Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

Photo gallery for Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

A wooden dock leading to a house by a lake.
A rustic cabin interior with wooden walls and ceiling, a large bookshelf, and a television.
A rustic wooden cabin interior with a cozy living area, bookshelves, a fireplace, and a television.
A cabin with a wooden deck overlooking a body of water, surrounded by trees.
A wooden cabin room with two beds, a chair, a small table, and a window with curtains.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
Clayton, NY

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Bedroom

1 King Bed

Bedroom

2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the neighborhood

Clayton

Located in Clayton, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Boldt Castle and Historic Locomotive Train are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at 1000 Islands Kayaking and Gananoque Municipal Marina. City Cruises Gananoque and Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and hiking.
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Map
Clayton, NY

Restaurants

  • Tim Hortons
  • McDonald's
  • The Boatyard at Carrier Bay
  • Nappo's Sports Bar
  • Riva

Frequently asked questions

Is Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 999 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

As of Nov 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve on May 15, 2027 start from $711, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is close to Canoe-Picnic Point State Park, Thousand Islands Playhouse, and Hal McCarney Park. Area attractions also include Thousand Islands National Park and Joel Stone Heritage Park.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another wonderful week at a beautiful place we cannot wait til next year
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The cottage was exactly as described / pictured. The house was very clean and well equipped. We paddle boarded, tubed, swam, rode bikes around the island, checked out Gananoque, and watched the sunset from the porch every night. Such a peaceful, relaxing week. We will absolutely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had another wonderful week at the Howard-Smith cottage. Everything was perfect. We hiked to civil war cemetery and Grindstone winery. We biked the island. We kayaked and fished. Most enjoyable was we unplugged for a week with our family. The cottage is amazing with plenty of room. My daughter and her husband loved sleeping in the boathouse with the sound of the water. Even one rainy day was enjoyable, spent on the porch watching the water. I can’t imagine a better place to spend a week.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very quaint, quiet location. The hosts were awesome in answering all of our questions before we ever arrived. It was just as described and likely a unique property with the private preserve. We truly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time as usual can not wait til next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

St Lawrence Paradise

Always great to stay at the Howard Smith property and now there is a winery close by. Rustic, fun, beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing grounds and location

We loved every minute of it! Very relaxing! The blueberry island was a hit with kids!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views from this rustic vacation home. Enjoyed, kayaking, pattle boarding, fishing, swimming, site seeing in Clayton, Alexandra bay and bolt castle and yacht house. Beautiful, peaceful and surrounded by the beauty of the thousand islands.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We love coming here every year The owners are great and the location is absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait till next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most magical place in the world

There is not better equip house with endless trails and amazing sunsets. Incredibly cozy and perfect in every way.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yet another lovely week on Grindstone!

Maybe our tenth visit here over the past 25 years- need we say more?
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Special Place

This was our second year here. Loved it even more this year. We brought bikes and explored the island, getting to know some of the local folks. This is a place where you can really relax. Thanks for having us!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What A Vacation!

Our stay at the Howard Smith lodge was fantastic. Even though the weather was not the best, everything about this place made us feel right at home. From the large family room with the banquet table for family meals and board games, to the adirondack lined back deck overlooking the lake, and the overall property as a whole, we had the most relaxing and therapeutic vacation in years. The kitchen is as well stocked as any vacation home we have aver stayed in, so for people who like to cook or bake, you could not ask for more. Thank you, Sandra and Isabel, for your hospitality and for sharing this beautiful, amazing family lodge. We will definitely be returning next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One week is too short!!

We have rented this property multiple times. It is so beautiful both inside and out. We spent most of our time jumping off the diving board and floating down to the boathouse. We also explored the island with a 6 mile walk, as well as a bike excursion around the island and over to the winery! We brought bikes, paddle boards and waterskis. The kitchen is small but quaint. The huge dining room table is perfect for big dinners and card games to follow. The beds are very comfortable, great living space and an incredible front porch with killer sunsets. Great hosts, as well!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the most amazing week. We watched sunsets from the porch, fished off the dock and kayaked almost every day. We road bikes and hiked on the island which is rich with history. There is a wonderful winery on the island open on weekends that is a short walk. We got a tour of the island in a car from the winery hostess. Clayton is only a 20 minute boat ride and Wellesley island state park is 30 minutes . We launched our boat from Wellesley and left the truck /trailer there for the week. The home and the owner couldn’t have been more wonderful. I was smitten as soon as I stepped off our boat. It was better than expected . It was very clean and had everything we needed. I don’t know how we could’ve had better week!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic Cottage on Grindstone

My husband, myself and our two sons (13 and 7) had a wonderful two weeks at this beautiful property. It offers great swimming and fishing. Our sons loved the diving board and swimming off the dock. My son and husband both caught pike while fishing near the dock. It is excellent for bird sightings. We saw a pair of Loons one morning, emerge from the water right in front of us, while sitting on dock. Other birds spotted: common merganser with chicks, osprey, belted kingfisher, to name a few. Potter's beach is a short boat ride away. Excellent accommodation, very clean, well appointed. Its a 5-10 minute walk to Grindstone Winery, which has ongoing events. I highly recommend and would definitely come again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic Charm

The property is very scenic and we were fortunate to catch a great week of weather including plenty of sunshine and calm seas 5 out of the 7 days we stayed. We chose the location based on the privacy and serenity it provides. That did not disappoint and the views of the river and surrounding islands is quite beautiful. The buildings are very rustic. If that is a quality that you appreciate, then you will be pleased. Frankly, the property was more rustic than we anticipated which is why I did not give the highest rating. A boat is a must have to stay at this property. We enjoyed numerous boat rides back and forth to Clayton, however it’s a fairly long ride so if the weather is not cooperating, it would be a challenge. The house is well stocked and clean (again for what it is). Overall, our extended family - including grandparents - had a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

This is our 2nd time renting this cabin. It is in a beautiful spot and has everything you need. We love staying here on our family vacation. Can’t wait til next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin and Outstanding Views

We truly had a great and relaxing time exploring the island, swimming, and fishing. The cabin(s) were just right for our group and the owners were very accommodating. Thank you for the memories
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family gathering place!

We have been here 7 or 8 times over the past 30 years- that tells you something, right? We never fail to be delighted!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Classic 1000 Island cottage

Beautiful location. Wonderful "great room", fun, well appointed kitchen. quaint, cozy bedrooms, user friendly pink granite shore front. Wonderful boathouse.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Property

This property makes you lose track of time. The island and the land surrounding this home is beyond beautiful. Isabel and family thanks for sharing your piece of Thousand Islands with us. It is a real treasure! Matt and Amy
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So much better than Maine

This was the best summer family vacation. The house and property are amazing. Everyone was friendly and the owner's family went out of their way to accommodate us. The kids all spent a lot of time between the diving board, swimming, water skiing, and snorkeling. I took a walk, read a book, shared some wine with the neighbors, watched the sunsets, took a cruise out to Boldt castle, dock up in Clayton and got a great meal on the waterfront at Bella's. And most of all we had a lot of fun hanging out in the big living room and deck at night playing games with family and friends. Thank you Abby, Isabel, and Jeff!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another amazing year!

We were able to spend even more time on the island this year and enjoyed amazing views, swimming, bike riding and more. Very relaxing and rejuvenating times!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

We had a wonderful time. The location and property is amazing. We can not wait for next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
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