Lake Clear Camp

For those in New York seeking a genuine escape into nature, a true Adirondack experience awaits at Lake Clear Camp. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Adirondack Park, this campground offers a serene and invigorating retreat, perfect for families, friends, and solo adventurers looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. With its pristine waters and stunning surroundings, Lake Clear Camp is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a destination for creating lasting memories and enjoying the tranquility of Upstate New York.

The allure of Lake Clear Camp lies in its namesake: a magnificent lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters. As one satisfied visitor eloquently put it, “A beautiful lake that is truly crystal clear water!” This clarity not only offers a visually stunning backdrop but also provides an ideal environment for a multitude of water-based activities, inviting visitors to dive in, paddle, or simply bask in the refreshing purity of the lake. It’s a natural wonder that distinguishes Lake Clear Camp as a truly special place within the vast wilderness of the Adirondacks.

Whether you're an experienced camper or new to the outdoor lifestyle, Lake Clear Camp caters to a variety of preferences, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all. Its blend of traditional camping with accessible amenities makes it an ideal choice for New Yorkers eager to explore the natural splendor of their state without sacrificing essential comforts.

Location and Accessibility

Lake Clear Camp boasts an enviable location at 6883 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. This address places it squarely within the magnificent Adirondack Park, a vast and protected wilderness area known for its stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and extensive trail systems. The campground is situated on a scenic 91-acre peninsula on Lake Clear, offering unparalleled access to the lake's sparkling waters and panoramic views of the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks. Being just 20 miles from Lake Placid, a hub for outdoor sports and tourism, adds to its appeal, providing convenient access to additional attractions and services.

For those traveling from various parts of New York, Lake Clear Camp is accessible via well-maintained state routes. NY-30 is a primary artery that connects to larger highway networks, making the drive to the campground relatively straightforward. While it offers a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, it's not so remote that it becomes difficult to reach. Visitors can expect a scenic drive through the Adirondack region, preparing them for the natural beauty that awaits. The proximity to Saranac Lake village also means that essential supplies, dining options, and local attractions are within a reasonable driving distance, balancing the tranquility of the camp with practical conveniences.

Services Offered

Lake Clear Camp provides a variety of services designed to enhance the camping experience for its visitors. While specific details can vary by program and season, based on available information, guests can generally expect:

• Accommodations: Options for renovated cabins with full bathrooms, traditional lean-tos for a more rustic experience, and primitive camping sites for tents.
• Dining Facilities: A dining hall is available, particularly for organized camp programs.
• Health Center: For any immediate medical needs or concerns, a health center is on-site.
• Program Buildings: Dedicated spaces for various activities and programs, especially relevant for summer camp sessions.
• Waterfront Access: Direct access to Lake Clear for swimming and boating, with life jackets and equipment for canoes, kayaks, and SUP boards often included for guests.
• Camp Store/Convenience: While not explicitly detailed as a full store, some sources indicate potential for provisions or a snack bar during peak seasons or for specific programs.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Available, with descriptions mentioning flush toilets and showers in renovated cabins and bath houses for other accommodations.
• Picnic Areas: Designated outdoor picnic areas, often with fire pits and barbecue grills.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable water.
• Parking: Convenient parking for campers.

Features / Highlights

Lake Clear Camp stands out with several key features that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in New York:

• Crystal-Clear Lake Water: The most frequently praised highlight, the lake's exceptionally clear water offers unparalleled opportunities for swimming, paddling, and enjoying the pristine aquatic environment.
• Scenic Adirondack Setting: Situated on 91 scenic acres within the Adirondack Park, the camp provides breathtaking views of the High Peaks and is adjacent to the St. Regis Canoe Area, offering immediate access to vast wilderness.
• Diverse Water Activities: A wide array of water-based activities is available, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even sailing programs for those interested in learning.
• Extensive Trails: The property offers interpretive nature trails for hiking, walking, or jogging, directly connecting to the Adirondack Rail Trail for broader exploration, including connections to Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid.
• Rustic and Renovated Accommodations: Guests can choose from comfortable renovated cabins with modern amenities or opt for a more traditional camping experience in rustic lean-tos or tent sites, catering to various comfort levels.
• Family-Friendly Environment: While some programs are specifically tailored (e.g., Girl Scout camps), the overall atmosphere and range of activities make it highly suitable for families looking for an outdoor adventure.
• Unique Onsite Experiences: Features like a private swimming beach, a three-acre lakefront, and potentially even unique offerings like a 1920s Speakeasy (as mentioned in some specific lodge descriptions) add a distinctive charm.
• Proximity to Adirondack Attractions: Its location near Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, The Wild Center, and Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center allows for easy day trips to explore more of the region's cultural and natural highlights.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, universally applicable promotions for Lake Clear Camp beyond its general offerings as a Girl Scout camp or rental facility are not extensively advertised as broad public discounts, potential visitors should be aware that offers often come through specific organizational affiliations or seasonal bookings. For example, the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, who operate Lake Clear Camp for summer programs, may offer:

• Member Rates: Girl Scout members often receive discounted rates for camp sessions and facility rentals.
• Early Bird Discounts: For summer camp registrations, early bird specials may be available for those who book well in advance.
• Financial Aid: The camp indicates that financial assistance may be available for some of its programs, encouraging direct contact for more details.
• Seasonal Packages: For non-camp rental periods (when the property is available for general public use or specific group rentals), packages might include amenities like canoes, kayaks, and SUP boards, or access to certain onsite experiences as part of a booking.

It is highly recommended for interested parties to contact Lake Clear Camp directly or visit the official Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York website, or any other booking platforms that may list rentals for the property, for the most current and specific promotional details or special offers for their desired dates and type of stay. Promotions can be seasonal, program-specific, or based on group bookings, so direct inquiry is the best way to uncover available savings.

Contact Information

• Address: 6883 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA
• Phone: (518) 563-1560
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-563-1560

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers yearning for a genuine escape into the heart of the Adirondack wilderness, Lake Clear Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity. Its location in Saranac Lake, within the expansive Adirondack Park, provides an easily accessible yet deeply immersive natural experience. Unlike many fleeting day-trip destinations, Lake Clear Camp encourages a prolonged engagement with nature, whether through multi-day camping trips in a tent or a more comfortable stay in a renovated cabin. This allows local residents to truly decompress from the stresses of city life and embrace the tranquility of the mountains and the pristine clarity of Lake Clear.

The camp’s suitability for locals extends beyond its scenic beauty. The diverse range of activities, from swimming and boating in the "truly crystal clear water" to exploring extensive hiking and biking trails directly accessible from the property, caters to various interests and fitness levels. This means that families with children, groups of friends seeking adventure, or individuals desiring peaceful solitude can all find their ideal outdoor pursuit. The opportunity to learn new skills, such as sailing, or simply to relax by a campfire under a star-filled sky, fosters a deeper connection with the natural world that is often missing in urban environments.

Furthermore, Lake Clear Camp serves as an ideal base for exploring the wider Adirondack region. Its close proximity to iconic destinations like Lake Placid, the Wild Center, and other charming Adirondack towns means that campers can easily venture out for day trips, experiencing more of what the region has to offer, from Olympic history to unique cultural attractions. This blend of on-site natural immersion and convenient access to regional highlights makes Lake Clear Camp a perfect, comprehensive outdoor getaway for New York residents. It’s a place where the restorative power of nature is tangible, offering a refreshing break and creating cherished memories right in their own backyard.

Lake Clear Camp

6883 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA