Boat access camping reaches its full potential on the individual islands and peninsula sites scattered across Saranac Lake. This New York Department of Environmental Conservation campground requires watercraft to reach all 87 sites, with rentals available through local outfitters who deliver canoes and kayaks directly to the boat launch area.
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pit toilet, with sites spread across multiple islands and shoreline areas. Kelly H. notes the "huge sites, a lot of privacy" where "nearest campsite in most cases is not even visible." Some islands host multiple sites while others offer complete isolation. Site 13 stands out as a particularly large, secluded island that books up quickly due to its popularity.
The carry-in, carry-out system means multiple trips for most campers. Several reviewers mention needing three trips by canoe to transport all gear, though motorized boats significantly reduce the hauling effort. Swimming opportunities abound directly from campsites, with some featuring natural rock jumping platforms. Loons frequent the lake, and fishing draws repeat visitors who return annually for the combination of angling and island camping.
Weather patterns shift rapidly on the lake, with temperatures dropping 30 degrees within hours even during summer months. "At night, you could see other campfires in the distance over the lake," observes Joanna H.. The campground operates from May 19 through October 9, with reservations essential for peak season bookings.
For additional camping options in the region, explore campgrounds near Saranac Lake. Book well in advance, as popular sites like the secluded islands fill up months ahead of time.
Description
The Lower Saranac Lake Islands provide miles and miles of boater recreation and direct access to four other lakes through a set of locks which allow your vessel to be raised or lowered to the right water level. Coupled with the ability to camp on selected island sites, being able to fish for your dinner after hours of waterskiing might make you want to stay here forever.
CAMPGROUND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
- This campground is BOAT ACCESS ONLY
- Camping is primitive. No potable water available. Outhouses at each location
- When making reservations parking may be limited. You may be instructed to use municipal parking lots in the Village of Saranac Lake
- Persons using boat launch sites will be required to conspicuously display their camping permit copy, or alternate document provided by campground staff. Violators may be ticketed or towed
- Campground is carry-in, carry-out
- A recycling center is available for refuse disposal at other DEC campgrounds when you show your camping permit
WHEN YOU ARRIVE -You must sign for your own site. Have your equipment with you and be ready to camp when you register. Names of all campers on a site must be listed on the permit at time of registration
CHECK-IN TIME -From 2pm until 9p.m. Campers must register for their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night of their reservation or the campsite will be subject to re-rental and all fees will be forfeited
CHECK-OUT TIME -11:00 a.m. on your departure date
OCCUPANCY -Limited to 6 individuals per campsite and 2 tents or 1 unit of hard wheeled camping equipment and 1 tent. Only 2 vehicles permitted on any campsite. Extra vehicles will be required to park in a designated area (additional fees will apply)
AGE REGULATIONS -Campsites must be registered and occupied by a responsible person 18 years of age or older
LENGTH OF STAY -Your camping permit can be issued for a maximum of 14 nights. From July 1 through Labor Day only 14 cumulative nights will be permitted at any campground.
QUIET HOURS -From 10 p.m. until 7 a.m., and are strictly enforced. Violators of this policy may be evicted
GENERATORS -The use of generators may be limited to no more than 5 hours per day and fall between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonably loud by the facility staff then individual use of a generator may be prohibited/limited
FIRES -Must be built in fireplaces provided. Only dead and down wood may be used for fuel. No chainsaws are allowed in campgrounds, and cutting down trees, alive or dead is prohibited.
FIREARMS -Are not allowed in campgrounds except during the Fall and Spring hunting seasons. Firearms must not be discharged within campground boundaries at any time
ACCESSIBLE SITES -At least one member of the camping party staying on the site must be mobility impaired (i.e. in a wheelchair or uses a walker) or the camping party may be turned away at the campground
SWIMMING -Is allowed at campgrounds with supervised bathing areas during designated hours when a lifeguard is on duty. Please note that there may be times when lifeguards are unavailable, and for the safety of our customers these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited. Not all campground locations offer swimming, to inquire please contact the campground directly
PETS -Are allowed with proof of a currently valid rabies vaccination in the form of a current year's tag or a certificate issued by the veterinarian. Campers can walk dogs on a leash no longer than six feet as long as the animal is under control. Dogs cannot be left unattended and are not allowed in facility structures, on the beach or in day use areas
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
DEC Campgrounds: Same-day reservations will be allowed until 5pm on day of arrival at all DEC campgrounds. Reservations can be made online or through the Reserve America Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSaranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground is located in New York
Directions
To the State Bridge Boat Launch Site, take Route #3; leave Tupper Lake going east, approximately 17 miles. The site is on the right, with a sign at the entrance. From Saranac Lake, take Route #3 west, approximately 6 miles.
Address
4468 State Route 3
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Coordinates
44.28841768 N
74.18464781 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 42 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 4 min from Watertown, NY
- 2 hrs 39 min from Utica, NY
