Saranac Lake Islands

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 15 and operates through September 13. Reservations available through ReserveAmerica.

About

Lower Saranac Lake and Middle Saranac Lake combine to create the unique Saranac Lake Islands Campground, where all 87 campsites are accessible only by boat. The campsites are distributed across islands and shorelines of Lower Saranac, Middle Saranac, Weller Pond, First Pond, and Second Pond, offering a remote and private camping experience. Development began in 1934, and the facility has evolved from primitive leased platforms to a well-established state campground managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Each campsite is equipped with a fireplace and picnic table, with outhouses located throughout the campground. Five sites feature lean-to shelters. The campground provides boat launch access and connects to four other lakes through a lock system that raises or lowers vessels to different water levels. The location is ideal for boating, paddling, fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, and pickerel, and water sports. The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest lies to the north and High Peaks Wilderness Area to the south, offering extensive hiking opportunities. Due to limited parking, campers may need to use municipal lots in Saranac Lake Village, and must display permits when parking at State Bridge location.

Directions

State Bridge Boat Launch Site on Route 3: From Tupper Lake heading east, drive approximately 17 miles; launch is on the right with signage. From Saranac Lake, take Route 3 west approximately 6 miles.

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