Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #84, Wawbeek, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking the ultimate in secluded, waterfront immersion within the Adirondack Park, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an unparalleled experience. Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this is not your typical drive-in campground. Instead, it is a collection of 87 unique campsites located exclusively on islands and along the remote shorelines of Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake, and Weller Pond. The defining feature of this facility is that all sites are 100% boat-access only, providing a level of privacy and tranquility rarely found in public camping areas.

Campsite #84, specifically, is situated in the Weller Pond section of the campground complex. This type of campsite is classified as "primitive," meaning it is an undeveloped site that requires a self-sufficient approach to camping, a true 'carry-in, carry-out' philosophy. These sites are beloved by New Yorkers who cherish the quiet of the wild, the beauty of having a private waterfront, and the adventure inherent in needing a watercraft—be it a canoe, kayak, or motorboat—to reach their temporary home. It represents the quintessential Adirondack paddling or boating base camp, offering a genuine retreat from the busy world and direct access to the vast Saranac Chain of Lakes.

Location and Accessibility

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is geographically complex, spanning three connected bodies of water in the Adirondack Park: Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake, and Weller Pond. While the physical address is associated with the registration and main boat launch area near Lake Clear, the actual campsites, including Campsite #84, are spread throughout this vast water system.

Primary registration for all campers is conducted at the Second Pond State Boat Launch, which is the main gateway to the lower lakes section. From this launch, campers must travel by water to their designated site. Campsite #84, being located on Weller Pond, is accessible via a boat from the Lower Saranac Lake system. This journey offers a scenic paddle or motorboat ride through interconnecting waterways and possibly a lock system, depending on the route and destination on the chain. The unique access requirement ensures that only those prepared for a water journey can reach the site, further enhancing its secluded atmosphere.

Address for Check-in/General Area (Approximate GPS location of the region):

7PM9+98, Wawbeek, NY 12945, USA (This address indicates a point on the map near the water complex, but campers must use the designated boat launch for access to the sites.)

The facility is located only a few miles from the nearby Village of Saranac Lake, which offers access to municipal parking for vehicles (as parking at the boat launch may be limited), restaurants, and resupply opportunities before embarking on the final water-only leg of the journey.

Services Offered

Because the Saranac Lake Islands Campground is intentionally primitive and boat-access only, the services provided focus on maintaining the wilderness integrity while offering the necessary basics for comfort. Campers must understand and adhere to a "carry-in, carry-out" policy for all trash, as there are no central refuse receptacles at the remote sites.

Key services available at the campground complex, or for the campers' use, include:

Boat Launch Ramps: Designated state boat launches are available to launch personal watercraft, which is mandatory for accessing any campsite.
Oversight and Administration: DEC campground staff are available at the Second Pond check-in area to manage reservations, provide permits, and offer local guidance.
Firewood Sales: Available at the main check-in area to help prevent the spread of invasive insects, as campers are strongly advised to buy local wood.
Recycling Center Access: Campers with a valid permit may use the recycling center/refuse disposal area at other DEC campgrounds in the region (like Meadowbrook) upon exiting their trip.
Primitive Sanitation: Each remote campsite, including Campsite #84, is equipped with a basic outhouse for sanitary purposes.
Site Furnishings: Each site is equipped with a fire pit/fireplace and a picnic table for cooking and dining.

Note: Crucially, these primitive sites do not offer potable water. Campers must bring all necessary water or be equipped to safely filter and treat lake water.

Features / Highlights

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is highlighted by its exceptional setting and the array of water-based recreation it unlocks. Campsite #84 on Weller Pond offers a fantastic vantage point to enjoy these unique features.

The main features and highlights of this unique camping experience include:

True Island or Shoreline Seclusion: The boat-access nature of all 87 sites creates a private buffer, ensuring a remarkably quiet and exclusive camping experience, a stark contrast to typical roadside campgrounds.
Direct Waterfront on Weller Pond: Campsite #84 provides its occupants with immediate, private waterfront access, perfect for launching a canoe, kayak, or for a refreshing morning dip.
Saranac Chain of Lakes Access: Campers have miles of boating, paddling, and exploration possibilities, with the Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes all interconnected, including via a set of locks for vessel transfer.
Excellent Water Recreation: The lakes are ideal for fishing (featuring species like bass, northern pike, and yellow perch), as well as general boating, jet-skiing, and waterskiing (motorized craft are permitted).
Tent-Only Focus: All sites are designated for tent camping and are dry camping only (no electric, water, or sewer hookups), reinforcing the rustic and authentic Adirondack experience.
Proximity to Wild Forest: The campground is nestled near the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, providing extensive hiking opportunities for both experienced and novice hikers once you return to the mainland.
Historic Interest: The area has a rich history, with camping on these lakes dating back over a century, contributing to the feeling of an authentic, timeless Adirondack escape.

Contact Information

For essential information, reservations, and general inquiries about the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, New York residents should use the following contact details.

General Campground Phone:

(518) 891-2841

Regional Office Phone:

(518) 897-1309

Main DEC Address (for the general area/campground complex):

4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 (Note: Use this for land-based navigation to the check-in and boat launch, not to the campsite itself.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Saranac Lake Islands Campground, and specifically a site like #84 on Weller Pond, is an unparalleled gem for New York residents seeking an escape that combines skill, adventure, and solitude. For city and suburban dwellers, the concept of a boat-access-only campsite offers a uniquely immersive disconnect from the daily grind. It’s an ideal location for local paddlers and boaters who own their own watercraft and crave the privacy of a truly waterfront campsite. Unlike more crowded, roadside parks, here, your campsite neighbor is likely across the water, providing an unmatched sense of peace.

This campground appeals directly to the self-sufficient, adventurous New Yorker. It necessitates preparation—packing all food and water, bringing a tent, and navigating by water—but rewards this effort with spectacular views, incredible fishing, and the freedom to explore the entire Saranac Chain of Lakes. It provides a highly affordable way for locals to fully engage with the Adirondack Wild Forest's water trails and hiking areas, serving as an exceptional launchpad for multi-day paddling trips or simply a tranquil lakeside retreat. For New Yorkers tired of noise and crowds, the promise of quiet hours on a remote island, surrounded only by the sounds of the lake, makes the Saranac Lake Islands Campground one of the state's most special and desirable camping destinations.