Saranac Lake Islands Campground Campsite 77, UPPER Saint REG, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Own Private Corner of the Adirondacks

For New York residents seeking a truly unique and secluded camping experience, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground is one of the Adirondack Park’s most treasured gems. This is not your typical drive-in state campground; it is a specialized destination where every single one of the 87 campsites is accessible only by boat. Campsite 77, specifically, offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the "Tri-Lakes" region, situated on the Saranac Chain of Lakes, which includes Lower Saranac Lake and Middle Saranac Lake.

Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this campground provides a wonderfully primitive yet well-managed wilderness retreat. The experience is one of pure relaxation and adventure. Campers must bring all their supplies—gear, food, and water—and navigate the scenic waterways to their assigned waterfront spot, many of which are situated on small, isolated islands. The effort of the boat-in access is precisely what guarantees an exceptional level of privacy and an intimate connection with the Adirondack wilderness, making it a highly coveted reservation for any New Yorker looking to escape the bustle of city or suburbia. Imagine waking up to the call of a loon, stepping straight onto the shore from your tent, and having the entire lake as your backyard—that is the promise of Saranac Lake Islands.

Location and Accessibility

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is nestled in the vast expanse of the Adirondack Park, placing it squarely in the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest area. The facility’s official administration point and main registration/boat launch are crucial for accessing the sites.

The general address provided for this unique location places it near the water access points:

UPPER ST REG, NY 12945, USA

It is important for local New York users to understand the precise logistics: Campsite 77 is a boat-in only site, located on the Middle Saranac Lake section of the chain. Campers must check in at the designated DEC registration area, which is located at the Second Pond State Boat Launch, usually situated on State Route 3 near the Village of Saranac Lake. From the boat launch, you must then transport all your camping gear, food, and people via a personal watercraft—be it a motorized boat, canoe, or kayak—to your specific, reserved campsite. The experience begins the moment you launch your boat, requiring careful planning but rewarding campers with unparalleled solitude once they reach their temporary island home. The nearby villages of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tupper Lake offer modern conveniences, equipment rentals, and dining options for before or after your wilderness immersion.

Services Offered

The services at Saranac Lake Islands Campground are designed to maintain a primitive, "carry-in, carry-out" philosophy while ensuring safety and basic facilities required by the state park system:

Registration and Mooring: Campers register at the designated boat launch where permits are issued, and parking is available for vehicles (sometimes requiring overflow parking in the Village of Saranac Lake due to limited space).
Sanitation: Each individual campsite, including Campsite 77, is equipped with a clean, rustic outhouse (vault toilet), upholding environmental standards in this delicate ecosystem.
Potable Water (Limited/Self-Supplied): This is a primitive camping experience, meaning there is typically no potable water available at the individual island sites. Campers must bring all their own water or be prepared to filter/treat water from the lake.
Firewood Sales: To help prevent the spread of invasive insects, local firewood is typically available for purchase at or near the main campground office.
Boat Launch: State-operated boat launches are provided for access to the Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes, facilitating the necessary water transport to the islands.
Waste Disposal: The entire campground adheres to a strict "Carry-In, Carry-Out" policy, though a recycling center is available at a nearby DEC campground for refuse disposal (upon presentation of your camping permit).

Features / Highlights

Campsite 77 and the Saranac Lake Islands experience are highlighted by their unique blend of nature and adventure:

Island Seclusion: The major highlight is the remarkable privacy. Campsite 77 is situated in the Middle Saranac Lake loop, offering a dedicated waterfront area where you can dock your boat and set up your private waterfront camp.
Direct Water Access: Every site is waterfront, allowing you to launch your canoe, kayak, or powerboat directly from your site for a day of fishing, paddling, or water skiing.
The Saranac Lake Locks: Campers have direct access to the famous Saranac Chain of Lakes. This includes the ability to navigate through the historic, manual locks connecting the lakes, allowing for miles of extended paddling and boating adventures.
Basic Site Facilities: Campsite 77 is equipped with an essential picnic table and a sturdy metal fire pit/fireplace, perfect for cooking meals over an open fire while enjoying the view.
Proximity to Hiking: The location offers excellent access to the surrounding Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the High Peaks Wilderness Area, providing extensive hiking opportunities for those who wish to leave their boats and explore the area's legendary trails.
Adirondack Wildlife Viewing: The quiet, remote nature of island camping offers increased opportunities to observe New York State wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and the iconic Common Loon.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning their truly special boat-in camping trip to the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, the following contact details are essential for inquiries, rules clarification, and booking coordination:

Address: UPPER ST REG, NY 12945, USA (Adirondack Park region)

Campground Phone: (518) 891-2841

Mobile Phone: +1 518-891-2841

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the New York State Parks reservation system, which is crucial given the high demand for these unique island sites, especially during the peak summer season.

Conclusion: Why this place is Suitable for Locals

For New York locals, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, and specifically a site like Campsite 77, represents the ultimate Adirondack experience—accessible wilderness without compromise. This location is perfectly suited for New Yorkers who already own or can easily rent a canoe, kayak, or small boat and who crave a true break from the daily grind. It’s an authentic Adirondack adventure, offering unmatched tranquility and privacy that is simply not available in densely packed, drive-in campgrounds. By requiring boat access, it naturally curates a dedicated community of nature-loving, self-sufficient campers and paddlers. For those in the Empire State yearning for a unique connection to New York’s world-class natural heritage, securing a reservation for an island site means claiming a temporary private sanctuary in the heart of the majestic Adirondack Park.