Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #6, Saranac Lake, NY

Introduction / Overview

When New Yorkers talk about "getting away from it all," the Saranac Lake Islands Campground is often the gold standard for wilderness immersion. This unique New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility, nestled deep within the Adirondack Park, offers an experience unlike any other in the region: a collection of over 80 secluded campsites dotted across the islands and shorelines of Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes. The key feature, and the promise of ultimate privacy, is that every single campsite is boat access only.

Campsite #6, located in the popular Lower Saranac Lake Islands loop, embodies the spirit of this pristine campground. It is a highly sought-after tent site that offers a true primitive camping experience, requiring a degree of self-sufficiency that rewards adventurers with unparalleled tranquility and waterfront views. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a total disconnect, where the sounds of the motorboats during the day give way to the calls of loons and the crackle of a campfire by night. The entire campground system is designed to preserve the natural beauty of the Saranac Chain of Lakes, ensuring that your camping trip feels less like a facility stay and more like an expedition into the heart of the great outdoors. With a maximum occupancy limit of six individuals and space for two tents, Campsite #6 is perfectly sized for a family or a small group of friends ready for an authentic Adirondack adventure.

Since all sites are water-access only, the logistics of your visit become part of the adventure. You must transport all your camping gear, food, and water from the check-in point—typically the Second Pond Boat Launch—to your designated island or shoreline spot. This deliberate barrier to entry maintains the pristine quality and exceptional solitude that makes the Saranac Lake Islands Campground a cherished New York State gem.

Location and Accessibility

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is situated in the scenic northwestern portion of the Adirondack Park, near the popular Tri-Lakes region encompassing Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tupper Lake.

The official mailing and general area address for the campground is State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. This address generally directs visitors to the main boat launch and check-in area at Second Pond, located off Route 3. Campsite #6 is specifically located in the Lower Saranac Lake Islands loop.

Key Accessibility Notes:

Boat-In Requirement: Campsite #6 is a designated Boat-In Only site. This means you must have a canoe, kayak, or motorboat to reach the site after checking in at the main launch location.
Check-In Location: Campers must register and check in at the Second Pond State Boat Launch, which is situated approximately six miles west of the Village of Saranac Lake on Route 3.
Vehicle Parking: While a limited number of vehicles (typically two per site) are allowed to park at the launch area for the duration of the stay, space is finite. Visitors should be prepared for the possibility of being directed to use municipal overflow parking in the nearby Village of Saranac Lake, which may involve additional fees and logistics.
On-Water Travel: The paddle or boat ride from the launch to Campsite #6 on Lower Saranac Lake is part of the overall experience. The travel distance offers a natural transition from the developed world to a quiet, secluded wilderness setting.

Services Offered

The services at Saranac Lake Islands Campground are intentionally kept rustic to uphold the primitive nature of the setting, focusing on core necessities for health, safety, and comfort in the wilderness.

Campsite Amenities: Each boat-in site, including Campsite #6, is provided with a sturdy picnic table and a dedicated fireplace or fire ring for contained campfires.
Sanitation: Primitive outhouses (vault toilets/latrines) are located directly at or very near each individual campsite, ensuring responsible and private waste disposal.
Boat Launch Facility: A public, accessible boat launch area is available at the main check-in location off Route 3, providing the essential gateway to the islands.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for purchase at the main campground office, an important service that helps prevent the spread of invasive species by discouraging campers from transporting wood from outside the region.
Comfort Station: A comfort station (with more comprehensive restroom facilities) is generally available at the parking area near the launch, but is not on the island sites themselves.
Recycling Program: In line with the DEC's commitment to conservation, campers are required to 'carry-in, carry-out' all garbage, though recycling facilities for refuse disposal are usually available at the main launch or other nearby DEC campgrounds upon showing a permit.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #6 and the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offer distinct features that make it a premier destination for New York’s outdoor enthusiasts:

Waterfront Seclusion: The entire campground is characterized by its boat-access-only nature, granting campers unmatched privacy and a uniquely personal waterfront setting directly on the lake.
Access to the Saranac Chain of Lakes: Campers can easily explore miles of interconnected waterways, including Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes, and access other bodies of water via the historic lock system on the Saranac River.
Premier Water Recreation: The lakes are perfect for motorboating, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Excellent freshwater fishing is available, with the waters home to northern pike, bass, and perch, providing a great opportunity to literally catch your dinner.
Gateways to Adirondack Hiking: The location serves as a gateway to the vast trail networks of the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest to the north and the expansive High Peaks Wilderness Area to the south, offering varied options for both casual and serious hikers.
Maximum Occupancy Management: Strict limits of six people and two tents per site (or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent) maintain the quality and quietude of the experience for all campers.
Pet-Friendly: Domestic pets are allowed at the campsite, provided they have proof of a current rabies vaccination, remain on a leash no longer than six feet, and are never left unattended—a great feature for local New Yorkers who want to include their furry family members in their trip.

Contact Information

For booking, reservations, and official DEC campground information for Saranac Lake Islands Campground, please use the following contact details:

Physical Address (Campground Office/Check-in Area): 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Campground Information Phone: (518) 891-2841

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of New York State, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a critical opportunity for a genuine wilderness reset. Its appeal to the local user base is rooted in the unique blend of adventure, seclusion, and accessibility within the state’s borders. For New Yorkers weary of crowded state parks, the boat-access requirement serves as a natural deterrent to overcrowding, ensuring that once you reach Campsite #6, you are truly isolated on your own piece of Adirondack paradise.

This is not merely camping; it is an expedition. It challenges and rewards local adventurers, paddlers, and boaters with a pristine environment that is actively protected by the DEC's rules, such as the 'carry-in, carry-out' policy and restricted generator usage times. The proximity to the High Peaks and the interconnectivity of the lakes via locks make it a centralized hub for multi-day outdoor pursuits—all easily reachable by a determined New York resident. Campsite #6 represents a highly desirable, private waterfront haven, offering a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and appreciate the vast, protected beauty of the Adirondack Park—a truly priceless resource right here in the Empire State.