Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #84

For New Yorkers seeking an unparalleled outdoor adventure, a truly distinctive camping experience awaits at the Saranac Lake Islands Campground. Unlike traditional campgrounds, this unique destination offers primitive, boat-access-only campsites scattered across the numerous islands and shorelines of the beautiful Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes. It's a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the heart of the Adirondack wilderness, with the tranquil waters and stunning natural beauty as your backdrop.

Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves against your island, the scent of pine in the air, and the calls of loons echoing across the lake. This isn't just camping; it's an exploration of a vast and interconnected waterway, where your campsite is your private sanctuary. Saranac Lake Islands Campground provides an intimate connection with nature, making it a perfect retreat for those who appreciate solitude and the freedom that comes with water-based access.

Whether you're an experienced paddler ready to navigate the lakes by canoe or kayak, or you prefer the convenience of a motorboat, the journey to your campsite is an integral part of the adventure. The emphasis on self-sufficiency and respect for the environment is paramount here, offering a genuine primitive camping experience that many New Yorkers crave to escape the everyday hustle and bustle. Campsite #84, like others, offers a secluded spot to set up camp and enjoy the pristine surroundings of this remarkable Adirondack gem.

Location and Accessibility

Saranac Lake Islands Campground, including specific sites like Campsite #84, is uniquely located at 7PM9+98, Wawbeek, NY 12945, USA. This address places it squarely within the vast and protected Adirondack Park, specifically on the interconnected waterways of the Saranac Lake chain, which includes Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes. What makes this campground particularly distinct is its "BOAT ACCESS ONLY" policy for all campsites. This means that unlike many drive-in campgrounds, reaching your site requires a boat, canoe, or kayak.

For New Yorkers, accessing the Saranac Lake Islands involves a drive to one of the designated boat launches on the Saranac Lake chain. The main registration and boat launch for the Saranac Lake Islands Campground is located at 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. From here, campers launch their vessels and navigate to their reserved island or shoreline campsite. While the specific coordinates (7PM9+98, Wawbeek, NY) pinpoint a general area within the lake system, your final destination, Campsite #84, will be accessible only by water.

The journey to your campsite is part of the adventure. Visitors should factor in the time and effort required to paddle or motor to their designated island. Distances to campsites can vary, and wind conditions on the open lake can significantly impact travel time. Therefore, planning an early start, especially with loaded boats, is often recommended. Limited parking is available at the main boat launch, and campers may occasionally be instructed to use municipal parking lots in the nearby Village of Saranac Lake.

The beauty of this boat-access-only location is the unparalleled seclusion and immersion in nature it provides. It filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the journey are truly committed to an authentic Adirondack wilderness experience. Despite its seemingly remote nature, the campground is within a reasonable distance of the villages of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid, which offer essential services, restaurants, and attractions for resupply or day trips.

Services Offered

Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a primitive camping experience, with services designed to support self-sufficient outdoor enthusiasts. While you won't find extensive modern amenities, the provided services ensure a comfortable and environmentally respectful stay:

• Campsites: 87 designated campsites are available, scattered across islands and shorelines of Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes. These include traditional tent sites and some lean-tos. Campsite #84 is one of these unique, boat-access-only sites.
• Outhouses: Each campsite or cluster of sites is equipped with a primitive outhouse for sanitation, reflecting the focus on maintaining the natural environment.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite includes a picnic table, providing a designated area for meal preparation and dining.
• Fireplaces/Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a designated fireplace or fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy campfires safely.
• Boat Launch: A dedicated boat launch facility is provided at the main access point (4468 State Route 3) for campers to launch their boats, canoes, or kayaks.
• Firewood Sales: For convenience and to help prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood is often available for purchase at the campground or local vendors.
• Recycling Center: A recycling center is available at other DEC campgrounds within the region for refuse disposal when you show your camping permit, promoting a "carry-in, carry-out" policy for your campsite.
• Comfort Station: While campsites are primitive, a comfort station with flush toilets and showers is located at the main parking lot off Route 3, between First and Second Ponds, providing a more modern amenity at the access point.
• Accessible Campsites: A limited number of accessible campsites are available.

It's important to note that potable water is generally NOT available directly at the primitive island or shoreline campsites; campers must bring their own water or be prepared to filter/treat water from the lake. The emphasis is on a more rugged, authentic camping experience, requiring campers to be prepared with their own supplies.

Features / Highlights

The Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a distinctive set of features and highlights that make it a highly sought-after destination for New York outdoor enthusiasts:

• Boat-Access Only Camping: This is the defining feature, offering unparalleled privacy and a true wilderness feel. Each campsite is accessible only by watercraft, ensuring a unique and secluded experience away from typical roadside camping.
• Island and Shoreline Sites: Campers can choose from campsites located on islands or along the secluded shorelines of Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes. Some sites, like certain ones on Eagle Island or "Pirate's Island" (Site #21) or Site #13, are lauded for being the sole campsite on an island, offering ultimate privacy.
• Extensive Water Recreation: The interconnected Saranac Lake chain provides miles of waterways for boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even waterskiing. The ability to navigate through a series of locks that connect the lakes adds an exciting dimension to water exploration.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are well-regarded for fishing, with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, and pickerel present, offering the chance to catch your dinner.
• Direct Access to Wilderness: Being within the Adirondack Park and adjacent to areas like the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the High Peaks Wilderness Area provides direct access to extensive hiking trails for both experienced and inexperienced hikers.
• Primitive Yet Equipped Sites: While lacking modern hookups, each site is equipped with essential primitive amenities: an outhouse, picnic table, and fire ring, offering the foundational comforts for a true camping experience.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: The campground is set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Adirondacks, offering spectacular views of the lakes, forests, and surrounding mountains. The serene environment is perfect for wildlife viewing, from bald eagles swooping for fish to loons calling across the water.
• "Carry-In, Carry-Out" Ethos: This policy, coupled with available recycling facilities at other DEC campgrounds, fosters a strong sense of environmental responsibility among campers, helping to preserve the pristine nature of the islands.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, Saranac Lake Islands Campground operates under a standardized fee structure, and therefore, does not typically offer direct, publicly advertised promotional discounts in the same way a private business might. However, it's important for New Yorkers to be aware of the following regarding fees and potential cost considerations:

• Standard Camping Fee: The base camping fee for New York State residents is generally $22 per night. Non-residents typically incur an additional surcharge, often $5 per night. These rates are subject to change and should be confirmed at the time of booking.
• Reservation System: Reservations are made through the New York State Parks' ReserveAmerica system. While this system does not offer promotional codes for discounts, it is the essential portal for securing your desired campsite. Booking well in advance, especially for popular summer weekends and specific sites, is highly recommended due to demand.
• Length of Stay: Camping permits can be issued for a maximum of 14 nights. During the peak season (July 1 through Labor Day), a cumulative maximum of 14 nights is permitted at any DEC campground.
• Potential Off-Season Information: While the campground officially operates from mid-May to early September, some sources suggest that certain sites might revert to backcountry regulations in the off-season. This could imply different usage rules or no fees, but it would also mean no amenities whatsoever. This information is typically not a "promotion" but a change in operational status and would require direct confirmation with the DEC.
• Nearby Local Discounts: While the campground itself may not have promotions, visitors to the Saranac Lake area might find special offers or packages from local businesses (e.g., outfitters, restaurants, attractions) that could complement their camping trip. These would be independent of the campground.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, reservation availability, and any operational notes, New Yorkers should always refer to the official New York State DEC website or the ReserveAmerica booking portal for Saranac Lake Islands Campground.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding Saranac Lake Islands Campground, including Campsite #84, and for general information, New Yorkers can utilize the following contact details:

• Address (Main Access Point and Registration): 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA (Note: Campsite #84's precise location, 7PM9+98, Wawbeek, NY 12945, USA, is a general area within the lake system and accessible by boat from this main point).
• Phone: (518) 891-3170 (This is the general campground phone number for the Saranac Lake Islands Campground).

It is important to remember that reservations for campsites are typically made online through the New York State Parks' ReserveAmerica system rather than directly by phone to the campground. The phone number is primarily for operational questions, conditions, or specific campsite inquiries that might not be covered by the online system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers seeking a truly immersive and authentic outdoor experience, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, with its unique boat-access-only sites like Campsite #84, stands out as an exceptional choice. This isn't just a place to set up a tent; it's an invitation to explore a vast and beautiful network of lakes and islands, offering a level of tranquility and seclusion often difficult to find in more conventional campgrounds. For those living in the bustling cities or even the more developed areas of New York, this campground provides a profound escape, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

The requirement of boat access means that visitors are prepared for a more self-sufficient adventure. This adds to the feeling of accomplishment and independence, appealing to New Yorkers who value outdoor skills and a challenge. The reward is unparalleled privacy and direct access to pristine waters for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Imagine exploring hidden coves, discovering untouched shorelines, and experiencing the Adirondacks from a unique aquatic perspective – all easily achievable from your island base.

Beyond the immediate campsite, the Saranac Lake chain offers endless opportunities for exploration. The ability to navigate through historic locks to access other lakes, or to paddle to nearby towns for supplies, adds a layer of convenience and diversity to the wilderness experience. This balance of primitive camping with accessible amenities at the main launch point and nearby villages makes it ideal for locals who want to embrace the wild without being entirely cut off. It’s a chance to truly unplug, recharge, and create lasting memories against the backdrop of one of New York’s most stunning natural landscapes, making Saranac Lake Islands Campground an essential Adirondack adventure for any local outdoor enthusiast.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #84

7PM9+98, Wawbeek, NY 12945, USA