Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #86, Wawbeek, NY

Introduction / Overview

Campsite #86 at the Saranac Lake Islands Campground is one of the most highly coveted retreats within the majestic Adirondack Park. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this unique campground offers a rare opportunity for local users in the New York region to experience truly private, waterfront camping. The campground features 87 individual sites spread across the shores and islands of Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake, and Weller Pond. Campsite #86 is particularly noteworthy for its location, generally situated on Middle Saranac Lake or Weller Pond, offering a more remote and serene atmosphere than some of the more central sites.

Crucially, all sites, including #86, are strictly Boat-In Only. This vital requirement serves as a natural filter, ensuring that only those prepared for a genuine wilderness experience—accessible by watercraft such as a canoe, kayak, or motorboat—can claim this secluded spot. Campsite #86 promises New York campers an uncrowded sanctuary, complete with breathtaking water views, the sound of loons, and a private slice of the Adirondack wilderness, ideal for tent camping and low-impact recreation.

Location and Accessibility

While the campsite itself is a remote, boat-in location, the official administrative address for the Saranac Lake Islands Campground—where all campers must check in—is 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. The provided coordinate address, 7PP8+MC, Wawbeek, NY 12945, generally points toward the Middle Saranac Lake/Weller Pond area, indicating that Campsite #86 is located in the beautiful western portion of the campground system. This area is often favored by paddlers and those seeking a quieter experience away from the larger powerboat traffic sometimes found on Lower Saranac Lake.

Accessibility is contingent upon water travel. Campers must register at the central DEC check-in point (located near the Second Pond State Boat Launch) before proceeding to their site. All gear, including tents, food, and water, must be transported by boat. While parking for vehicles and trailers is available at the launch site, it can be limited during peak season, so an early arrival is always recommended. For those without their own vessel, local outfitters near Saranac Lake offer boat, canoe, and kayak rentals and transport services.

Services Offered

Campsite #86 is classified as a primitive campsite, designed to provide essential facilities while maximizing the natural setting. Campers must arrive prepared to be self-sufficient and practice responsible Leave No Trace principles.

Campsite Accommodations: Each site is a dedicated, reserved space suitable for up to six individuals, accommodating a maximum of two tents (or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent, though boat access makes the latter less common).
Cooking and Fire: The site is equipped with a picnic table and a sturdy metal fireplace or fire ring, allowing for cooking and campfires (using only dead and down wood, and no chainsaws are permitted).
Sanitation: Campsite #86 will have a dedicated outhouse (pit privy) for restroom needs, which is maintained by the DEC but lacks running water.
Water Availability: There is no potable water available directly at the campsite, requiring all campers to bring in their own water or utilize a reliable water filtration or purification system for lake water.
Waste Disposal: The campground operates under a strict Carry-In, Carry-Out mandate; all refuse and recyclables must be bagged and brought back to the recycling center at the main check-in area.
Pet Regulations: Well-behaved, leashed pets are permitted, provided the owner has proof of current rabies vaccination. Pets must not be left unattended and are restricted from all facility structures.

Features / Highlights

What sets Campsite #86 apart is its advantageous location and the unique activities afforded by being on the water in a remote section of the Saranac Chain of Lakes.

Remote Tranquility: Located deeper in the campground system, likely on Middle Saranac Lake or Weller Pond, the site benefits from less powerboat traffic, making it an ideal spot for quiet relaxation, paddling, and wildlife viewing.
Unrivaled Privacy: The boat-access-only nature ensures excellent separation from other campers, offering a genuine sense of having your own private waterfront camp.
Paddler’s Paradise: Campers at Site #86 have direct water access to the historic Saranac Chain of Lakes, allowing for long-distance paddling expeditions to the Upper Saranac Lake or via the scenic Saranac River, including passage through the Upper Locks.
Stellar Scenery and Wildlife: The area is known for abundant wildlife sightings, including loons, eagles, and otters, with the campsite providing prime viewing opportunities for sunrises and sunsets over the Adirondack peaks.
Excellent Recreational Fishing: The waters surrounding the campsite are home to various fish species, providing great opportunities for those looking to fish from the shore or their boat.
Middle Saranac Launch Access: Sites in this area are often closer to the Middle Saranac Lake boat launch, which can offer an alternative entry point for those traveling from the west or seeking a shorter paddle to the site.

Contact Information

While reservations are managed online through the DEC’s reservation partner, the following details are essential for check-in and direct contact with the campground staff.

Address (General Check-In/Registration): 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Campground Phone (DEC): (518) 891-2841

Regional Office Phone: (518) 897-1309

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #86 at Saranac Lake Islands Campground is the perfect destination for New York locals seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding Adirondack escape. It offers a clear, defining separation from the heavily used, road-accessible campgrounds that dot the state. The "boat-in only" requirement elevates the trip from a simple camping vacation to a true adventure, fostering self-reliance and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the region's vast natural resources.

For New Yorkers, who often crave seclusion and space, Site #86 delivers on both fronts, providing private waterfront access and a quiet sanctuary far removed from the ambient noise of daily life. The direct link to the Saranac Chain of Lakes makes it an ideal spot for those passionate about paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing by a fire under a canopy of stars. Reserving Campsite #86 is not just booking a weekend away; it's securing a unique, primitive, and unforgettable piece of the Adirondacks, making it an excellent and entirely suitable gem for any New York outdoor enthusiast.