Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #47

For New Yorkers yearning for a true escape into the wild, far from the hustle and bustle, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature. Specifically, Campsite #47 provides a truly unique Adirondack experience. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, surrounded by pristine waters and towering evergreens – a dream easily within reach for those in the Empire State. This isn't just a camping trip; it's an immersive journey into the heart of New York's magnificent wilderness, designed for adventurers who appreciate the raw beauty of the outdoors.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground is renowned for its distinctive character, primarily its boat-access-only campsites. This unique feature ensures a level of seclusion and tranquility rarely found in other campgrounds, making it a highly sought-after destination for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience. It's an ideal spot for individuals, families, and groups looking to truly unplug and embrace the serenity of the Adirondack Park. Whether you're an experienced paddler or someone looking to try boat-in camping for the first time, the Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes offer a picturesque backdrop for your adventure.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground, including Campsite #47, is nestled in the scenic Adirondack Park, specifically located at 7QJJ+W4, Saranac Lake, NY 12945, USA. While the physical address leads you to the general area, it's crucial to understand that access to Campsite #47, like all other sites within this campground, is exclusively by boat. This “boat-access only” characteristic is a defining feature that preserves the pristine nature of these island and shoreline campsites.

For local New Yorkers, reaching the Saranac Lake area is a manageable drive, offering a scenic transition from urban landscapes to the wild beauty of the Adirondacks. Once in Saranac Lake, several public boat launches are available to embark on your journey to the islands. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) maintains these launches, ensuring convenient access for campers. It’s advisable to plan your boat transportation in advance, whether you bring your own vessel, rent one locally, or arrange for a boat service. The journey across the tranquil waters of Lower Saranac Lake to your campsite is an integral part of the adventure, immediately immersing you in the serene environment. Parking may be limited at the boat launches, and campers might be instructed to use municipal parking lots in the Village of Saranac Lake during peak times, so planning ahead for this is recommended.

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a primitive yet comprehensive array of services designed to enhance your wilderness camping experience. Keep in mind the "carry-in, carry-out" policy, emphasizing responsible outdoor recreation.

• Boat Launch Access: The campground provides access to boat launches, crucial for reaching the water-access-only campsites.
• Outhouses: Each campsite, including Campsite #47, is equipped with outhouses for basic restroom facilities.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite features a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings/Fireplaces: Designated fire rings are available for campfires, adhering to safety guidelines and allowing for traditional campfire cooking.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is often available for purchase within the park, ensuring you have fuel for your campfires.
• Boating and Paddling: The expansive Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes offer endless opportunities for powerboating, canoeing, kayaking, and sailboarding.
• Fishing: Excellent freshwater fishing is available, with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, and pickerel.
• Shelters: Some sites, though not all, may include a lean-to in addition to tent space.
• Recycling Center: A recycling center is available at other DEC campgrounds in the vicinity for refuse disposal when you show your camping permit.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a premier destination for wilderness camping in New York.

• Exclusive Boat Access: The most significant highlight is that all 87 campsites, including #47, are accessible only by boat. This provides an unmatched level of privacy and a true sense of being in the wilderness.
• Island and Shoreline Sites: Campers have the unique opportunity to stay on actual islands or secluded shoreline spots, offering diverse views and experiences. Campsite #47, situated on Loon Bay of Lower Saranac Lake, exemplifies this unique setting.
• Direct Access to Connected Lakes: The Saranac Chain of Lakes allows seamless navigation through Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes, connected by a series of locks that enable boats to move between different water levels.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: The campground is situated within the Adirondack Park, offering breathtaking views of forested islands, clear waters, and mountainous backdrops. As one past visitor noted, "its a gorgeous place to spend a night."
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who appreciate rustic camping, the sites provide a back-to-basics experience with no potable water or electricity, encouraging a deeper connection with nature.
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Beyond camping, the area is a hub for outdoor activities, including extensive hiking trails in the nearby Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and High Peaks Wilderness Area, horseback riding facilities, and golf courses.
• Proximity to Local Villages: While offering a remote feel, the campground is still within a reasonable distance of the villages of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid, providing access to restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Currently, there are no specific ongoing promotions or special offers publicly advertised for Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #47 beyond the standard booking rates. Camping fees for New York State residents are typically around $22 per night, with an additional surcharge for out-of-state residents. It is always recommended to check the official New York State Parks or ReserveAmerica websites for the most current pricing and any potential seasonal discounts or packages that might become available. Keep in mind that demand for these unique boat-access sites is high, particularly during peak seasons, so early booking is highly advisable. While individual promotions aren't common, the sheer value of the unique wilderness experience at a relatively affordable state park rate makes it a continuous offer in itself.

For reservations and general inquiries regarding Saranac Lake Islands Campground, including Campsite #47, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA (Note: This is the general address for the Saranac Lake Islands State Campground complex, not a direct access point to Campsite #47 itself.)
• Campground Phone: (518) 891-2841
• Regional Office Phone: (518) 897-1309
• Reservations: Reservations can be made online through ReserveAmerica, the official booking platform for New York State Parks. Searching for "Saranac Lake Islands Campground" on their website will lead you to availability for individual campsites like #47.

For residents across New York State, Saranac Lake Islands Campground, and specifically a spot like Campsite #47, represents an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Adirondack wilderness in a truly authentic way. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; its boat-access-only nature fosters a sense of adventure and exclusivity that appeals to those seeking a deeper connection with nature. For busy New Yorkers, the ability to unplug completely, surrounded by the tranquil waters and lush forests, offers a profound sense of rejuvenation and escape. The rave reviews from past visitors, such as the one stating it's "a gorgeous place to spend a night," underscore the captivating beauty and peaceful ambiance that awaits.

Whether you're an avid paddler, a fishing enthusiast, a hiker, or simply someone looking for quiet solitude under a canopy of stars, the Saranac Lake Islands provide the perfect setting. It’s an ideal destination for family adventures, offering children a chance to explore a unique island environment, or for solo travelers seeking personal reflection. The proximity to charming Adirondack villages like Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid means that while you’re immersed in the wild, amenities and cultural experiences are never too far away. This blend of remote wilderness and accessible local charm makes Saranac Lake Islands Campground an exceptionally suitable and rewarding destination for New York residents looking to create lasting memories in one of the state's most iconic natural treasures. It’s an invitation to embrace a different pace of life, if only for a few days, and discover the unparalleled beauty right in our own backyard.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #47

7QJJ+W4, Saranac Lake, NY 12945, USA