Experience Unique Island Camping at Saranac Lake Islands Campground in NY

Saranac Lake Islands Campground - Day-use Area Introduce

For those of us who call New York home and cherish our access to the incredible wild spaces of the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a truly distinctive and unforgettable camping experience. This isn't your typical roadside campground; it's a rare gem where your campsite is an island or a secluded shoreline spot, accessible only by boat. It's the kind of place that speaks to the adventurous spirit, promising a deep immersion in nature, far from the hustle and bustle, yet still within reach of the charming Adirondack communities.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground is renowned among New York campers for its unique island sites, the vastness of the Saranac Chain of Lakes at your fingertips, and the unparalleled sense of privacy it provides. Many local enthusiasts consider it one of the best camping destinations in the state, returning year after year to enjoy the pristine waters, excellent fishing, and the simple tranquility of a campfire under the Adirondack stars. It’s a place where the journey to your campsite is part of the adventure, setting the stage for a truly memorable escape into the heart of New York's wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

Saranac Lake Islands Campground is strategically located on State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. While the mailing address points to a land-based access point, it is crucial for New Yorkers planning a visit to understand a defining characteristic of this campground: it is BOAT ACCESS ONLY. The campsites are scattered across the numerous islands and remote shorelines of Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes, which are part of the extensive Saranac Chain of Lakes.

This unique access requirement means that campers will need to launch their own boat, canoe, or kayak, or rent one from a local outfitter, to reach their designated island or shoreline site. Public boat launches are available in the vicinity, serving as your embarkation point. For those of us driving from other parts of New York, the campground's proximity to the village of Saranac Lake (approximately 7 miles from Lake Placid) places it conveniently within the popular Tri-Lakes region of the Adirondack Park. While parking at the launch points can be limited, municipal parking lots in the Village of Saranac Lake may be utilized, with instructions provided upon reservation or arrival. This blend of remote, water-only access with relatively easy driving access from major New York cities makes it a truly accessible wilderness experience.

Services Offered

Boat-Access-Only Campsites: All 87 campsites at Saranac Lake Islands Campground are accessible solely by watercraft. This includes a mix of island sites and shoreline sites on Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes, with five sites also featuring lean-tos.
Primitive Camping Facilities: The camping is considered primitive. Each designated campsite typically includes a picnic table, a fire ring or fireplace for campfires, and a privy (outhouse) for sanitation.
No Potable Water On-Site: Campers must be prepared to bring all their own drinking water, or have the means to treat lake water for consumption, as potable water is not available at the campsites.
Boat Launch: A boat launch facility is available to provide access to the lakes for campers.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for purchase on-site, which is crucial for preventing the spread of invasive species by bringing wood from outside the area.
Day-Use Sites: In addition to campsites, there are several designated day-use sites (5 available) that also require boat access, perfect for a day of picnicking and enjoying the lake.
Recycling Center Access: While specific recycling facilities may not be directly at your island site, a recycling center is available for refuse disposal at other DEC campgrounds within the region, which you can utilize by showing your camping permit.
Comfort Station (Land-Based): A comfort station, which may include flush toilets or showers, is located at the parking lot off Route 3 between First and Second Ponds. However, this facility is on the mainland and not accessible from the island campsites.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet and proof of rabies vaccination is available. Pets are not allowed in facility structures or on beaches/day-use areas.

Features / Highlights

Unique Island & Shoreline Camping: The most significant highlight is the opportunity to camp on private islands or secluded shoreline sites. This offers an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion in the natural environment. Reviewers consistently praise the privacy and spaciousness of the sites.
Extensive Water Recreation: Being located on the Saranac Chain of Lakes, the campground provides endless opportunities for boating (motorboats allowed), canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The lakes connect via a series of locks, allowing access to other bodies of water, which truly expands the scope of your water adventures.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are well-known for fantastic fishing, with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, and pickerel present. Many campers enjoy the experience of catching their dinner right from their campsite.
Disconnected Experience: For those seeking a true escape from modern life, the primitive nature and likely limited to no cell service (though not explicitly stated, common for such remote areas) allow for a genuine digital detox.
Scenic Beauty: The campground is set within the stunning Adirondack Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, pristine waters, and lush forests. Sunsets over the lake are often highlighted as magnificent.
Proximity to Hiking Trails: While primarily water-centric, the surrounding Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and High Peaks Wilderness Area offer extensive hiking trails for both experienced and inexperienced hikers, accessible via short boat trips to various shorelines.
"Carry-In, Carry-Out" Ethos: This campground adheres to a strict "carry-in, carry-out" policy for trash, reinforcing the Leave No Trace principles and ensuring the pristine environment is maintained by all visitors.
Well-Maintained Outhouses: Despite being primitive, the outhouses at each site are noted to be well-maintained, providing basic but clean sanitation.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, Saranac Lake Islands Campground operates on a fixed fee schedule determined by the state, rather than offering frequent promotional deals or discounts like privately owned campgrounds might. The nightly camping fee is generally around $22 per night, with an additional surcharge for out-of-state residents (typically $5 per night). Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months, and can be made through the New York State Parks reservation system, usually via ReserveAmerica.

While there aren't traditional "promotions," the value lies in the unique experience of camping on an island or secluded shoreline at a state-operated rate, providing affordable access to one of New York's most sought-after wilderness experiences. Length of stay is typically limited to a maximum of 14 nights. Any specific seasonal offers or changes to fees would be communicated through the official New York State DEC website or the ReserveAmerica booking portal. It is always advised to check these official sources for the most current pricing and reservation policies before planning your trip.

Contact Information

For reservations and inquiries about Saranac Lake Islands Campground, you should primarily utilize the online reservation system. However, for direct questions regarding the campground itself, you can use the following information:

Address: State Rte 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA(Note: This is a general access point. The campsites are boat-access only.)Campground Phone (main): (518) 532-9051 (as per CampADK)Regional Office Phone (DEC): (518) 891-2842 or (518) 897-1309 (for general DEC Adirondack region inquiries)

It is important to remember that this is a state-run facility, and many operational details and booking procedures are handled through the New York State Parks reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us New Yorkers, particularly those of us in love with the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake Islands Campground represents the epitome of a true wilderness escape without having to leave our home state. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's an adventure from the moment you launch your boat. We appreciate the unique opportunity to claim our own private island or secluded shoreline site, a level of privacy and immersion in nature that is increasingly rare to find.

The boat-access-only nature of the campground, while requiring a bit more planning, is precisely what makes it so appealing to the seasoned New York outdoor enthusiast. It filters out casual visitors, creating a community of like-minded individuals who are truly committed to the wilderness experience. The expansive Saranac Chain of Lakes offers endless possibilities for paddling, fishing, and simply exploring the interconnected waterways, a highlight that truly sets this campground apart. Catching a northern pike for dinner right from your site is a quintessential Adirondack memory.

Furthermore, the primitive camping style, with outhouses and no potable water on site, resonates with our desire for an authentic, back-to-basics connection with nature. It’s a chance to truly disconnect from the constant demands of city or suburban life and embrace the quiet rhythms of the forest and the lake. The "carry-in, carry-out" policy also aligns with our strong New York ethic of environmental stewardship, ensuring these pristine islands remain beautiful for generations to come. Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for New Yorkers to experience the wild heart of the Adirondacks, creating unforgettable memories right here in our own backyard.