Saranac Lake Islands Campground Campsite 71, UPPER Saint REG, NY

Saranac Lake Islands Campsite 71: Your Exclusive Waterfront Group Camp in the Adirondacks

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking the ultimate in secluded, primitive Adirondack camping, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an experience unlike any other. This is not traditional roadside camping; it is an immersive, boat-access-only adventure into the heart of the Saranac Chain of Lakes. Campsite 71, specifically, is designated as a Group Site, making it an exceptional find for larger parties, families, or groups of friends who wish to explore the region together while enjoying a degree of privacy and exclusivity on the water.

Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Saranac Lake Islands Campground includes 87 waterfront sites scattered across islands and shorelines of Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake, and connecting waters. Campsite 71 is renowned for providing a pure, carry-in, carry-out wilderness feel, balanced with the presence of essential facilities. It is a true escape that begins the moment you launch your boat, promising stunning views, excellent fishing, and unparalleled paddling opportunities in one of the Adirondacks’ most cherished lake systems.

Location and Accessibility

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is geographically central to the famous Tri-Lakes region (Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid), offering a wild experience yet remaining accessible to local amenities.

Official DEC Campground Contact Address: 4468 State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 (The main registration and boat launch is typically located at Second Pond State Boat Launch, which is the operational hub, but the campsite itself is located within the water system.)

Campsite 71 Location: Campsite 71 is specifically situated on Middle Saranac Lake, one of the primary bodies of water within the campground complex.

Boat Access Only: A critical piece of information for all campers is that the Saranac Lake Islands sites—including Campsite 71—are strictly
"BOAT ACCESS ONLY."
Campers must arrive by motorboat, canoe, or kayak, requiring a level of preparation similar to a backcountry trip.
Registration Hub: All campers must check in at the designated DEC registration office, which is generally located at the Second Pond State Boat Launch.
Limited Parking: Due to the nature of a boat-access campground, parking for vehicles may be limited, and campers should be prepared to use municipal parking lots in the Village of Saranac Lake for overflow, which may incur additional fees.
Proximity to Attractions: While secluded on the lake, the campground is a short boat ride and drive away from the nearby villages of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, which offer dining, shopping, groceries, and additional attractions like the Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center.

Services Offered (Primitive Camping with Essentials)

As a primitive, boat-access state campground, the services are designed to support a wilderness experience while ensuring public health and safety. The DEC maintains a focus on core necessities.

Campsite Amenities: Each designated campsite, including the group site at #71, comes equipped with a fire ring for campfires and a sturdy picnic table.
Sanitation Facilities: Given the primitive nature, each campsite location is equipped with an outhouse (vault toilet). Campers should not expect flush toilets or modern bathroom facilities at the individual sites.
Water:
Potable water is NOT available
at the individual campsites. Campers must bring all necessary drinking water or be prepared to purify lake water for consumption.
Firewood: Firewood is available for sale at the main campground office. Campers are strictly prohibited from cutting down trees (alive or dead) and should only use dead and down wood found on the forest floor, or purchased firewood.
Refuse Disposal: The campground operates under a
"carry-in, carry-out"
policy for trash. However, a recycling center is typically available at other DEC campgrounds in the area where campers can dispose of recyclables and trash upon showing their camping permit.

Features / Highlights (Campsite 71 Specific)

Campsite 71 offers unique advantages, particularly as one of the limited group-designated sites within the popular Saranac Lake Islands system.

Group Site Designation: Campsite 71 is specifically intended for groups only and can only be booked through the DEC directly, often requiring special permitting or reservation procedures outside of the standard ReserveAmerica booking for regular sites. This allows for a larger party size and more equipment (up to 6 individuals and 2 tents maximum for a regular site, but group sites typically allow more occupants).
Waterfront Seclusion: Since the entire campground is boat-access only, Campsite 71 inherently offers a high degree of privacy and direct, exclusive waterfront access, perfect for swimming, launching kayaks, or simply enjoying the pristine lake view.
Unrivaled Paddling Access: The location on the Saranac Chain of Lakes allows campers to explore miles of interconnected waterways, including traversing through the historic, manually-operated Upper Locks between Middle Saranac and Lower Saranac Lake, a popular and unique local feature.
Motorboat Friendly: Unlike some wilderness canoe areas, motorized boats are permitted on the Saranac Chain of Lakes, making the transport of gear and access to the site much easier than a purely paddling trip.
Excellent Recreation: The location is a hub for freshwater fishing (targeting largemouth bass, northern pike, and more), boating, swimming, and provides a jump-off point for extensive hiking trails nearby, including routes into the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the High Peaks Wilderness Area to the south.

Contact Information

For reservations, especially for the unique Group Site 71, it is essential to contact the DEC campground directly or utilize the state’s official booking system.

Address (General Campground Area): UPPER ST REG, NY 12945, USA (Note: This general location refers to the area of the lake system. Actual site access is by boat only.)

Campground Phone: (518) 891-2841

Mobile Phone: +1 518-891-2841

Reservation Tip: Standard sites are often booked months in advance. For a specific group site like #71, direct contact with the DEC/Campground Office is highly recommended to confirm booking requirements and availability.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite 71 at the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers New York locals an unparalleled opportunity to unplug and fully immerse themselves in the state’s finest wilderness. This is more than just camping; it’s a quintessential Adirondack adventure that requires effort and rewards it with solitude and beauty.

It is suitable for New Yorkers because it provides an accessible, yet truly remote-feeling, group camping option. The fact that it is boat-access only filters out casual visitors, ensuring a quieter, more nature-focused experience. For established groups of friends, paddling clubs, or extended families, the designated group site allows them to pool resources and enjoy a memorable, multi-day retreat on one of the Adirondacks’ most stunning lake systems. It’s an authentic challenge that connects locals directly with the pristine beauty of the New York State Forest Preserve, fostering skills in self-sufficiency, navigation, and 'Leave No Trace' ethics—all while building lasting memories on a private island-like setting.