Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #82

- Santa Clara, NY 12986

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), offers a truly distinctive camping experience that is prized by New York residents—it is entirely boat-access only. Located within the stunning Saranac Chain of Lakes, the campground comprises 87 campsites scattered across the islands and main shoreline of Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes. This unique setup ensures a level of seclusion and waterfront intimacy that is nearly impossible to find at drive-in facilities.

Imagine pitching your tent directly on the shore of your own temporary island or private cove, with the Adirondack mountains rising in the distance. Campsite #82, like all sites here, is a secluded gem, providing a private dock or natural shoreline landing, a designated fire pit, and a picnic table, all accessible only by watercraft. This destination caters to boaters, paddlers, and anyone who understands that the effort required to get there is the price of genuine tranquility. It’s an essential Adirondack experience for New Yorkers ready to trade car noise for the sound of loons and lapping water.

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground complex is centrally located in the Adirondack Park’s Tri-Lakes region, an area renowned for its connecting waterways and majestic mountain backdrops.

Address Proximity (DEC Headquarters/Launch): 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA.

Campsite #82 is specifically located on one of the Middle Saranac Lake islands or secluded mainland peninsulas. Access to the entire campground is strictly by boat from designated state launches:

• Primary Access Point: The main check-in and public boat launch is typically located at Second Pond (State Bridge Boat Launch) on State Route 3, a few miles southwest of the Village of Saranac Lake. This launch features a hard-surface ramp and ample parking for cars and trailers.

• Boating Required: After checking in, campers must load all gear and supplies into a boat—whether a motorboat, canoe, or kayak—and navigate to their reserved island or shoreline campsite, which can be up to a couple of miles from the launch. Campsite #82's exact distance will depend on its precise location on the Middle Saranac segment of the chain.

• The Saranac Chain: The location offers unparalleled access to the Saranac Chain of Lakes (Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes), connected by the Saranac River and a set of manual locks, making multi-day paddling and boating excursions possible.

• Nearby Towns: The campground is a convenient boat ride (or short drive from the launch) to the vibrant towns of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid, which offer dining, shopping, and resupply options.

The Saranac Lake Islands is a hybrid experience—it’s a DEC-operated campground with the rustic feel of a wilder site, focusing on essential facilities for a comfortable stay on the water.

• Campsite Registration: All sites must be reserved in advance through the ReserveAmerica system, especially during the peak summer season (May to early September).

• Boat Launch Facilities: The complex includes a hard-surface boat launch ramp at the Second Pond access area, allowing for the launching of both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

• Essential Site Furnishings: Each of the 87 sites, including Campsite #82, is equipped with a picnic table, a metal fire ring/grill for cooking, and a designated tent area.

• Sanitation: Primitive outhouses (pit toilets) are located at or very near each individual campsite, providing basic sanitation.

• Water: Water is non-potable. Campers must bring their own drinking water or filter/treat water taken from the lake.

• Firewood: Firewood is generally available for sale at the campground headquarters/launch area during the operating season, though rules against bringing outside firewood (to prevent invasive species spread) must be strictly followed.

• Carry-In, Carry-Out Policy: Campers are required to pack out all trash and refuse, maintaining the wilderness aesthetic of the islands.

• Occupancy Limit: Sites are limited to a maximum of six people and two tents (or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent).

The appeal of Saranac Lake Islands lies in its unique geology and the freedom of the water:

• Island Camping Seclusion: The primary feature is the ability to camp on a private island or a secluded waterfront peninsula. Campsite #82 offers a unique perspective on Middle Saranac Lake, providing direct water access for swimming and boating right from the shore.

• Middle Saranac Lake Views: Being located on the Middle Lake, the site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is generally considered to be less busy with motorboat traffic than the Lower Lake, creating a more serene atmosphere.

• Excellent Recreational Water Access: Campers have direct access to miles of navigable water for motorboating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The ability to travel between the lakes via the river and manual locks is a major attraction for multi-day water journeys.

• Great Fishing: The Saranac Lakes are known for excellent freshwater fishing, with species like northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch commonly caught. Fishing from the shore of Campsite #82 is a favorite pastime.

• Proximity to Hiking: While the campsite itself is on the water, the surrounding Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the nearby High Peaks Wilderness Area offer extensive hiking opportunities, accessible via short boat rides to various shoreline trailheads.

For reservations and official information regarding Campsite #82 or any other location within the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, the following contact details should be used:

Physical Location (Campground Headquarters): 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

Campground Phone (In-Season): (518) 891-2841

Reservation System: Reservations must be made online through the New York State’s official reservation partner (ReserveAmerica). Bookings are strongly recommended well in advance, especially for desirable waterfront sites like #82.

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is arguably one of New York’s most compelling camping experiences, perfectly suited for the local adventurer. For many New Yorkers, a visit to the Adirondacks represents a much-needed escape from the congestion of metropolitan life. This campground delivers that escape by making a boat a mandatory part of the journey. Campsite #82 is not just a place to sleep; it’s a temporary private sanctuary where your front yard is a pristine Adirondack lake.

It is an ideal choice for New York families and groups who already own or plan to rent a boat and value privacy over paved amenities. The unique ability to paddle or boat directly from your site to fishing spots, hiking trails, or even through the historic locks to other lakes turns a simple camping trip into an expansive water-based adventure. For locals seeking a deep, immersive connection with the "Forever Wild" waters of the Adirondacks, reserving an island site like #82 offers the privacy, natural beauty, and unique aquatic access that defines a classic upstate vacation.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #82

Santa Clara, NY 12986, USA