Saranac Lake Islands Camp ground

- Saranac Lake, NY 12983

For New York State residents yearning for a truly unique and secluded camping experience, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, managed by the DEC, presents an unparalleled opportunity. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is an archipelago of wilderness sites where every one of the 87 available locations is accessible only by watercraft. If you have ever dreamed of having your own island or a private shoreline retreat, this facility on the Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes can make that dream a reality.

The entire campground is spread across the beautiful lakeshores and numerous small islands of the Saranac Chain of Lakes, offering incredible privacy, stunning waterfront views, and a genuine escape into the wild heart of the Adirondacks. The inherent challenge of needing a boat or canoe to reach your site acts as a natural filter, ensuring a quiet, boat-centric camping community. From the moment you launch your vessel, you trade the sounds of the highway for the gentle lapping of the water, a trade-off many New Yorkers consider priceless.

This facility caters specifically to paddlers, boaters, and nature enthusiasts seeking a higher level of immersion into the Adirondack wilderness. Customers frequently highlight the excellent privacy of the sites, with many having ample space for docking and camping. As one camper noted about their spacious island site, it was "a level spot with plenty of room and very private but close to the dock." It is an essential destination for those looking to explore the vast, connected waterways that define this part of the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest.

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is located within the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest in the northwestern Adirondacks, providing New York campers with direct access to the Saranac Chain of Lakes.

The mailing address associated with the general area and check-in is: Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that the campsites themselves are scattered across the water and are BOAT ACCESS ONLY. There is no possibility of driving directly to your campsite.

All campers must check in at the main administrative office, which is located at the **Second Pond State Boat Launch** (a few miles south on Route 3 from the main Saranac Lake village). This is a critical detail, as another boat launch in the area may be for cartop boats only and is not the correct access point for check-in. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak season, and should be made well in advance. Upon check-in, you will receive the necessary permits and instructions for accessing your reserved water-only site. Parking is provided for vehicles at designated areas near the launch sites, though capacity can be limited, and sometimes overflow parking in the Village of Saranac Lake may be utilized.

As a water-access-only campground, the Saranac Lake Islands facility provides primitive amenities tailored for a true wilderness experience.

• Campsites: 87 total campsites located on the islands and shorelines of Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake, and Weller Pond.

• Lean-tos: Five of the campsites feature classic Adirondack lean-to shelters in addition to tent space.

• Docking: Every campsite is waterfront and includes an area suitable for boat landing and temporary docking (some sites are better suited for pontoons or larger boats than others).

• Primitive Sanitation: All sites are equipped with an outhouse (pit toilet). It should be noted that there are no flush toilets or showers on the islands or shorelines themselves, consistent with the primitive nature of the camp.

• Day-Use Sites: Five designated day-use sites are available for picnicking and temporary stops for non-campers.

• Fires: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fireplace/fire ring for cooking and campfires.

• Essential Supplies: Firewood sales are available at the check-in or administrative office to encourage the "Don't Move Firewood" regulation.

• Refuse: The campground operates on a "carry-in, carry-out" policy for all trash. A recycling center is typically available at other nearby DEC campgrounds if you present your camping permit.

• Water: There is no potable water available at the individual island or shoreline sites. Campers must bring their own water or be prepared to filter/treat lake water. Potable water is usually available at the Second Pond Check-in/Boat Launch area.

The unique configuration of the Saranac Lake Islands Campground makes it a premier destination for adventurous New York State campers.

• Unmatched Privacy and Seclusion: With all sites being water-access-only and widely dispersed, you are virtually guaranteed a private experience where, in many cases, the nearest campsite is not even visible.

• Saranac Chain of Lakes Access: The location provides direct boating and paddling access to the entire Saranac Chain, which includes Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake, and Upper Saranac Lake (via the Saranac River and a system of locks).

• The Locks Experience: Boaters can navigate through the historic lock system that connects the lakes, an engineering marvel that offers a fun and memorable boating excursion.

• Motor Boating and Paddling: Both motorized boats and paddled crafts (canoes, kayaks) are permitted on the lakes, catering to all types of water enthusiasts, including those interested in waterskiing and jet-skiing.

• Exceptional Fishing: The lakes are highly rated for fishing, with species such as northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and yellow perch commonly sought after.

• Waterfront Views from Every Site: Since every single one of the 87 sites is located directly on the water, campers benefit from constant, stunning Adirondack lake views right from their tent.

For New York residents planning their island camping trip, use the following contact details for information and reservations.

• Phone: (518) 891-2841 (Information Line)

• Address (General Area/Mailing): Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

• Check-in/Registration Location: Second Pond State Boat Launch (check-in is mandatory here)

For residents of New York State, particularly those from the highly populated downstate regions, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground represents the ultimate blend of wilderness adventure and structured camping. It uniquely offers the profound quiet and isolation typically associated with backcountry, paddle-in camping, but with the security and reservability of a regulated DEC facility. This island setting is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a commitment to a water-based lifestyle for the duration of the stay.

The requirement of a boat for access immediately filters the crowd, guaranteeing a more serene environment. This destination is perfectly suited for New York families and groups who own a boat or are prepared to rent one, offering them a true "island time" vacation without having to leave the state. The ability to launch from a central point, navigate through a historic lock system, and dock at a private island site with a fire ring and a picnic table creates a self-contained vacation experience. It is a highly sought-after destination because it provides a complete break from the daily grind, offering private waterfront solitude, excellent fishing, and endless paddling opportunities, solidifying its reputation as one of the most distinctive and rewarding camping adventures available in all of New York.

Saranac Lake Islands Camp ground

Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA