Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #62

For those of us in New York who yearn for a truly unique and immersive outdoor adventure, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an experience unlike any other. Imagine yourself paddling across serene waters, navigating to your own private island or secluded shoreline haven, and settling into a campsite where the only sounds are the rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of waves. This is the magic of camping at Saranac Lake Islands, and specifically, the allure of a site like Campsite #62 on Second Pond.

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground is a testament to the Adirondack Park's pristine wilderness, providing a rare opportunity for boat-access-only camping. It’s part of the extensive Saranac Chain of Lakes, an interconnected waterway that links Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes, flowing into the Saranac River and beyond. This vast system offers countless miles of exploration for paddlers, anglers, and boaters, making your campsite a perfect base for aquatic adventures right here in our own state.

Campsite #62, in particular, has garnered praise for its peaceful and serene environment, making it a new favorite for many who discover its charms. It offers direct access to prime paddling routes, leading to the lower locks that connect to Oseetah Lake and back to Lower Saranac Lake. While the camping here is on the rustic side, emphasizing self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with nature, the reward is an unparalleled sense of tranquility and an intimate encounter with the Adirondacks’ famed beauty. For New Yorkers looking to truly disconnect and embrace a unique form of outdoor recreation, Saranac Lake Islands Campground promises an unforgettable adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Saranac Lake Islands Campground, including specific sites like Campsite #62 on Second Pond, is nestled within the vast Adirondack Park, with its general access point noted at State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. For prospective campers from New York, it’s crucial to understand the unique accessibility of this destination: it is BOAT ACCESS ONLY. This fundamental aspect means you cannot drive your vehicle directly to your campsite. Instead, campers must launch their watercraft—be it a canoe, kayak, or motorboat—from a public boat launch and navigate to their reserved island or shoreline site.

Campsite #62's location on Second Pond is particularly advantageous for paddlers, offering excellent access to the lower locks. These locks facilitate passage between various bodies of water, allowing seamless exploration to Oseetah Lake, Lower Saranac Lake, and beyond, opening up miles of scenic waterways. This interconnectedness is a significant draw, providing endless opportunities for aquatic adventure directly from your campsite.

While deep in the wilderness, the campground remains within a reasonable distance of the vibrant village of Saranac Lake and approximately seven miles from Lake Placid. These towns provide essential amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops for resupply or a change of pace. Parking for those accessing the islands may be limited at the boat launch, and campers might be directed to use municipal parking in the Village of Saranac Lake, requiring some pre-planning for your vehicle. For New Yorkers seeking a true Adirondack adventure that begins the moment you launch your boat, Saranac Lake Islands Campground's unique accessibility is a defining and rewarding feature, offering a profound sense of removal from the everyday hustle.

Services Offered

• Boat Access Only: All campsites, including Campsite #62, are exclusively accessible by boat. This ensures a unique, secluded, and immersive wilderness experience.
• Primitive Camping: The camping environment is rustic, meaning there is no potable (drinking) water available directly at the campsites. Campers must bring all their own water or be prepared to filter and purify water from the lake, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
• Outhouses/Vault Toilets: Basic sanitation facilities, typically outhouses or vault toilets, are provided at or near each campsite for convenience and environmental protection.
• Boat Launches: Public boat launches are available for campers to access the islands, with designated parking areas (though some may require using off-site municipal parking in Saranac Lake Village, which should be verified prior to arrival).
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each designated campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a dedicated fire ring or fireplace, perfect for cooking meals and enjoying campfires under the stars.
• Firewood Sales/Delivery: While bringing your own firewood is generally discouraged to prevent the spread of invasive species, the "ADK Camp Wood Delivery Service" is a notable amenity for sites like #62, allowing campers to have firewood delivered directly to their island site, greatly enhancing convenience.
• Recycling Center: While trash is "carry-in, carry-out," a recycling center is available at other DEC campgrounds in the area for refuse disposal, requiring campers to show their permit.
• Lean-to Availability: Some sites within the campground may feature traditional Adirondack lean-tos, offering a sheltered, open-front structure for sleeping, though specific availability for Campsite #62 should be confirmed upon reservation.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally permitted at campsites, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet, are under control, and are not left unattended. Specific restrictions may apply to certain areas.

Features / Highlights

• Unparalleled Paddling Access: Campsite #62, located on Second Pond, is a dream spot for paddlers. It offers direct and easy access to the lower locks, providing seamless passage to Oseetah Lake, Lower Saranac Lake, and the broader Saranac Chain of Lakes. This allows for miles of uninterrupted canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Peaceful & Serene Environment: As highlighted by a satisfied customer, Campsite #62 is described as "peaceful & serene," making it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility and a true escape from noise and crowds.
• Private Island/Secluded Site Experience: The boat-access-only nature of the campground ensures a high degree of privacy and a genuine sense of solitude. You feel truly immersed in the wilderness on your own secluded spot.
• "ADK Camp Wood Delivery Service": A fantastic convenience for island campers! Having firewood delivered directly to your site means less to carry in your boat, making for a more comfortable and authentic campfire experience.
• Stunning Adirondack Scenery: Campers are surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the Adirondack Park – towering trees, pristine waters, and abundant wildlife. The views are a constant highlight.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Saranac Chain of Lakes is renowned for its fishing. Campers can enjoy angling for various species directly from their site or while exploring the expansive waterways.
• Proximity to Saranac Lake & Lake Placid: Despite its wild feel, the campground is a manageable boat ride or short drive from the charming Adirondack villages of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, offering opportunities for resupply, dining, and exploring local attractions.
• "Carry-In, Carry-Out" Ethos: This policy promotes a strong sense of environmental stewardship, encouraging campers to maintain the pristine condition of these unique island environments.

Promotions or Special Offers

As Saranac Lake Islands Campground is a New York State DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) campground, it primarily operates on a fixed rate structure rather than offering traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers." However, there are inherent advantages and "offers" that make it particularly appealing for New York residents seeking a unique outdoor experience:

• Standardized and Affordable Rates: The pricing for campsites is set by New York State Parks and DEC, providing consistent and generally affordable rates for access to prime Adirondack wilderness camping. These rates are transparent and available through the ReserveAmerica booking platform.
• Early Booking Priority: While not a discount, the ability to reserve highly sought-after sites like Campsite #62 up to nine months in advance is a significant "special offer." Given the immense popularity of these unique boat-access island sites, securing your preferred dates and specific site early is absolutely crucial.
• New York State Park Pass Benefits: Although not directly applicable to the campsite fee itself, purchasing a New York State Parks Empire Pass can offer savings on vehicle entry fees at various state parks and boat launches throughout New York. This can be beneficial for those who frequently visit state parks to launch their boat for island camping or to access other nearby Adirondack attractions.
• Seasonal Access: The campground typically operates seasonally, usually from May through early September. Experiencing the Adirondacks during these peak times, with reliable weather and full access to water activities, is itself a major draw for New Yorkers.
• "ADK Camp Wood Delivery Service": While a separate service, the availability of firewood delivery directly to island sites (as mentioned in reviews for Campsite #62) can be considered a valuable "special offer" in terms of convenience and enhancing the camping experience, as it saves campers from having to transport heavy wood by boat.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, reservation details, and specific policies, it is always recommended to visit the official New York State Parks website or the ReserveAmerica platform directly for Saranac Lake Islands Campground. While you won't find traditional coupon codes, the exceptional value lies in the unparalleled and authentic Adirondack island camping experience at a state-regulated price point.

Contact Information

For inquiries and reservations concerning Saranac Lake Islands Campground, including specific sites like Campsite #62, the primary method for New York residents is through the official booking system and relevant state park contacts. Please note that a direct phone number specifically for Campsite #62 is not provided, as reservations and general inquiries are managed centrally.

General Campground Information / Ranger Station Phone (seasonal): (518) 891-2841 (This number is often associated with the registration booth or main office for the Saranac Lake Islands area, but may not be staffed year-round or for all inquiries).

Reservation Phone: (321) 356-8469 (This number is provided, suggesting it might be a central reservation line or a specific contact for inquiries related to bookings.)

Mobile Phone: +1 321-356-8469 (This number is also provided and likely serves the same purpose as the main phone number.)

Official Website: To make reservations, search for "Saranac Lake Islands Campground" on the New York State Parks website or ReserveAmerica.com.

Address (for reference, but remember it's boat access only for camping): State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

It is strongly advised to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular island sites and during peak season, as these unique boat-access sites are in high demand.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents yearning for an unparalleled and genuinely unique outdoor adventure, Saranac Lake Islands Campground, with its serene sites like Campsite #62, stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination. Its signature boat-access-only nature means that a truly immersive wilderness experience is available right here in our own state, providing a profound sense of escape from the daily grind without requiring extensive travel beyond New York’s borders. This makes it ideal for locals looking for a deep dive into nature during a weekend or a more extended vacation.

The vast interconnectedness of the Saranac Chain of Lakes offers an aquatic playground directly from your campsite. For New Yorkers who own a boat, kayak, or canoe, this campground is a dream come true, providing endless opportunities for paddling, fishing, and exploring pristine waterways. Campsite #62's strategic location on Second Pond, offering excellent access to the lower locks and routes to Oseetah Lake and Lower Saranac Lake, is a significant draw for those who love to explore by water. This unique setup allows for a level of privacy and peacefulness that is increasingly rare in more developed campgrounds.

Furthermore, the availability of services like the "ADK Camp Wood Delivery Service" for island sites greatly enhances the convenience of this rustic experience, ensuring that even with the remote access, essential comforts are within reach. While the camping is primitive, the proximity to charming Adirondack villages like Saranac Lake and Lake Placid means that you're never too far from resupply options, restaurants, or a touch of civilization if desired, striking a perfect balance between wild immersion and practical convenience.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it’s an invitation for New Yorkers to create unforgettable memories of starry nights, peaceful paddles, and deep connection with one of the state's most iconic natural treasures. For those who embrace the adventure and tranquility of boat-in camping, this Adirondack gem is an absolute must-visit for any local seeking a unique and enriching wilderness retreat.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #62

State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA