Jacques Cartier State Park
Morristown, New York · Jacques Cartier State Park
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $7
- SEASON
- June
About Jacques Cartier State Park
Jacques Cartier State Park is a 461-acre New York State Park on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River near Morristown, in the Thousand Islands region. Its lifeguard-supervised sandy beach in a sheltered bay makes it a dependable swimming hole and one of the better places to swim on this stretch of the river, with campsites, cabins, boat launches, and dockage alongside.
The park sits directly on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands region of northern New York, with large open lawns for games and picnics, forested and open picnic areas, and river-oriented recreation including boat docks and launches.
Swimming at Jacques Cartier State Park
Swimming takes place at a sandy beach set inside a sheltered bay of the St. Lawrence River, which protects the swim area from open-river current and boat traffic. The beach is staffed with lifeguards during the official season, making it suited to families and casual swimmers rather than a backcountry or hike-in experience.
How to get to this swimming hole
The park is located on Route 12 in Morristown, NY 13664, on the St. Lawrence River; the nearest hamlet is Brier Hill (~2.2 mi) with Morristown itself about 3.8 mi away.
The hike in
The park's official activities page mentions a short, unnamed woodland walking trail (a downloadable trail map is offered), but this is separate from beach access. The swimming beach sits in the day-use area next to parking, campsites, and the dock, so no trail or hike is needed to reach it.
Could not find a named trail, trail length, or official walk time from the lot to the beach; treat as a short walk given the park's compact, drive-up day-use layout.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Sandy swimming beach sits inside a sheltered bay of the St. Lawrence River and is staffed with lifeguards during the official 2026 season (June 27-Sept 7, 10am-6pm), which shelters swimmers from the open river's current and boat traffic; no cliffs or jumps reported at this beach.
Parking
Paid, $7 (vehicle day-use entry fee, or $80 Empire Pass for unlimited seasonal access)
The park charges a per-vehicle day-use fee that covers entry and parking for the beach/day-use area; official pages do not specify whether the day-use lot is paved, its capacity, or whether roadside overflow parking exists.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms/bathhouse and showers are listed among the park's official facilities (serving the campground and day-use area); exact location of a dedicated beach-side restroom building is not specified in official materials.
Hours
Park open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Swimming beach is lifeguard-staffed for the 2026 season June 27-September 7, 10am-6pm, seven days a week (dates subject to change). Boat dockage operates seasonally May 15-September 12.
On the water
The park has a boat launch and seasonal dockage (May 15-Sept 12, $7/day) on the St. Lawrence River, plus an on-site boat rental concession per official facility listings. No official source specifies electric-only, no-wake, or carry-in-only restrictions, or whether boats are kept separate from the swimming beach's sheltered bay.
Rentals nearby
Boat rentals are listed as an official park facility alongside the boat launch and dockage; specific watercraft types (e.g., rowboats/canoes) and rates are not published on the park's site
At the park's dock/day-use area on the sheltered bay, Route 12, Morristown, NY
Jacques Cartier State Park: FAQ
Does Jacques Cartier State Park charge a fee?
Vehicle day-use entry is $7 (peak and non-peak); an Empire Pass ($80) grants unlimited seasonal access. Camping runs $15-$31/night, day-use dockage is $7/day (overnight dockage $12-$19/night), and the pavilion rents for $75/day (up to 48 people).
Is Jacques Cartier State Park kid friendly?
Sandy swimming beach sits inside a sheltered bay of the St. Lawrence River and is staffed with lifeguards during the official 2026 season (June 27-Sept 7, 10am-6pm), which shelters swimmers from the open river's current and boat traffic; no cliffs or jumps reported at this beach.
Do I need to hike to reach Jacques Cartier State Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Jacques Cartier State Park?
The park charges a per-vehicle day-use fee that covers entry and parking for the beach/day-use area; official pages do not specify whether the day-use lot is paved, its capacity, or whether roadside overflow parking exists.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Jacques Cartier State Park?
The park has a boat launch and seasonal dockage (May 15-Sept 12, $7/day) on the St. Lawrence River, plus an on-site boat rental concession per official facility listings. No official source specifies electric-only, no-wake, or carry-in-only restrictions, or whether boats are kept separate from the swimming beach's sheltered bay.
When is the best time to visit Jacques Cartier State Park?
Official swimming season for 2026 runs June 27 through September 7, 10 am-6 pm, seven days a week (dates subject to change); the park itself is open year-round sunrise to sunset, with cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter.
What are the rules at Jacques Cartier State Park?
Pets are limited to two per campsite, must be leashed (max 6 feet) or crated, and are prohibited from the beach except for service animals. Hunting (deer and waterfowl) is permitted seasonally only in designated areas of the park.
