Camping options near Saranac Lake in New York's Adirondack region include island sites accessible only by boat and traditional developed campgrounds. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground offers primitive island camping with boat-in access, while Meadowbrook Campground and Fish Creek Pond Campground provide more accessible alternatives with amenities like showers and electric hookups. The area accommodates various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and even glamping options at locations like Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday and Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through September or October, with a few exceptions like Lake Placid KOA which remains open year-round. "Weather comes in quick, be prepared for anything. 40 degree nights happen in the middle of the summer so do 85 degree days," noted one camper about the Saranac Lake Islands. Campsite reservations are highly recommended, especially for the popular island sites which book up months in advance. Road noise can be an issue at some campgrounds like Meadowbrook, which sits between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations even during summer months, requiring campers to pack accordingly for potentially cold nights.
The island camping experience on Saranac Lake receives consistently high ratings for privacy and tranquility. Campers describe these sites as offering "incredible serenity" with most islands featuring multiple well-spaced sites that provide significant privacy. Several visitors mentioned the novelty and adventure of paddling to their own island for overnight stays. Developed campgrounds in the area serve as convenient basecamps for exploring nearby attractions. One visitor noted that Meadowbrook Campground has "a really good location between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake" with ice cream and places to eat within walking distance. Many campgrounds in the region provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and water activities, making them popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mix of adventure and campground amenities.
$22 - $40 / night
"This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond and Square pond close to Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake."
"Most of the campsites at Fish Creek Pond are along the waterfront, offering easy access to the pond. Some campers even build temporary docks that they leave behind for subsequent campers."
"Close to hiking trails, Whiteface Mt Parkway & Lake Placid. Nice, helpful staff. It is NOT wheelchair accessible. There are steep steps to the office, no grab bars in the bathrooms."
"Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts."
$22 - $40 / night
"I camped at Saranac Lake Islands for two summers in a row. The first time, my children and I had an island and the second time we had a spot on a little peninsula. It's such a gorgeous place!"
"Pretty much had an entire island to ourselves and got to enjoy the beautiful saranac lake. We will be back!"
$20 - $40 / night
"As it isn't too far of a drive for us, it quickly became our go-to campgrounds for quite a while due to the mostly flat campground and who doesn't love hearing the slow trickle of water splashing close"
"It was generally quiet Memorial Day weekend, and we were able to snag a lakeside site with plenty of trees and space for our tent, SUV, and more."
$18 - $40 / night
"This is a very basic campground situated in a small village in the Adirondacks – situated between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. "
"It's an average campground, but has a really good location between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Our site had the standard DEC picnic table and fire pit."
$18 / night
"Only about a hour and a half from the border of Canada. This is a great home base for Lake Placid area and Whiteface Mountain. Great clean bathrooms with free hot showers."
"Great location, very close to Lake Placid and many different trails. The sites are closer together and not as much privacy in some sections, be sure to reserve to get a prime spot."
$25 - $55 / night
"Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous. The staff were really friendly and someone is available 24/7 in case you run into issues."
"The lean to I had was right on the lake and on the edge of the campground. It's a bit of a trek to a bathroom but well worth it."
$20 - $40 / night
"Our site was tucked back into some trees and you couldn't see any other sites from it. To look around, it was as if we had all of the Adirondacks to ourselves!"
"wonderful place to get away from it all"
$30 - $40 / night
"Some if the sites are rather close to each other, and the proximity to the road was noticeable but my white noise app dealt with that while I slept. Prices were more than fair for what was provided."
"We had a full hookup, pull through site surrounded by trees. There was some road noise during the day but it was nice and quiet at night. The bathhouses looked very "rustic" but we didn't use them."
"There is a hand launch for small boats/kayaks to access the pond near the entrance. Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road."
"It took me about two hours 45 minutes and well worth the drive, I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location."
GuideWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
LegendThis review is for primitive backpack or paddle in camping alogn the breathtakingly beautiful Sagamore Lake. On the southwest corner of the lake is located the historic Camp Sagamore, one of the so-called Great Camps of the Adirondacks and which is now a comfortable lodge and camping retreat which hosts lifelong learning workshops on crafts and history throughout the year. If interested in visiting it, see this link: https://www.sagamore.org/
However, beyond the grounds of the Camp is the vast Blue Ridge Wilderness of the Adirondack State Forest Park which completely surround the lake. Adhacent to camp Sagamore is a parking lot for campers and hikers, which includes an outhouse, picnic table, launch for canoes or kayaks, and trailhead for hiking and backpacking. The trail encircles Sagamore lake is is about 3.8 miles long. There is primitive and dispersed camping all along the trail and and along shore and beyond as long as you practice Leave No Trace principles. This basically means no campsite amenities other than the glorious woods and lake, but you will have your pick of remote spots to pitch a tent without having to backpack for hours. The trail does attract a fair number of day use hikers or paddlers, but few campers. The trail is reasonable to tackle for beginning dispersed campers, with the added safety of being able to hike out to the Camp within a couple miles in case of emergency. Highly recommended!
LegendThis is a small rustic state forest off the beaten track, remote from but not too far from the village of Inlet in the Adirondacks. It is smaller than some of the other are forest campgrounds, and more quiet and peaceful. While in a rustic location at a distance from the main road, amenities do include picnic tables and firerings, flush toilets as well as privvies, and a trailer dump station 9but no hooksups) Sites are spacious and private and well shaded. You can paddle and fish right here, with lots of good hiking in the area. Fairly easy to get to from the Utica area, and with reasonably close access to a quaint Adirondack village, but still providing a remote expereince at the edge of the wilderness.
Note: just 3.5 miles from the campground is the very nique and special Ferd's Bog reserve. There is a floating boardwalk into the trail, under the shadow of Cascade Mountain. Myriad unique boreal plants for view by botany fans, about a 1.2 hike in and back, and easy trail access from nearby Uncas Road, more info here: https://cnyhiking.com/FerdsBogTrail.htm
LegendThis has been one of my favorite campgrounds and I have camped there many times over the last several decades. Always well maintained, but peaceful state forest campground with spacious sites, many right on the water. There is an official beach, but the water sites really have their own access for canoes and nice swimming. The water is crystal clear, sunsets magnificent, canoeing and hiking opportunities abound, and even on a "busy" summer weekend the campground is quiet and the fellow campers are low key and respectful. For a tent camper, this is an ideal location and I love it. Fire ring, even tenting spot, picnic tables, etc. There are numerous accessible campsites, a shower building, and regular restrooms as well as privvies. Small trailers can fit and their is an RV dumpstation, but this is not a campground for big rigs and hookups. The campground is a little off the beaten path and in the further reaches of the Adirondacks for most campers, and the vicinity is one of the largest and most pristine areas in the ADK wilderness. Come well supplied with groceries and camping needs as there isnt much nearby. The SUNY Forestry school maintains a Ranger school at nearby Wanakena on the west side of the lake, and a Field Biology station on the south side of the lake. Nice hiking in the area
LegendThe Golden Beach campground has two sections: one is the main campground, with the usual state forest amenities including bathrooms, showers and beach, shared with a couple hundred campsites along the east side of Racquette Lake. However, the campground also manages a string of more remotely placed campsites located along the shor of the south bay of Racquette Lake, removed from the main campground and its amenities but with much more space between sites and direct access to the lake. They also are clustered in small spurs directly accessible to Rt 28, which has pluses and minuses. For me, these quieter more rustic sites are preferable, especially with the easy access for canoeing right on the lake. Picnic table, tent site, parking spot and fire ring are all provided, right along the beautiful lake. The smallest spur has only 2 campsites, which is perfect when you want a quiet spot! Big trees, peace and quiet, beautiful Adirondack experience, also not too far from the main campground and many hiking trails in the area
GuideThis is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities. Sides are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean. Older couple is the staff, very friendly and unhelpful.
GuidePretty nice campground all things considered, bathrooms are definitely rustic but kept clean. Some of the campsites are very close together, and others have a decent amount of space between them, not necessarily a lot of trees in between campsites for privacy. Beautiful views of the water, and surrounding mountains. Staff was extremely friendly!
TravelerI wish I had my bike!!! I didn’t know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground. Showers were clean, staff was very friendly. Sites and attractions within walking distance (but busy roads to cross).
RangerWe stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It’s really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. We had fantastic connection. The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean. The bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve seen so far and we do this full time. The only disappointment was that the hot water doesn’t get very hot in the shower so you better do some jumping jacks to get pumped before showering during colder temps! The trails are well marked and well maintained. Overall, this is a fantastic campsite. There’s even a brewery a ten minute walk down the road. We didn’t go but looks nice. Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it.
Camping sites near Saranac Lake, New York sit in a region with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates across camping areas. Temperature fluctuations can be extreme—summer days might reach 85°F while nighttime temperatures frequently drop below 50°F even in July and August. The region contains over 3,000 lakes and ponds connected by a network of streams and rivers that paddlers can navigate between campsites.
Kayaking network exploration: From Rollins Pond Campground, campers can paddle through multiple connected waterways. "Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," notes Jeffrey B., highlighting the extensive paddling opportunities.
Swimming in natural waterways: Natural swimming spots provide cooling relief during summer months. "The site we have stayed at almost exclusively has amenities very close by which is always handy, but you do get quite a bit of traffic nearby as such," reports Alex G. from Rollins Pond, where shallow water access makes for safe swimming.
Hiking from campsites: At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, several major Adirondack peaks are accessible directly from camp. "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground," explains Hannah O., making it convenient for hikers wanting to avoid driving to trailheads.
Winter camping options: Unlike most seasonal operations, some campgrounds remain open year-round. "My boyfriend and I visited in late March when there was still a decent amount of snow on the site. Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous," reports Kayla M. about Wilderness Campground.
Island camping privacy: At Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground, sites offer exceptional seclusion. "Our island had 4 other campsites on it and we barely saw or heard our neighbors," explains Angela, describing the rare experience of having a shared island that still feels private.
Waterfront access: Direct water access ranks highly among camper priorities. "Most of the campsites are lakefront. Great kayaking and canoeing, falling asleep to loons is priceless!" writes Kristina L. about her stay at Rollins Pond, emphasizing the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Trailhead proximity: Campers appreciate sites that eliminate driving to recreation. "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike," notes Nancy W. at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, describing the convenience of trail access.
Rustic amenities: Even primitive sites often include surprising comforts. "Sites have tables, fire rings, and outhouses. You'll need a tent, bag, pad, cooking equipment, etc.," explains Jerry M. about Saranac Lake Islands, emphasizing the basic amenities that make island camping manageable.
Boat-only access: Many premier sites require watercraft. "We rented 3 canoes to get to the island, which was a little pricey so if you have your own, it's worth the haul," advises Gabrielle C. about Saranac Lake Islands, noting the logistics of island camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Saranac Lake, NY?
Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground consistently receives top ratings from campers, offering secluded island sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and outhouses. The privacy and stunning lake views make it a standout choice. For those preferring mainland camping, Fish Creek Pond Campground is excellent with waterfront sites featuring sandy shorelines perfect for swimming. Every site has water access, making it ideal for paddling enthusiasts. The Adirondack region surrounding Saranac Lake offers numerous options for different camping styles, from basic facilities to more developed sites, all providing great access to outdoor recreation in the heart of the Adirondacks.
What RV camping facilities are available at Saranac Lake?
Meadowbrook Campground offers RV camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire grills, and showers. Sites on the outer ring provide more privacy with trees and shrubs. Located between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, it's conveniently positioned for exploring both towns. For more amenities, Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina provides full-service RV facilities with a general store, laundry, and propane on site. Many campgrounds in the region can accommodate RVs, though site sizes vary. It's advisable to check specific length restrictions when booking, especially for larger rigs, as some of the more rustic Adirondack campgrounds have limited space for big rigs.
What do reviews say about the Saranac Lake Islands campground?
Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many campers returning year after year. Visitors praise the exceptional privacy of having entire islands or peninsulas to themselves, creating a unique wilderness experience. The campsites are well-maintained with picnic tables, fire rings/grills, and outhouses. Nights can be cool even in summer, so warm clothing is recommended. Access requires a boat or canoe (rentals available in Saranac Lake), making this a true Adirondack adventure. The campground appeals particularly to fishing enthusiasts and those seeking seclusion in nature. The stunning lake views and peaceful setting are frequently highlighted as standout features that keep campers coming back to this five-star rated destination.
How can I find a map of Saranac Lake campgrounds?
Maps of Saranac Lake campgrounds are available through several sources. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website offers detailed maps of all state-operated campgrounds in the area, including Rollins Pond Campground and others. The DEC Visitor Interpretive Centers in the Adirondacks also provide printed maps. For island camping on Saranac Lake, detailed water navigation maps are essential and can be purchased at local marinas or outdoor stores in Saranac Lake. Donaldson's Campground and other private facilities typically provide site maps upon arrival or on their websites. The Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce and visitor centers in town are excellent resources for comprehensive camping maps of the entire region.
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