Campground sign on Foster Park Road, just off Route 180 at Dexter.
Interstate 81 and Watertown are just a few miles away.
It was a simply a spectacular weekend for an all-out October End-of-the-Season
Party for the many folks who enjoy Adirondack summers at Black River
Bay Campground in Dexter, NY. We just had to be there and catch the
fun, and really had a great time!
Clear blue skies and a terrifically mild day helped set the stage for
Saturday's annual blast. Rain earlier in the week combined with several
cool nights were bringing ever-growing numbers of fall salmon to the
swift waters of the river, a lot of which were easily within casting
distance of the Campground's docks and shoreline.
While salmon weren't exactly anxious to join in the fun, they were there nonetheless
and were jumping with all the wild enthusiasm for which they are
famous. Still, there was an abundance of other gamefish available and
after talking with anglers old and young, it appeared just a few came
away empty handed. They all had fun.
The
campground was filled to near capacity, and every kind of camping rig
imaginable proved that this is certainly one popular and desirable
place to spend a few days, weeks, or even the whole season. Yep, there
are some campers who spend the entire season here. One visit and you'll
understand why. There's 150 wooded and open sites, but make your 2007
reservations soon.
We met and talked with fishermen, duck hunters, card players,
basketball shooters, boaters and kayakers, fellow photographers, pet
walkers, new moms & dads, grandparents, musicians --- such a wide
variety of things to do and see, and all just a few miles from
Interstate 81 (Exit 46) and the City of Watertown in Jefferson County.
Why, even Canada is is little more than a short drive north and yes,
there were Canadian campers present as well.
Campground owners Allen and Laura Todd keep the entire place neat as a
pin, and the obvious sense of community that the campers share made it
obvious that the Todd's have really made this a first-rate "resort"
that just grows more popular every year. And should anyone want to
leave this idyllic place for a bit of "town life" the village of Dexter
is just across the river. Even if one walked to the highway and across
the bridge, it would be a short and enjoyable trip. The views from the
bridge alone would make it a walk worth taking. Once in Dexter, there's
a wide array of shops, restaurants and more for everyone to enjoy.
One lady we spoke with said, "This is where the real people are. This
is just the kind of place where people get along together, share with
each other. It's sad to see the season end, but we'll all be back again
next year and it will be fun to see new faces, too."
That kind of gathers together the feelings most folks demonstrated
without words, and always impresses us about this thing called
"camping" that so many folks enjoy, for so many reasons.
During and after the big picnic-style BBQ --- with all the fixin's
brought in by many of the campers --- tunes were provided by musical group,
"J n' The Two Tones" and they performed to their max while the crowd
sang, danced, and just enjoyed the evening fun.
The cool of the night sent some folks back to their comfy trailers or
other accomodations, while many lingered around open fires near the
pavilion. They shared summer stories or winter plans and got all they
could out of this annual rite of the passing of seasons. If only the
beautiful Adirondack North Country summer could last a few more weeks...
...but sooner or later, the season ends and camps are closed for a long
winter of reflection and reminiscence. There's next years plans to be
made, old friends and new to stay in touch with until that time, and
plenty of good memories to tide them over.
Camping is a great, affordable family recreation that can take you
almost anywhere. For building and strengthening relationships between
friends, families and others, the wholesome activity of setting up or
creating a campsite added to the benefits of fresh air and healthy
exercise has nearly everything needed for good clean fun --- and that's
just the start of most adventures!
Black River Bay Campground is located just off Route 180 at Dexter, NY.
Call them at (315) 639-3735 or see their main website at
www.BlackRiverBayCamp.com for more information.
Have a great season everyone --- we'll see you next year!
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Not only are there two boat docks and a fuel station, there are
more "private" docks along the Campground's riverside sites.
Easy-access sites and careful planning mean a carefree, enjoyable
campground that offers something for everyone.
This cropped image of a salmon was one of many that drove
anglers wild; see the original images to learn how "wild"!
The party was fun for all ages, and the smiles proved it!
Music was provided by "J n' The Two Tones" and had folks singing,
dancing & tappin' feet. Song & dance, food & fun enough for anyone.
As the full moon was rising over the lighted pavilion, many folks
gathered around open fire pits while the band played on!
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