lake Hand Launch. 46 minute drive from #TheBridge. Provides an ADA accessible pathway and dock designed for use with mobility devices and is suitable for launching a canoe, kayak or small boat onto the 19-acre Payne Lake. https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/87748.html

>> Cranberry Lake ADA access. 48 minute drive from #TheBridge.

>> Oswegatchie Wild River Yellow Lake State Forest. 50 minute drive from #TheBridge. Features an ADA accessible parking lot, path to the water, and hand launch on the Oswegatchie River. The lake itself can be accessed by a hand boat launch located nearby off of Hall Road, on the northwestern side of the lake.  https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/81109.html

>> Black Lake State Boat Launch. 59 minute drive from #TheBridge.

>> Stillwater Reservoir Boat Launch. 60 minutes drive from #TheBridge. Access the 6,200-acre Stillwater Reservoir. Paddlers should stay close to shore during periods of high winds. https://www.stillwatershop.com/general-information.html

Boat Rental

Boat Rental

Boat Rental Options

  • The Wandering Kayak - offers rental drop-offs and various locations or pick-up from Theresa (40 minutes from #TheBridge)

 
  • KD Kayak Rentals - offers rental drop-off to park in Dexter, on the Black River (45 minutes from #TheBridge)

 
  • River Bay Rentals - offers kayak and boat rental drop-offs and pick-ups in the Thousand Island area (60 minutes from #TheBridge)

(Image by jwvein from Pixabay)

Golfing - Carlowden Country Club

Golfing - Carlowden Country Club

Carlowden Country Club is a majestic, public 18 hole golf course that includes dining, tournaments, events, and more. Come and enjoy a perfect setting for a relaxing day of golf followed by a delightful dining experience or maybe just a beverage of your choice. Carlowden has a warm and friendly social environment for a day out with friends.
25 minute drive from #TheBridge.

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Beach Day - Westcott Beach State Park

Beach Day - Westcott Beach State Park

Westcott Beach State Park is a popular day-use park on Lake Ontario, with rolling, wooded hills and open, grassy meadows sheltered by Henderson Bay. A small marina is adjacent to the long, sandy beach to accommodate anglers interested in Lake Ontario's excellent black bass fishing. The park also has a children's playground, picnic areas and hiking trails.

55 minutes from #TheBridge.

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River Walk - Black River Trail

River Walk - Black River Trail

Easy walking, easy biking... popular trail.  Paved and sometimes very popular and busy. The main and original trail was built on the old former railroad bed. Picnic area, mileage markers, canoe access, fishing.

24 minutes from #TheBridge.

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Mountain Biking - Wolf Lake State Park

Mountain Biking - Wolf Lake State Park

These trails stretch from Sam Day Road in the north to Talcville and the Ames Road in the south. At the center of the state forest, Moon, Wolf, and Huckleberry Lakes offer beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing and fishing in an undeveloped wilderness. They are part of the Wolf Lake State Forest and are managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Wolf Lake State Forest is a reforestation area of 4,316 acres. It was purchased by the state in the 1950's and 60's to return idle and abandoned farmlands to productive use as a source of timber and to provide land for public recreation.

34 minute drive into the mountains from Natural Bridge KOA.

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