Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #87

For us New Yorkers, the Adirondack Park isn't just a destination; it's a vast, wild backyard offering endless opportunities for escape and adventure. Among its many treasures, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground stands out as a truly unique and immersive experience. This isn't your typical drive-up camping spot; it's an invitation to explore the pristine waters of the Saranac Lakes chain and discover your own private slice of wilderness on one of its many islands.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground is renowned for its "boat access only" sites, meaning your journey to your campsite is an adventure in itself. This unique feature ensures a level of seclusion and tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere, making it a favorite for those seeking a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle. Visitors rave about the beautiful wooded sites, many with stunning waterfront views, and the opportunity to truly disconnect from the digital world. With options ranging from basic tent sites to charming lean-tos, each with its own fireplace and outhouse, it provides a primitive yet comfortable base for exploring the incredible Adirondack landscape. Whether you’re paddling, fishing, or simply enjoying the quiet of nature, the Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an iconic New York camping experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground is situated in Santa Clara, NY 12986, USA. While the provided address might seem general, the campground itself is unique in that all of its 87 campsites are located on the various islands of Lower and Middle Saranac Lake, or along their remote shorelines. This means access to the campground is strictly by boat only.

For New York residents, this boat-access-only feature is a defining aspect of its accessibility. Campers must either bring their own boat (canoes, kayaks, or motorboats are suitable) or rent one from local marinas in the Saranac Lake area. Public boat launches are available, and many outfitters in the nearby villages of Saranac Lake or Lake Placid can provide rentals and even shuttle services. While the "boat access only" might seem like an extra step, it’s precisely what contributes to the campground’s secluded and pristine nature, making it a cherished destination for those seeking an authentic Adirondack experience away from roadside crowds. Parking for vehicles before launching boats may be limited, and campers may be instructed to use municipal parking lots in the Village of Saranac Lake.

• Boat-Access-Only Campsites: All 87 campsites are exclusively accessible by boat, providing a unique and secluded camping experience. These include sites on islands and remote shorelines.

• Primitive Camping: The camping is primitive, meaning sites generally do not have potable water or electricity. Campers should be prepared to purify lake water or bring their own drinking water.

• Outhouses/Privies: Each campsite is equipped with a rustic outhouse or privy for basic sanitation, maintaining the primitive nature of the experience.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Fireplaces: Every site includes a picnic table and a fire ring or stone fireplace, perfect for outdoor cooking and campfires.

• Lean-to Sites: A limited number of sites (approximately 5) offer lean-tos, providing a semi-sheltered camping option for those who prefer it.

• Boat Launches: Public boat launches are available to access Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes, facilitating the boat-in requirement.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for purchase at the campground's main office or designated locations, helping to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Recycling Center Access: Campers can utilize recycling centers at other DEC campgrounds by showing their camping permit, supporting a "carry-in, carry-out" policy for the islands themselves.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed at Saranac Lake Islands Campground, provided they have proof of a valid rabies vaccination and are kept on a leash (no longer than six feet) and under control. They are prohibited in facility structures and on beaches.

• Unique Island Camping Experience: This is a rare opportunity to camp on islands, offering unparalleled privacy and a sense of true wilderness immersion. Each site is waterfront, providing lovely views and direct access to the water.

• Seclusion and Privacy: With "boat access only" and "beautiful wooded with enough seclusion" as mentioned in reviews, sites are well-separated, often not visible from neighboring campsites, ensuring a peaceful and private stay.

• Boater's Paradise: The Saranac Lake chain offers miles and miles of waterways for boating, paddling (canoeing, kayaking), fishing, and even jet-skiing or water skiing. A system of locks allows access to four other interconnected lakes.

• Exceptional Paddling and Fishing: The lakes are ideal for canoe and kayak enthusiasts, with vast stretches of water to explore. Fishing is popular, with species like northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, bullhead, and yellow perch.

• Digital Detox: The limited to non-existent cell coverage on the islands is a major highlight for those seeking to completely unplug from technology and immerse themselves in nature.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Campers are surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Adirondack Park, with opportunities for stargazing, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the tranquility of a lakeside setting.

• Carry-In, Carry-Out Ethos: This reinforces a strong Leave No Trace philosophy, encouraging campers to be responsible stewards of the environment, which appeals to environmentally conscious individuals.

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, Saranac Lake Islands Campground operates under a state-mandated fee structure. Therefore, it does not typically offer commercial promotions or discounts in the same way a privately owned business might. The camping fee is generally set at a standard rate per night, with an additional surcharge for out-of-state residents.

The value offered here lies in the unique, highly sought-after island camping experience within a protected state park. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made through Reserve America or the New York State Parks website. For the most current pricing, reservation availability, and any specific seasonal considerations, New Yorkers should visit the official New York State DEC campgrounds website or call the campground office directly. The "special offer" of Saranac Lake Islands Campground is its consistent provision of an unparalleled, primitive Adirondack water-based adventure at an accessible state park rate.

Address: While the provided address is Santa Clara, NY 12986, USA, the primary administrative address often associated with booking and information for Saranac Lake Islands Campground is 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. However, remember all campsites are boat access only, so this is an administrative point.

Phone: (518) 891-3449 (This is the number provided, and also associated with NYS DEC campgrounds in the area).

Mobile Phone: +1 518-891-3449

For New Yorkers seeking an unparalleled outdoor adventure, Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an experience that is truly unique and perfectly suited to our state's diverse landscape. This isn't just camping; it's an immersive journey into the heart of the Adirondacks, where the journey by boat to your secluded island site is as much a part of the experience as the stay itself. For those who appreciate privacy, tranquility, and a genuine connection with nature, the "pristine primitive style camping" with enough seclusion to feel truly alone is an irresistible draw.

The "boat access only" feature, while requiring a bit more planning, ensures a level of quiet and natural preservation that is hard to find in more accessible campgrounds. It's an invitation to shed the digital world, embrace the sounds of nature, and focus on the simple joys of paddling, fishing, and sitting by a campfire under a blanket of stars. The availability of outhouses and basic amenities ensures a comfortable primitive experience, while the emphasis on "carry-in, carry-out" speaks to the responsible stewardship that many New Yorkers value in their outdoor spaces. For those seeking an iconic Adirondack experience that feels both adventurous and deeply relaxing, Saranac Lake Islands Campground is a must-visit, offering a true escape that will leave you with cherished memories of New York's magnificent wilderness.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #87

Santa Clara, NY 12986, USA