Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #59

- 8R29+7G, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

For seasoned New York State campers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), stands as the gold standard for primitive, boat-access camping. This vast complex of 87 unique campsites, spanning the islands and shorelines of Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes, offers an unrivaled opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the heart of the Adirondack Park. Campsite #59 is one such celebrated spot, promising an exclusive and waterfront experience that feels far removed from the everyday demands of life downstate.

The core identity of this campground is its requirement for watercraft. Forget the crowds and the congestion of roadside camping; here, your canoe, kayak, or motorboat is the key to unlocking a private slice of the wilderness. Campsite #59, located in the highly sought-after Lower Saranac Lake Islands loop, provides a generous and secluded area that offers stunning views and minimal interaction with other campers. The emphasis is on "carry-in, carry-out" camping, embracing the 'Leave No Trace' principles that are vital to preserving this cherished New York State land. Reservation is essential, as New Yorkers and visitors alike vie for these coveted spots, sometimes booking months in advance to secure a place where the sound of the loon replaces the sound of traffic.

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is situated within the Adirondack Park near Saranac Lake, NY 12983. While the provided address, 8R29+7G, is a geographical code pointing toward the general area on the Lower Saranac Lake, the crucial detail for any New York local planning a trip is the access point and the unique nature of the site itself.

Key Location Details and Accessibility:

• Water Access Only: Campsite #59 is strictly boat-in. Campers must park their vehicles on the mainland—often at the State Bridge Boat Launch (on Route 3) or at designated municipal lots in the Village of Saranac Lake if the main lot is full—and paddle or motor their gear and supplies across the water. This distance to the site can vary, requiring physical effort and careful planning.
• Lower Saranac Lake Loop: Site #59 is positioned on the Lower Saranac Lake. This is an advantage for boaters as it provides relatively straightforward access from the launch site, while also offering direct boat travel through the Saranac River and a set of locks to the other bodies of water in the chain.
• Proximity to Tri-Lakes Amenities: Despite its remote feel, the mainland is a short drive from the Villages of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, which offer essential services, restaurants, and recreational rentals. This allows New York campers to enjoy deep wilderness camping without being completely isolated from necessary supplies or emergency services.
• Wilderness Setting: The campsite is part of a series of islands and remote shorelines, ensuring that the visual and auditory experience is dominated by the Adirondack forests and waters.

The services at Saranac Lake Islands Campground are intentionally minimal to maintain the primitive nature of the experience. The focus is on providing the necessary infrastructure for safe, self-sufficient camping:

• Campsite Registration: All campers for Campsite #59 must register and obtain their permit at the main check-in station (typically located near the State Bridge/Second Pond Boat Launch) before proceeding to their boat-access site.
• Primitive Campsite Setup: Campsite #59 is furnished with an officially designated fire pit or stone fireplace for cooking and campfires, and a picnic table for meal preparation and dining.
• Oversight and Enforcement: DEC staff enforce campground rules, including quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.), generator usage restrictions (limited hours), and site occupancy limits (typically 6 individuals, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles parked on the mainland).
• Waste and Recycling: While camping is carry-in/carry-out, a recycling center is available at other DEC campgrounds in the area, which campers can use by presenting their camping permit. Burning trash is strictly prohibited.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is sold at the main check-in location, a key service that helps prevent the spread of invasive species often carried in external firewood.

• Iconic Island Camping: The standout feature is the feeling of having a private island retreat, a unique and sought-after camping experience that sets this site apart from typical New York campgrounds.
• Extensive Water Recreation: Campsite #59 serves as a perfect launch point for exploring the 24-mile Saranac Lake chain, offering endless miles for paddling, motorboating, swimming, and waterskiing.
• Fisherman's Delight: The Lower Saranac Lake is highly regarded for its freshwater fishing, with species such as bass and northern pike providing excellent angling opportunities directly from the campsite’s shoreline.
• Secluded and Primitive Atmosphere: The boat-access requirement ensures a quieter, more intimate connection with nature. Campers enjoy maximum privacy, often unable to see or hear their neighbors.
• Gateway to Hiking Trails: The campground is situated with access to the surrounding Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the larger High Peaks Wilderness Area, offering world-class hiking options for day trips.

Mailing Address / Check-in Area Address: 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Campsite Location (Approximate Grid): 8R29+7G, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA (On Lower Saranac Lake)

Campground Information Phone: (518) 891-2841

Campsite #59 at Saranac Lake Islands Campground is an absolute must-do experience for any New York local looking for a profound and affordable Adirondack wilderness adventure. It represents the best of what the state's protected lands have to offer: seclusion, natural beauty, and a chance for self-reliance. For residents tired of crowded front-country campgrounds, the boat-access-only nature of this site guarantees tranquility and a return to the basics of camping.

Crucially, the price point—reflecting a public state resource—makes the dream of having a private waterfront campsite accessible to New York families and individuals. The ability to launch from the mainland and paddle or motor to a secluded island spot, then spend days fishing, swimming, and exploring the vast Saranac Lake chain, creates lasting memories that embody the spirit of the Empire State's wild north country. By choosing Campsite #59, New Yorkers are not just booking a night outdoors; they are securing a highly coveted escape into a legendary piece of the Adirondack Park, reaffirming their connection to one of the most magnificent natural preserves in the entire country. The challenge of a boat-in site is simply part of the reward—a peaceful, pristine, and wholly New York experience.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #59

8R29+7G, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA