Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #58, Saranac Lake, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking the ultimate blend of primitive wilderness and secluded comfort, Campsite #58 at the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a premier Adirondack experience. This New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground is legendary for its unique "boat-access only" campsites, many of which are situated on private islands or remote shorelines of the Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes. Campsite #58, specifically, represents a gateway to this rare form of camping where your immediate neighbors are the towering pines and the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, reaching Campsite #58 is part of the adventure, requiring a boat, canoe, or kayak to transport all your gear. This built-in barrier to entry ensures a higher level of privacy and tranquility, appealing directly to New Yorkers who value a true escape from the bustle of city and suburban life. The campsite itself is typically a private, designated area featuring essential primitive facilities, providing a perfect base camp for a multi-day exploration of the Saranac Chain of Lakes and the vast surrounding Wild Forest.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #58 is situated within the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, located in the heart of the Adirondack Park, managed by the DEC. The administrative and check-in office is near the Second Pond State Boat Launch, which is generally associated with the address: State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. This location places the campsite complex within easy reach of the Tri-Lakes region's amenities, including the villages of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.

The defining characteristic of Campsite #58—and indeed the entire campground—is its accessibility: it is strictly Boat-In Only. After checking in at the State Boat Launch, campers must load all their equipment into a personal or rented watercraft. Campsite #58 is specifically located on Lower Saranac Lake and is reachable only by navigating the waterways. This provides exceptional privacy but requires careful planning for the transport of all food, water, and camping gear. Parking for vehicles and trailers is available at the launch site, though campers should be prepared for potentially limited space, especially during peak summer weekends, and may be directed to use municipal overflow lots in the village.

Services Offered

As a primitive, boat-in facility, the services provided focus on maintaining a clean and functional environment in a wild setting. Campers must be self-sufficient and adhere to strict wilderness etiquette.

Campsite Capacity: Campsite #58 allows for a maximum of six individuals, two tents, or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent (though a hard-wheeled unit is often impractical to transport by boat).
Primitive Facilities: The site is equipped with essential amenities including a picnic table and a dedicated fireplace or fire ring for campfires (firewood must be purchased locally or brought in).
Sanitation: Campers rely on a nearby outhouse (pit privy) for restroom facilities; there is no potable water available directly at the campsite, requiring campers to bring their own or treat lake water.
Boat-In Registration: Check-in for the campsite, including displaying the required permit, is conducted at the designated check-in station near the Second Pond boat launch.
Waste Management: The campground operates on a strict Carry-In, Carry-Out policy; all trash and recyclables must be transported back to the main recycling center at the launch site or to other DEC facilities.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at the campsite, provided they have proof of a current rabies vaccination and are kept on a leash no longer than six feet.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #58 is particularly desirable due to its unique features and the surrounding recreational opportunities available only to boat-access campers.

Ultimate Privacy: Being a boat-access-only site, Campsite #58 provides unparalleled isolation from other campers and vehicles, offering a truly tranquil experience.
Waterfront Location: The site is directly on the water, offering a private shoreline for swimming, beaching a boat, or enjoying sunrises and sunsets over the lake.
Boating and Paddling Hub: Located on Lower Saranac Lake, the site provides immediate access to miles of interconnected waterways, allowing for extended paddling trips and powerboating to nearby attractions like the historic Saranac Locks.
Exceptional Fishing: The waters around the campsite are known for excellent fishing, with a variety of freshwater species available, making it a favorite for anglers.
Gateway to the Wild Forest: From the water, campers have access to various trailheads for hiking, opening up the extensive opportunities within the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the larger Adirondack Park.
Positive Camper Feedback: Campsites in this area, including Site #58, are often praised by visitors for their large size, privacy, and beautiful waterfront views, making them highly sought-after reservations.

Contact Information

All reservations for Campsite #58 are typically made through the state's online reservation system. For immediate information, use the provided contact details.

Address (Check-In Area): State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

Campground Phone (DEC): (518) 891-2841

Regional Office Phone: (518) 897-1309

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, Campsite #58 at Saranac Lake Islands Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it's a reservation for an exclusive adventure. This unique boat-in location offers a degree of private solitude that is increasingly difficult to find in the Northeast's popular state parks. It provides a perfect challenge for the seasoned outdoor enthusiast and an unforgettable novelty for families looking for a break from their typical routine. The necessity of using a boat to access the site creates an immediate and satisfying sense of wilderness immersion.

The site's primitive amenities ensure campers maintain a close connection with nature, embracing the "carry-in, carry-out" philosophy and a deep respect for the environment. By providing access to the vast Saranac Chain of Lakes for fishing, swimming, and exploring, Campsite #58 is a highly suitable destination for New Yorkers seeking a refreshing, active, and profoundly peaceful retreat right in their backyard—a chance to own their very own private piece of the Adirondack waterfront, if only for a few nights.