Young Life Camp Lake Saranac, Saranac Lake, NY

Introduction / Overview

When New Yorkers think of an Adirondack getaway, they often picture secluded luxury lodges and pristine wilderness. Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp, formerly known as the historic Prospect Point Camp, embodies this quintessential Adirondack experience. While primarily serving as a resort-quality summer camp for the Young Life Christian ministry, this stunning facility is also a premier retreat and conference venue available for rental by various educational groups, non-profits, and other select organizations during the school year.

Saranac Village is not a traditional public campground where individuals reserve RV or tent sites. Instead, it is a fully supported, all-inclusive retreat center that specializes in hosting large groups. Located on the shores of Upper Saranac Lake, the property itself is a piece of New York history. The main lodge and surrounding structures were originally built in 1903 as a Great Camp for New York copper magnate Adolph Lewisohn, designed by the notable architect William L. Coulter. The architecture beautifully showcases the Adirondack Rustic style, featuring distinctive chalets and the largest boathouse on the lake. Young Life acquired the property in 1969, and since then, they have maintained the grandeur of the historic grounds while adding state-of-the-art, comfortable amenities. The atmosphere is one of high-adventure, fun, and excellent personalized service, providing groups with an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of one of the Adirondacks' most beautiful lakes.

Location and Accessibility

Saranac Village is located on Upper Saranac Lake, just outside the quaint, well-known village of Saranac Lake, NY. Its mailing and general inquiry address is: 644 Lake Flower Ave, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. It is important to note that the physical location of the main facility, which is the historic Great Camp, overlooks Upper Saranac Lake, while the provided address is likely associated with the camp's administrative or general office near Lake Flower.

For New York residents, accessibility is straightforward, typically involving a scenic drive through the Adirondack Park. The camp is situated deep within the park, ensuring a true wilderness retreat feel, yet it remains relatively close to the amenities of Saranac Lake and the famed winter and summer sports hub of Lake Placid. Travel from downstate New York typically involves driving up Interstate 87 (The Adirondack Northway) before transitioning onto local routes (like NY-3) that wind through the High Peaks region. The area is served by the Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in nearby Lake Clear, providing a small-plane option for groups traveling from further distances, and it is also easily reachable by bus service to Saranac Lake village. The picturesque setting on Upper Saranac Lake, away from the immediate commercial traffic, provides the sought-after feeling of a true escape, essential for a productive and restful group retreat.

Services Offered (Available for Group Rentals)

As a resort-quality retreat facility, Saranac Village offers a comprehensive suite of services, allowing visiting groups to focus entirely on their event programming.

Lodging Variety: Features restful, high-quality housing options including multi-room camper dormitories, the newer Loon Lodge with private bathrooms and a fireplace lounge, and the Ausable Inn, an adult guest lodge with private bedrooms and a kitchen/lounge area.
Full Food Service: Provides high-quality, delicious homemade meals served in the main dining hall, along with access to two snack bars (including the popular Lean-To for milkshakes and Saranac soda).
Meeting and Conference Spaces: Equipped with A/V capabilities and a variety of meeting rooms suitable for educational retreats, conferences, and training events.
Accessibility: Main buildings and walkways are designed to be accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, with specialized accessible housing available upon request for individuals with special needs.
Staff Support: Dedicated staff provides personalized service, managing the facility, meals, and activities to ensure a seamless experience for group leaders.
Camp Store: An on-site store for purchasing souvenirs and essentials.
Free Parking: Ample on-site parking for attending groups.

Features / Highlights (Activities and Ambiance)

Saranac Village is celebrated for blending its historic charm with a wide range of thrilling, resort-level recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for high-adventure group bonding.

Historic Great Camp Setting: The property’s original structures, including the stunning Prospect Point Camp Lodge with its birch bark accents, provide a unique, unforgettable atmosphere listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Premier Water Activities: Located directly on Upper Saranac Lake, the camp offers high-energy water sports like wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, and even parasailing. Quieter options include kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and sailing.
Extensive Land Sports: Features an 18-hole Disc Golf Course, a full basketball gymnasium, dedicated sports fields for field games, and courts for volleyball and bocce.
Recreation Rooms: Includes a large game room for indoor fun with activities such as ping pong, pool, shuffleboard, and carpet ball.
Natural Relaxation: Scattered amenities like the hammock grove and the pristine beaches offer perfect spots for rest and reflection amid the towering birch and pine forests.
High Ropes Course: An adventurous ropes course element provides opportunities for team-building and high-level fun (activity availability is generally customized for visiting groups).

Contact Information

For organizations in the New York region interested in booking the facility for a retreat or conference, please use the following primary contact information for the Saranac Village - A Young Life Camp:

Address: 644 Lake Flower Ave, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

Phone: While a general public phone number for direct bookings is often handled through the Young Life organization's central booking for group rentals, interested groups are generally advised to contact the camp directly or their local Young Life office to request a custom, no-obligation quote. Inquiries can also be made through the general Young Life Camp office.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For schools, churches, non-profits, and educational groups across New York State, Saranac Village offers a profoundly suitable and unparalleled location for a retreat. New Yorkers understand and appreciate the value of a 'destination' venue, and this camp provides just that—a National Register-listed historic Great Camp that is both geographically and spiritually removed from daily life.

The proximity to the beautiful Upper Saranac Lake is a major draw, offering a high-quality water-based recreation program that is unmatched by most upstate facilities. Furthermore, the all-inclusive model is perfect for group leaders who want a stress-free experience; the professional staff handles everything from meals to activity safety, allowing the group to concentrate on their curriculum and bonding. It is a known feature of Young Life camps to offer resort-quality experiences, meaning your group benefits from top-tier lodging and food without the logistical complexities of renting a traditional, self-catered facility. This combination of historic Adirondack grandeur, high-end recreational features, and comprehensive service makes Saranac Village a truly exceptional and high-value retreat option for local New York organizations seeking a transformative experience in the heart of the beautiful Adirondacks.