Squares Campground, Saranac, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers craving an authentic, water-centric escape into the six-million-acre embrace of the Adirondack Park, Squares Campground offers an incredible opportunity. Located in the beautiful Saranac region, this destination is not a standalone private park but rather a key feature of the sprawling, highly-regarded Fish Creek Pond Campground complex—a jewel among the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facilities. As one of the main bodies of water anchoring the experience, Square Pond gives the campground its local name recognition and character.

Squares Campground, and the larger complex it belongs to, is situated at the gateway to the famous Tri-Lakes region, making it an ideal base camp for local explorers from the Capital Region, Upstate, or even the Metro Area who seek easy access to the High Peaks, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. This is true Adirondack camping at its finest, known for its pristine waters and the unique feature that the majority of the 355 total campsites offer a natural sand shoreline and direct water access. Whether you're pitching a tent or setting up a full-sized RV, this location delivers that classic New York State park experience with the convenience of modern amenities. Guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere rich with recreational opportunities, all set within the stunning natural landscape that New Yorkers rely on for their outdoor rejuvenation.

The setting itself is unparalleled, providing stunning views and immediate proximity to both Square Pond and Fish Creek Pond. These bodies of water are open to motorboats, connecting campers to miles of pristine rivers and ponds, and ultimately to the vast Upper Saranac Lake system. This unique water-access benefit is a major draw, turning a simple camping trip into an expansive boating and paddling adventure, which is precisely why it remains one of the most popular DEC campgrounds in New York State.

Location and Accessibility

Squares Campground is found within the vast Fish Creek Pond Campground complex, which lies centrally in the Adirondacks' northern region. Its specific location in Saranac places it perfectly for New York State residents looking for a wilderness experience that is still close to major regional attractions.

The official access point and mailing address for the complex is:

Address: 88 Square Dashnaw Rd, Saranac, NY 12981, USA

The campground is located conveniently along Route 30, making it accessible from both the south via Tupper Lake and the north via Saranac Lake. For New York State visitors traveling on I-87 (the Northway), the campground is a manageable drive from Exit 38, connecting travelers through the scenic Route 3. This ease of access ensures that even though you are deep in the Adirondacks, reaching the park is straightforward.

Its location is a prime asset for local residents. It is only about 25 miles southeast of the Olympic village of Lake Placid and its venues, and the nearby villages of Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake offer excellent options for shopping and dining out. Furthermore, the Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center at Paul Smiths is only 18 miles north, providing an excellent educational stop. This strategic location makes Squares Campground an unparalleled home base for day trips to hiking trails, museums like The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, and other essential Adirondack experiences.

Services Offered

As a state-operated facility, the amenities at the Squares Campground/Fish Creek Pond complex are designed for both comfort and a classic outdoor experience, covering the needs of all types of campers from tenters to large RV owners.

Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers 355 campsites, capable of accommodating everything from a small tent to a 40-foot RV. The vast majority of these sites feature a unique natural sand shoreline and direct water access to Fish Creek or Square Pond.
Full Comfort Facilities: Campers benefit from a central shower building providing hot showers (typically from late May to Columbus Day) and modern flush toilets, essential amenities for longer stays in the wilderness.
Convenient Utility Services: A trailer dumping station is available on-site, providing a necessary service for RV owners. There are also well-located water spigots throughout the campground for potable water access.
Watercraft Rentals and Launch: For those who do not bring their own, rowboat and canoe rentals are available. The campground also features a boat launch, accommodating both motorized and non-motorized boats up to 25 horsepower.
Campfire Supplies: Firewood sales are offered directly at the campground, ensuring campers have readily available fuel for the traditional evening campfire. Only dead and downed wood may be used for fuel.
Accessible Features: The park is committed to accessibility, featuring eleven accessible campsites and wheelchair accessible features in the day-use areas, including a fishing/viewing platform and restrooms.

Features / Highlights

The features of the Squares Campground location are centered around its incredible water access and the wealth of recreational opportunities it unlocks in the Adirondack wilderness.

Unrivaled Water Access Camping: The most significant highlight is that nearly every campsite is on the water, offering a private, natural sand shoreline. This feature is rare and highly sought after, allowing campers to dock their boats, launch their kayaks, or simply relax on their own beach.
Extensive Boating and Paddling: Campers have direct access to Square Pond, Fish Creek Pond, and the larger Upper Saranac Lake system. This network provides miles of open water for powerboating, canoeing, and is a popular part of the famous Adirondack canoe routes.
Family-Friendly Recreation: The park features a dedicated, designated swimming beach (unsupervised), a children's playground, and areas for sports like volleyball and basketball. During the summer season (July to Labor Day), the campground often hosts an Interpreter Activity Program, offering educational and engaging activities for families.
Prime Fishing Location: Square Pond, Fish Creek Pond, and the connected Upper Saranac Lake are renowned for their fishing. Major species include black bass, northern pike, pan fish, lake trout, and landlocked salmon, making it a must-visit for New York anglers.
Direct Hiking Trail Access: Several miles of well-known hiking trails, including the popular Otter Hollow Loop and Floodwood Loop, begin right from the campground, providing immediate immersion into the vast Adirondack trail system.
Scenic and Spacious Sites: The campsites are generously sized and often lined with trees and shrubs, offering a good degree of privacy and a genuine feeling of being tucked into the woods, which enhances the overall peaceful atmosphere.

Contact Information

For reservations, New York residents should utilize the New York State DEC’s official booking system. For operational inquiries, you can contact the campground directly.

Address: 88 Square Dashnaw Rd, Saranac, NY 12981, USA

Campground Phone (Fish Creek Pond): (518) 891-4560

Regional Office Phone (For Administrative Inquiries): (518) 897-1309

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Squares Campground, as a vital part of the Fish Creek Pond complex, is an essential New York State destination and perfectly suited for New York residents from across the state. For those in the greater New York area, it represents a profound escape into the untouched wilderness of the Adirondacks without venturing out of state or sacrificing necessary comforts.

It is particularly suitable for New Yorkers because it offers the rare combination of unmatched waterfront camping—an experience typically reserved for private or remote sites—with the security and reliable infrastructure of a State DEC campground, including hot showers, dump stations, and accessible facilities. The accessibility to major Adirondack destinations like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake means that local families can seamlessly blend classic camping with cultural and recreational day trips.

Ultimately, whether you are seeking a peaceful, private spot to paddle into the dawn on Square Pond or a centralized hub for High Peaks hiking and Tri-Lakes exploration, this campground provides a truly authentic, convenient, and cherished New York State outdoor adventure. It’s not just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it is a quintessential Adirondack experience.