Swan Bay Resort & Marina Celebrates 10 Years: A Decade of Luxury Waterfront Camping in the Thousand Islands
This year marks a significant milestone for Swan Bay Resort & Marina as we proudly celebrate our 10th anniversary! What started as a visionary dream for a once underutilized waterfront property has flourished into New York State’s premier RV resort, captivating thousands of guests each year with the breathtaking beauty and serene tranquility of the Thousand Islands. As we take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey, we are honored to share the inspiring stories that lie behind the resort, the dedicated individuals who have helped shape it, and the loyal guests whose warmth and affinity have transformed it into a true home away from home.
A Vision on the Water
Swan Bay Resort was born from a simple, yet bold idea: to turn an underused stretch of St. Lawrence River shoreline into a destination worth traveling for. “I was always interested in this waterfront property,” says Rob, the resort’s owner and founder. “It seemed like a valuable asset that wasn’t being used to its full potential. I wanted to create a place people would look forward to visiting, something that would be an investment and a benefit to the community.”
After two years of planning, permitting, and designing with a lot of care and attention, Rob’s dream finally came to life just as he had imagined! The resort layout, with its exceptional amenities and stunning views, reflected all of his original ideas. Of course, like any big project, there were some challenges along the way, but they only made the journey more rewarding and exciting! “I had no background in hospitality,” Rob admits, “so learning to build not just infrastructure, but a team, that was the most rewarding challenge.”
Built by People, Powered by Passion
The team is a big part of why Swan Bay stands out today. “The development of the staff and the organization is what I’m most proud of,” Rob shares. “Seeing all the RV pads full and knowing it’s because of the people we put in place—that’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Two of those people are Sarah Dishon and Mindy Hall, who have been integral to the resort’s success over the past decade.
Sarah, Guest Services Director, reflects on what this milestone means to her: “It’s not just a 10-year celebration, it’s a reflection of the memories, the growth, and the community we’ve built. Being part of something that brings joy, relaxation, and connection to so many people is deeply meaningful.”
For Reservations Manager Mindy Hall, who has been with Swan Bay since the very beginning, the transformation has been nothing short of incredible: “We’ve grown from 7 rentals and 75 sites to 17 rentals, 300 sites, two pools, a playground, pickleball courts, and a beautiful waterfront pavilion. It’s come a long way, and we're just getting started!”
More Than Just a Campground
What truly sets Swan Bay apart is its resort atmosphere, blending the comforts of high-end accommodations with the natural beauty of the Thousand Islands. “We’re not just a campground,” Rob explains. “We’re a resort. From our waterfront location to the amenities and the attention to detail—we do things first class.” Guests can choose from a variety of elevated lodging options, including our stylish Tiny House Cottages, cozy chalets, and spacious Swan Bay Bungalow—each thoughtfully designed for comfort, convenience, and scenic views. These premium accommodations offer a perfect home base for relaxing after a day of exploring, whether you’re soaking in riverfront sunsets or enjoying one of the many on-site amenities.
Guests return year after year, which Sarah views as one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. “Welcoming guests back season after season, it’s like seeing old friends. And knowing they chose us again? That’s the best reward.” Many of our guests have shared their experiences, such as Swan Bay is a wonderful place to camp! Kristie Werth says, "It’s so well-kept and clean, the location is awesome being close to both Clayton and A-Bay, and everyone was so nice. The convenience of a store right there, along with a pool, bar, and food trucks on site, was a nice bonus too. Absolutely beautiful and we had a great time - can’t wait to visit again - already booked for next year!!", which genuinely reflects the warmth and comfort of our resort.
At Swan Bay Resort, we are deeply committed to enhancing your experience. We believe that the best way to grow is by listening to you, our wonderful guests! Each year, we love using your feedback to make meaningful improvements. Whether it's adding fun new amenities, expanding our event offerings, or fine-tuning the overall resort experience, we’re all about ensuring your stay is just right. From our new pickleball courts to the beautiful waterfront pavilion, and from family-friendly activities to our exciting themed weekends and seasonal events, everything we do is designed with you in mind. Our commitment to making each visit even better than the last means that every season at Swan Bay is filled with more unforgettable moments for you and your loved ones. We can't wait to welcome you back!
Swan Bay Resort is proud to bring the local community and our guests together every Friday with our Farmers Market. What began as a simple idea has grown into a vibrant tradition, where local vendors, artisans, and food trucks come together to showcase the best of the Thousand Islands region. From fresh produce and handmade goods to unique flavors and creative crafts, the market offers something for everyone—and creates a welcoming space where resort guests and local residents can connect, support small businesses, and share in the spirit of community. It’s more than just a market; it’s a celebration of local culture and a reflection of our commitment to building lasting relationships beyond the resort gates.
Mindy adds, “Every guest is greeted with a sincere smile. We prepare in advance to ensure everything is ready for their arrival. Without our guests, there is no Swan Bay Resort.”
Looking Toward the Future
As for what’s next? The vision is still growing. Rob’s plans for the next 5 to 10 years include the completion of new glamping sites, additional waterborne amenities, more electric campsites, and facilities like another bathhouse and central water access for tent campers. “I’m excited to see the new pickleball courts and pavilion in action,” he says. “And I’m looking forward to integrating our local community even more into the guest experience. The future of Swan Bay is bright, and we can't wait to share it with you.”
Sarah is equally enthusiastic: “Watching Rob’s visions come to life and growing our connection to the local community, there’s so much to look forward to.”
And Mindy can’t wait for a quiet moment on the upper level of the pavilion, enjoying a Thousand Islands sunset.
A Legacy on the River
When asked what he hopes Swan Bay’s legacy will be, Rob doesn’t hesitate: “That we had the vision to take underdeveloped land and turn it into the #1 RV Resort in New York. That we brought people and opportunity to the region, and that we spared no expense when it came to the guest experience.”
As we celebrate 10 years of memories, growth, and gratitude, we invite you to experience Swan Bay for yourself, whether you’ve stayed with us before or are planning your first visit. See what makes this place special. Take in the river views, join our growing family of guests, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Here’s to the next 10 years—and all the moments still to come.