Saranac Lake Islands Campsite 70, Harrietstown, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Wilderness Retreat on Middle Saranac Lake

For New York residents with a passion for true wilderness camping, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a world-class, distinctive experience right here in the Adirondack Park. This is a camping destination unlike any other in the region, featuring 87 sites—all of which are accessible exclusively by watercraft. Campsite 70 is situated in the popular Middle Saranac Lake section of this extensive chain of lakes, providing a coveted sense of seclusion and deep immersion in nature.

Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this site is for the prepared and adventurous camper. You must navigate the clear, beautiful waters to reach your destination, but the payoff is absolute tranquility and a private, waterfront escape. Campsite 70 is noted for its favorable positioning, centrally located on the lake, giving you the feeling of being right in the heart of the Adirondacks. It is a tent-site designed to accommodate a group comfortably, offering a generously sized area under a beautiful forest canopy that provides natural protection from the elements. While the logistics require a bit more effort than a typical drive-up camp spot, the unique satisfaction of setting up camp on your own lake-accessed haven is a reward that speaks to the true outdoor spirit of New York.

Location and Accessibility

Saranac Lake Islands Campsite 70 is officially located in:

Harrietstown, NY 12945, USA

This address places the site within the larger Saranac Lake Islands Campground area, managed by the DEC. It is crucial for local users to understand that the physical campsite is on an island or remote shoreline of Middle Saranac Lake—not a drive-up spot in Harrietstown.

Access to Campsite 70 is Boat-In Only.

Campers must first check in at the main campground office, typically located at the Second Pond State Boat Launch on State Route 3 near the Village of Saranac Lake. After registration, all gear must be loaded onto a watercraft—canoe, kayak, or motorboat—for the trip across the lake to the campsite. The central location of Campsite 70 on Middle Saranac Lake means a slight journey from the boat launch, but this ensures a high degree of separation from other lake users and the launch area. Local paddlers often appreciate the easy access to the Saranac Chain of Lakes, including Lower Saranac Lake via a set of manually operated locks, opening up miles of exploration directly from the site. Parking for vehicles is available at the launch area, though visitors are advised that space can be limited, sometimes requiring overflow parking in the nearby village.

Services Offered

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an intentionally primitive experience, providing essential services to support self-sufficient wilderness camping while adhering to high environmental standards:

Designated Parking: Vehicle parking is available at the main boat launch site (State Bridge Boat Launch/Second Pond), where campers register before boating to their island site.
Sanitation Facilities: Campsite 70, like all island sites, is equipped with a private, designated outhouse (vault toilet), providing essential sanitation and protecting the lake ecosystem.
Campsite Furnishings: Each registered site comes standard with a picnic table and a sturdy metal fireplace or fire ring, facilitating meal preparation and campfires.
Firewood Availability: To comply with New York State regulations aimed at preventing the spread of invasive pests, local firewood is generally sold at the main campground office. Note: Previous campers on Site 70 have mentioned that naturally occurring dead wood on the island can be found, though it is often damp.
Recycling Program: While the camping is "carry-in, carry-out," a recycling center is available at a nearby DEC campground location, which can be utilized upon presenting a valid camping permit.
Reservations: Reservations are required and highly recommended for all sites during the operating season (typically May through September) and must be made in advance through the state reservation system.

Features / Highlights

Campsite 70 stands out among the island sites for a number of highly desirable characteristics, based on camper feedback:

Central Lake Positioning: Being "nicely situated center lake" offers excellent privacy, a deeper sense of isolation, and direct access to various paddling routes and the main body of Middle Saranac Lake.
Ample Tent Space: The site features "quite a bit of space for a few tents," making it ideal for groups or families who need room for multiple sleeping arrangements without feeling cramped.
Dual Fire Rings: A notable feature of Campsite 70 is having "2 fire rings." This allows for versatility, such as using one for cooking and the other for a dedicated social campfire, or providing flexibility when one area is wet.
Excellent Water Views from Outcroppings: While the main tent area is shaded by the canopy, the "views of the sky and the lake are only really good from the rock outcroppings by the water." These natural features serve as perfect spots for sunbathing, morning coffee, or sunset photography.
Natural Wind Protection: The dense canopy covering the main camping area is a positive feature, as it "does protect you from wind when it's cold," a valuable asset in the unpredictable Adirondack climate.
Extensive Boating Access: From this site, you can easily paddle or boat to Lower Saranac Lake through the historic locks, or explore nearby hiking opportunities, such as the popular trail up Ampersand Mountain.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning their truly special island camping trip, please use the following general contact information for the Saranac Lake Islands Campground office for the most accurate and up-to-date operational information:

Address: Harrietstown, NY 12945, USA (The general vicinity of the access point and the island site)

Campground Phone: (518) 891-2841

Conclusion: Why this place is Suitable for Locals

Saranac Lake Islands Campsite 70 is perfectly suited for New York locals who have mastered basic camping skills and are ready to elevate their outdoor adventures. It offers a genuine "Adirondack-style" remote camping experience that is unique to New York State—you are literally surrounded by water, isolated from roads and traffic, and fully immersed in the sounds of nature. The central-lake location on Middle Saranac Lake guarantees a high level of privacy and quick access to the entire interconnected chain of lakes. This is the ideal destination for weekend warriors, seasoned paddlers, and families looking to unplug completely. The effort required to access the site by boat is a small price to pay for the unparalleled quiet, spacious tent area, and the luxury of having two fire rings for a customizable camping setup. For New Yorkers who view the Adirondacks as their ultimate escape, Campsite 70 promises a refreshing and memorable return to the wild heart of the Empire State.