Saranac Lake Islands Campground and Day Use Area

• Dates of Operation:
  • Opening Date: May 17
  • Closing Date: September 8
• Camping Fee: $22 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
• Address: 4468 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 (directions below)
• County: Franklin
• GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44 17 17.35087N, 074 11 06.54704W
• Campground Phone: (518) 891-2841
• Regional Office Phone: (518) 897-1309
• Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
• Map: Saranac Lake Islands Campground and Day Use Area Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.

The Lower Saranac Lake Islands provide miles and miles for 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 water skiing might make you never want to leave. Due to limited parking, campers may be required to use municipal lots in the Saranac Lake Village. When parking at the State Bridge location, you must prominently display your permit or camping document.

This boat access only campground is located on Lower and Middle Saranac Lake.

Amenities

87 campsites (5 with lean-to's), outhouses, boat launch, 5 day-use sites, and firewood sales.

Campsite Restoration Project

This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page.

Directions

State Bridge Boat Launch Site - Route #3, leave Tupper Lake going east, approximately 17 miles. Located on right side of the road, sign provided at the entrance.

From Saranac Lake, take Route #3, west approximately 6 miles.

Get driving directions from Google Maps 

Planning and Management

The Final Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the campground guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a five-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.

For more information regarding the UMP for this facility please contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY12233, Telephone 518 457-2500, and email for campground information

Additional Information

Area Attractions

There are a number of golf courses and horseback riding facilities nearby. The state operated Adirondack Fish Hatchery is about nine miles distance. The Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center, which is located on Route 30 about twelve miles west of the campground complex, is a nature center and visitor information center with tour and travel information. The nearby villages of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid offer a good variety of restaurants, gift shops and shopping areas. Antique shops are scattered throughout the vicinity and area attractions are numerous.

Historic Interest

Lower Saranac Lake and Middle Saranac Lake combine to make the Saranac Lake Islands Public Campground. Development of this facility began in 1934, when a boathouse and cabin were built at Crescent Bay. Prior to 1894 the public was able to lease state owned properties and establish platform type camps on the lower lake. In 1974 all leases had expired and the Department of Environmental Conservation went about the task of ensuring that all platforms and structures were removed.

Lower Saranac Lake soon became a popular primitive camping area and 62 sites were designated for overnight camping. Each site was equipped with a fireplace, picnic table and outhouse, and a basic fee was charged for use. In 1992 the 25 sites on Middle Saranac Lake were added to the inventory, making a total of 87 sites.