Saranac Lake Islands Campground wilderness guide
Campground · NY

Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a unique lakeside camping experience amid the scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploration.

Campground176

Designation

Campground

Total Wilderness Area

176

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a unique lakeside camping experience amid the scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploration.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located within the Adirondack Park of New York, Saranac Lake Islands Campground is renowned for its stunning island sites, situated on Lower Saranac Lake. This enchanting campground allows visitors to engage with nature in a more secluded and intimate setting, as it can only be accessed by boat. The area is rich in biodiversity, with dense forests teeming with wildlife, including loons, deer, and occasionally black bears. The lake itself is a hub for aquatic activities such as canoeing and kayaking, owing to its calm waters and numerous inlets. The campground maintains a low-impact footprint, ensuring the preservation of this pristine environment. Established as part of the larger Adirondack Park effort to protect the area’s natural beauty and ecological importance, the campground remains a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of tranquility and adventure.

Field Guide · Campground
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ An extensive network of island campsites only reachable by watercraft.✦ Diverse wildlife habitats home to species like loons and bald eagles.✦ Direct access to excellent fishing opportunities within Lower Saranac Lake.✦ Stunning panoramic views of the Adirondack Park from the water.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Saranac Lake Islands Campground
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Saranac Lake Islands Campground
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Saranac Lake Islands Campground
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Saranac Lake Islands Campground
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Saranac Lake Islands Campground
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Saranac Lake Islands Campground.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Reservations required for campsites. A day-use fee applies for non-campers using the boat launch.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Water-access only campsites scattered across several islands, emphasizing solitude and natural beauty.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Saranac Lake, New York
⌖ 1.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saranac Lake, New York

A hidden gem nestled in the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake is an adventure lover's haven. Enjoy hiking, boating, skiing, and exploring protected forests in this idyllic outdoor destination.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Harrietstown, New York
⌖ 6.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Harrietstown, New York

Harrietstown offers year-round outdoor adventure in New York’s Adirondack Park. Hike forest trails, paddle peaceful lakes, ski groomed paths, and fish in pristine waters all from the friendly base of Saranac Lake Village.

Late Spring through Fall, Winter for Snow Sports
Explore Town
Lake Placid, New York
⌖ 8.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid, NY, a gateway to the Adirondacks, is an adventurer's dream with hiking, skiing, and paddling. Its Olympic legacy and mountain vistas ensure a memorable visit.

Year-round, with peak activities differing by season
Explore Town
Gabriels, New York
⌖ 8.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gabriels, New York

Gabriels, NY is a peaceful Adirondack gateway for hiking, paddling, and winter sports. With access to vast protected lands and quiet trails, it’s perfect for travelers seeking solitude in nature’s calm.

Late Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports enthusiasts
Explore Town
Paul Smiths, New York
⌖ 10.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Paul Smiths, New York

Paul Smiths offers peaceful Adirondack adventures with miles of hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing trails. Its remote lakes and forests make it perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet wilderness escape.

Late Spring through Fall, and Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Wilmington, New York
⌖ 17.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wilmington, New York

Wilmington, NY is an Adirondack hub for year-round outdoor lovers. Whether skiing Whiteface’s Olympic slopes, paddling the Ausable River, or hiking High Peaks trails, the region offers scenic adventure and authentic mountain charm.

Summer through Winter
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Saranac Lake Islands Campground

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Sun Downer Cruise — A Private Evening on Saranac Lake
ADVEXPEDITION
Saranac Lake, New York
Boat TourADV Bookable

Sun Downer Cruise — A Private Evening on Saranac Lake

A two-plus-hour private charter on Saranac Lake where your booking party has exclusive access to the boat; this guide explains what to expect and where to meet.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Lift Off Above the Adirondacks: Parasailing from Saranac Lake
ADVEXPEDITION
Saranac Lake, New York
ParasailADV Bookable

Lift Off Above the Adirondacks: Parasailing from Saranac Lake

A one-hour parasail outing offering single, double, or triple flights with 8–10 minute flights and 30–60 minutes on the boat—ideal for adventurers seeking lake-and-mountain views.

ParasailPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Solo on Mirror Lake: Single-Kayak Rentals from The Haus
ADVEXPEDITION
Saranac Lake, New York
KayakADV Bookable

Solo on Mirror Lake: Single-Kayak Rentals from The Haus

A one‑to‑two hour single‑kayak rental on Mirror Lake; this guide orients paddlers to the straightforward water‑entry rental and what to expect on the lake.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Full Moon Paddle: Canoe Stony Creek Ponds by Moonlight
ADVEXPEDITION
Saranac Lake, New York
Guided TourADV Bookable

Full Moon Paddle: Canoe Stony Creek Ponds by Moonlight

A guided, 2.5–3 hour canoe trip that takes you from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters to Axton Landing for a sunset-and-full-moon paddle through Stony Creek Ponds.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Paddle Into the Sky: An Adirondack Sunset from Bluff Island
ADVEXPEDITION
Saranac Lake, New York
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Paddle Into the Sky: An Adirondack Sunset from Bluff Island

A 1.5-hour voyageur-canoe outing on Lower Saranac Lake that brings you to the shores of Bluff Island to watch the sunset—paddling is optional, and the trip is a good fit for travelers with limited mobility.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip