Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #87

- Santa Clara, NY 12986

For the New York resident whose idea of a perfect getaway involves truly disconnecting, Campsite #87 within the world-renowned Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a primitive, remote, and highly rewarding experience. Part of the expansive Adirondack Park's Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) site is not a typical drive-up campground. It is a boat-access-only destination, meaning the effort required to reach it is directly proportionate to the unparalleled peace and seclusion you will enjoy.

Campsite #87 is one of the more unique offerings in the 87 total sites managed by the DEC on the Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes and Weller Pond. What makes this site exceptionally coveted is its location on the quiet Weller Pond, at the far northern reach of the main campground area, and the inclusion of a sturdy lean-to structure. This destination is for the adventurous paddler or boater—the journey to reach it is part of the experience, often involving navigating the Saranac River and passing through the historic Upper Locks from Lower to Middle Saranac Lake. This is genuine Adirondack camping, where modern amenities are swapped for the vast, untamed beauty of the wilderness, making it a powerful retreat for locals seeking solitude.

While the general area’s mailing address is given as Santa Clara, NY 12986, it’s vital for New York campers to understand the operational hub is located much closer to Saranac Lake village. Campsite #87 is nestled on Weller Pond, which connects to Middle Saranac Lake. This specific location puts the site at the end of the line, providing maximum distance and thus, maximum tranquility.

Key Location and Access Information:

• Boat-Access Only: Like all sites in the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, Campsite #87 is reachable only by water. You must have your own watercraft—canoe, kayak, or motorboat—to reach and stay at the site.
• The Paddling Expedition: If paddling from the primary campground check-in and boat launch (State Bridge/Second Pond on Route 3), the journey to Site #87 is substantial, measuring nearly 10 miles. This multi-lake paddle involves passing through the Upper Locks, a fascinating piece of local history and a rewarding challenge for kayakers and canoeists.
• A Closer Option: For those with lighter watercraft, there is a launch site that leads into Middle Saranac Lake, which is often a much shorter, more direct route to Weller Pond and Site #87, cutting the distance by roughly half. This alternative launch point is recommended for visitors prioritizing travel time over a long-distance paddle.
• Off-Grid Seclusion: The site’s location on Weller Pond, tucked away from the main traffic of the larger Saranac Lakes, ensures a truly off-grid atmosphere, which is a major draw for New Yorkers seeking a deep escape into the backcountry.

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground emphasizes a primitive, self-sufficient style of camping. The DEC ensures the essential groundwork is maintained for a safe and responsible wilderness stay:

• Registration and Check-In: All campers must first register at the main check-in station, typically located near the Second Pond Boat Launch (4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983), to receive their permit before proceeding to Campsite #87.
• Basic Site Furnishings: The campsite is equipped with a picnic table for food preparation and dining, and a designated fireplace or fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Waste Facilities: A simple outhouse is provided near the site for sanitation. As part of the "carry-in, carry-out" policy, all trash and refuse must be packed up and transported out. A recycling center is available at other DEC campgrounds with a valid camping permit.
• Water: Campsite #87 does not offer potable water. Campers must bring their own supply or use a proper water filtration/purification system on lake water.
• Safety and Regulations: DEC staff maintain and enforce key regulations, including a 6-person maximum occupancy, restrictions on the number of tents, and strictly enforced quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) to preserve the quiet nature of the pond.

• Lean-To Structure: Campsite #87 is one of a limited number of sites in the campground that features a classic Adirondack lean-to. This covered, three-sided log structure provides excellent shelter and a traditional, rustic camping experience, offering an appealing alternative to tent-only camping.
• Proximity to Portage: A key highlight for dedicated paddlers is the site’s location near a short, approximately 15-meter portage path that connects Weller Pond to Saginaw Bay/Pond. This feature makes Site #87 an ideal basecamp for expanding paddling trips into the more extensive Saranac Lake Wild Forest waterways.
• Exceptional Seclusion and Quiet: Located far from the main boat launches and away from the busier Lower Saranac Lake, the atmosphere on Weller Pond is notably quiet, perfect for bird-watching, fishing, and peaceful reflection.
• Spacious Layout: Reviewers often note that Site #87 is quite spacious, offering multiple level areas beyond the lean-to for setting up additional tents or enjoying the surrounding area.
• Prime Fishing and Paddling: The connection to Middle Saranac Lake and the vast chain of lakes offers incredible opportunities for freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking across the entire Saranac system.

Operational Address / Check-in Area: 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Campsite Location: Weller Pond, Saranac Lake Islands Campground, near Santa Clara, NY 12986

Campground Information Phone: (518) 891-2841

For New York residents, Campsite #87 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a profound immersion into the Adirondack backcountry that epitomizes the state’s commitment to preserving wild spaces. This site is particularly suitable for locals because it caters to the growing desire for true wilderness camping without sacrificing the basic DEC-maintained infrastructure. The journey is an adventure itself, requiring planning, stamina, and a boat, which filters out casual campers and preserves the serene atmosphere of Weller Pond.

The combination of the remote, quiet location, the convenience of the newly updated lean-to, and the unique access to the portage to Saginaw Bay makes Campsite #87 a dream destination for veteran New York campers and paddlers. It serves as a reminder that within a day’s drive of the state's major metropolitan areas, there exists a vast, pristine wilderness waiting to be explored. By securing this site, locals are claiming a premium piece of the Adirondack experience, enjoying the seclusion and natural splendor that is increasingly hard to find, ensuring their vacation is a true retreat from the hustle of New York life.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #87

Santa Clara, NY 12986, USA