The WanderBus | A One-of-a-Kind Skoolie Stay on Black Lake

Ever wondered what it would be like to spend your vacation in a school bus?

We're taking a full-size school bus and transforming it into The WanderBus, a one-of-a-kind tiny-home-style getaway for two at Back Bay Campground on Black Lake.

And you're getting a chance to book it before the transformation is even finished.

🚌 From School Bus to Tiny Home

The WanderBus is currently being completely converted from a school bus into a comfortable and unique vacation rental designed specifically for two guests.

When completed, the Skoolie will feature a queen bed, private bathroom with a tiled shower, and a compact kitchenette equipped with an RV stove and oven, microwave, and compact refrigerator/freezer.

Step outside onto your own deck, grab a seat, and enjoy views toward Black Lake.

It's everything you need for a memorable campground getaway—packed inside a converted school bus.

🎟️ FOUNDING PASSENGER PRICING

Book the WanderBus before the build is complete and take advantage of our special Founding Passenger rates. The prices currently available are introductory rates for guests willing to book before the finished WanderBus is revealed.

Once construction is complete and finished photos are added, rates will increase to reflect the completed experience.

Book early, save on your stay, and be one of the first passengers aboard the WanderBus! 🚌

🎟️ Founding Passenger Rates: Current rates are special introductory prices offered while the WanderBus is under construction. Once construction is completed and finished photos are added to the listing, pricing will change. Guests who book early will keep the rate confirmed at the time of booking.

🌊 Stay in the Heart of Back Bay

Bus & Bay is located in the lower portion of Back Bay Campground, putting you close to the lake and many of the things that make staying at Back Bay fun.

You'll be near our boat launch, heated swimming pool, campground store, arcade, vending area, and other campground amenities.

The Skoolie is intentionally located in an active, central area of the campground rather than a secluded site. Guests will be able to see activity around the pool, store, boat launch, and other common areas from the Skoolie and its outdoor space. A fence behind the site helps separate the Skoolie area from the neighboring cabins.

If you're looking for complete isolation in the woods, one of our other accommodations may be a better fit. But if you want a unique place for two where you can enjoy a lake view and be close to everything happening at Back Bay, you'll be right where you want to be.

🎣 More Than Just a Place to Sleep

During your stay, you'll have access to the amenities of Back Bay Campground, including our 24/7 arcade and vending area, 24/7 bait vending, walking trails, upgraded Wi-Fi, and easy access to Black Lake.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, guests can also enjoy our heated swimming pool and seasonal 40-foot inflatable bounce house.

Spend your day fishing, boating, swimming, exploring Black Lake, or simply enjoying the campground. Then head back to your converted school bus for the night.

🔨 Follow the Build

One important note: The photos you're currently seeing are the BEFORE pictures.

The WanderBus is still under construction.

The school bus and location shown in the listing are the actual bus and site you'll be staying in. We'll continue updating the listing with new photos as construction progresses, eventually replacing them with professional photos of the completed Skoolie.

Book early and you'll get to watch your vacation rental transform from a school bus into one of the most unique places to stay at Back Bay.

The bus is here. The transformation is underway. Now we just need our first passengers. 🚌

Back Bay Campground and Cottages is a family-owned and operated lakeside retreat located on the southern shores of Black Lake in upstate New York. Known as one of New York’s premier fishing and boating destinations, the campground sits just minutes from the scenic St. Lawrence River and the charming town of Hammond, NY. The property is thoughtfully designed for guests who want to enjoy the lake at a relaxed pace without the crowds and noise of large commercial resorts. Guests enjoy easy access to the water and docks, along with shared amenities such as a heated swimming pool, arcade, and picnic areas. An on-site camp store offers convenient rentals, including boats, kayaks, and lawn games, so you can fully enjoy the lake without leaving the property.

Best access is by car; the area is low‑density with limited public transit. Roads are mostly county routes and NY State Route 37 and 12E for regional connections. Driving times: ~30–45 minutes to Cape Vincent and to larger boat/marina services; ~35–50 minutes to Watertown for full services and grocery/shopping. No local Amtrak service—nearest passenger rail and major transit hubs require driving. Watertown International Airport (ART) serves regional flights; Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) and Ottawa (YOW) are larger airports within longer drive distances. Seasonal boat travel and private-boat access are common for island and river destinations.

Other Details to Note

🚌 This is a real converted school bus. The WanderBus is a unique tiny-home-style stay, so the space and layout will feel different from a traditional cabin or hotel room. That's part of the fun!

🔨 Currently under construction: We're opening reservations while we complete the WanderBus. Current photos show the actual bus and its future location at Back Bay Campground. We'll continue adding photos throughout the build. The finished WanderBus will include the amenities described in this listing, but some finishes, furnishings, décor, and design details may change as construction is completed.

🌊 Lake view, not waterfront: The WanderBus offers views toward Black Lake but does not have its own private waterfront or dock. Guests have convenient access to the campground and lake.

🏕️ Active campground setting: The WanderBus is located in a central area of Back Bay Campground near the pool, camp store, boat launch, and other amenities. This means you'll be close to the action, but you may also see and hear other guests, vehicles, boats, children playing, and normal campground activity during your stay. This is not a secluded or private wooded site.

🏊 Seasonal amenities: Our heated pool and 40-foot inflatable bounce house are generally available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Availability may be affected by weather, maintenance, or other circumstances.

🎮 Year-round conveniences: The campground has a 24/7 arcade and vending area, including bait vending, making it easy to grab something or have a little fun without leaving the property.

🎣 Black Lake is an active recreational lake: Expect normal lake and campground activity, particularly during summer weekends and holidays.

🚗 Getting here: Back Bay Campground is reached by approximately 1.75 miles of dirt road. Take your time, enjoy the drive, and know that your Black Lake getaway is waiting at the end.

📸 Booking before the reveal? If you're reserving while construction is still underway, you're one of the first guests to book the WanderBus. Keep checking back—we'll update the listing as the transformation progresses.

We're building the WanderBus to be a fun, comfortable and completely different way for two people to experience Back Bay Campground. If you're looking for something a little outside the ordinary, you've found it. 🚌