Camping in Saranac Lake, NY, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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New York
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Saranac Lake

97% (1512 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Saranac Lake

Under $50

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100%

(16)

Wilmington Terrace Barnyard

1 site · RV1 acres · Wilmington, NY

* I'm only able to host FULLY SELF-CONTAINED rigs currently. This means that you must have a toilet on-board * WTB is part of an old Wilmington apple orchard with views of Whiteface Mountain and access to the Au Sable River. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Wilmington Terrace Barnyard! It's a half acre plot of land located behind my house "Wilmington Terrace Ranch" (on Air B+B). It's a quiet neighborhood on a dead-end street. We're in close proximity to copious hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing on the Au Sable river, 'the flume' swimming hole, pubs and restaurants, and nearby Adirondack towns including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Keene. Aside from the lean-to located in the back corner of the property, there is access to electricity and water, a fire pit and outdoor seating. I can only accommodate fully self-contained rigs! Feel free to contact me with any questions!

95%

(83)

Riverfront

3 sites · Tents8 acres · Keene, NY

Ausable riverfront sites. Close proximity to hiking, kayaking, fishing, mt biking and lake placid. High peaks within a 5 minute drive. Please when you arrive, don’t go up Manning’s way!!! Neighbors are getting aggravated. We are across the street from Manning’s way on the river side of the road. Message me for physical address

Blackfly Camp and Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs3 acres · Vermontville, NY

Booked 42 times

Massawepie Scout Camps

81 sites · RVs, Tents3700 acres · Tupper Lake, NY

Gear up for the Total Eclipse on April 8th at Massawepie Scout Camps. Available for RV and tent campers seeking the ultimate eclipse experience! Nestled within the path of totality, our site offers prime viewing for the total solar eclipse. Bring your camping gear or RV and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks to witness the awe-inspiring moment when the moon covers the sun. Power Hookup and Dump Stations will NOT be available for this event, pit Latrines are available on-site. Spots are limited so secure your site now!

100%

(29)

Mt Baker Tiny Cabin

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Saranac Lake, NY

This off-the-grid tiny house is nestled on a 23 acre parcel at the end of a quarter-mile dirt road. The property itself is secluded but is less than 2 miles from the heart of Saranac Lake's downtown. This property is bordered by the Saranac River, the backside of Baker Mountain and State Forest. The only other building on the property is our timberframe which we may or may not be at during the time of your visit. The property does have private trails up to the cliffs on the backside of Baker mtn however, the Saranac River is down a steep embankment so it does not make for a good place to launch a boat (several public boat launches nearby). The Mt Baker tiny house is a great basecamp for hiking the Saranac Lake 6-ers, paddling/boating along the Saranac Chain of lakes or Saranac River, Mountain Biking at Dewey, Pisgah or other nearby BETA trails. IMPORTANT DETAILS: This tiny cabin is completely off the grid: no electricity, heat or cooling. Queen sized bed - we provide the linens. The driveway is narrow - so nothing in tow. Drinking water is provided via jug and dispenser. There is a brand new outhouse (no flushable toilet) We have a designated spot for campfires (smores are a must) There is an older propane grill outside for guest use

12 top campgrounds near Saranac Lake

100%

(29)

Mt Baker Tiny Cabin

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Saranac Lake, NY

This off-the-grid tiny house is nestled on a 23 acre parcel at the end of a quarter-mile dirt road. The property itself is secluded but is less than 2 miles from the heart of Saranac Lake's downtown. This property is bordered by the Saranac River, the backside of Baker Mountain and State Forest. The only other building on the property is our timberframe which we may or may not be at during the time of your visit. The property does have private trails up to the cliffs on the backside of Baker mtn however, the Saranac River is down a steep embankment so it does not make for a good place to launch a boat (several public boat launches nearby). The Mt Baker tiny house is a great basecamp for hiking the Saranac Lake 6-ers, paddling/boating along the Saranac Chain of lakes or Saranac River, Mountain Biking at Dewey, Pisgah or other nearby BETA trails. IMPORTANT DETAILS: This tiny cabin is completely off the grid: no electricity, heat or cooling. Queen sized bed - we provide the linens. The driveway is narrow - so nothing in tow. Drinking water is provided via jug and dispenser. There is a brand new outhouse (no flushable toilet) We have a designated spot for campfires (smores are a must) There is an older propane grill outside for guest use

Adirondack Campsites

4 sites · Tents75 acres · Lake Clear, NY

The perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, this camping site nestled in the heart of the forest is a haven for adventure. With hiking trails within a short driving distance, you can explore the lush greenery and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. After a short drive, take a dip in the nearby lakes (Lake Colby and Lake Flower) and rivers for a refreshing break, or challenge yourself nearby rock climbing . If you're looking for a change of pace, the charming towns of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid are just a short drive away, offering a variety of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. Whether you want to relax and reconnect with nature or pursue exciting outdoor activities, this site will be a great home base! Because we are a registered New York Children's Camp we ask all Hipcampers to abide by the following rules: No smoking, No consumption of alcohol, Quiet time after 10pm, Pack out your own trash.

Riverfront

3 sites · Tents8 acres · Keene, NY

Ausable riverfront sites. Close proximity to hiking, kayaking, fishing, mt biking and lake placid. High peaks within a 5 minute drive. Please when you arrive, don’t go up Manning’s way!!! Neighbors are getting aggravated. We are across the street from Manning’s way on the river side of the road. Message me for physical address

Blackfly Camp and Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs3 acres · Vermontville, NY

Massawepie Scout Camps

81 sites · RVs, Tents3700 acres · Tupper Lake, NY

Gear up for the Total Eclipse on April 8th at Massawepie Scout Camps. Available for RV and tent campers seeking the ultimate eclipse experience! Nestled within the path of totality, our site offers prime viewing for the total solar eclipse. Bring your camping gear or RV and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks to witness the awe-inspiring moment when the moon covers the sun. Power Hookup and Dump Stations will NOT be available for this event, pit Latrines are available on-site. Spots are limited so secure your site now!

Wilmington Terrace Barnyard

1 site · RV1 acres · Wilmington, NY

* I'm only able to host FULLY SELF-CONTAINED rigs currently. This means that you must have a toilet on-board * WTB is part of an old Wilmington apple orchard with views of Whiteface Mountain and access to the Au Sable River. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Wilmington Terrace Barnyard! It's a half acre plot of land located behind my house "Wilmington Terrace Ranch" (on Air B+B). It's a quiet neighborhood on a dead-end street. We're in close proximity to copious hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing on the Au Sable river, 'the flume' swimming hole, pubs and restaurants, and nearby Adirondack towns including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Keene. Aside from the lean-to located in the back corner of the property, there is access to electricity and water, a fire pit and outdoor seating. I can only accommodate fully self-contained rigs! Feel free to contact me with any questions!

99%

(70)

Adirondack Adventure Base

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Paul Smiths, NY

Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.

Adirondack Magic

4 sites · RVs25 acres · Elizabethtown, NY

We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.

Birch's Lakeside Campground/Marina

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Cranberry Lake, NY

Located on the shores of the 3rd largest lake in the Adirondack Park you will find Birch's Lakeside General Store, Campground and Marina. Nightly and Seasonal RV/Tent Campsites, bring your boat and park at the marina to access the lake, hike the Cranberry 50 or Bear Mountain, excellent fishing, stargaze, Children/Dog Friendly. Combined 28 RV/Tent sites available, 40 Marina Slips.

100%

(1)

Jay Mountain Vista

2 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Jay, NY

On this secluded 13 acre forested property, you're located directly across from the Ausable River, with plentiful mountain views. Only minutes away from Whiteface Mountain, the mountain bike trails of Wilmington, and with easy access to many of the high Peaks. Come enjoy peace and quiet relaxation while listening to the sounds of nature amongst the trees.

95%

(128)

Adirondack Acres Trail & Camps

2 sites · Tents80 acres · Keeseville, NY

Adirondack Acres has about 80 acres of vast unexplored territory where there are deer, bear, coyotes and a variety of wild birds. We are off the grid heading towards Lake Placid New York. If you are lucky you might get a glimpse of Whiteface Mountain, which is the Olympic mountain of the East. Our property extends across the road to the top of Cold Spring Mountain. If you go towards Keeseville, Ausable Chasm is 5 minutes away, The Grand Canyon of the East. During Summer FREE LIVE MUSIC ON THE GREEN Depends which Town you're in ! Adirondack map of hikes and trails will be in our tiny shop, up on the wall, inside from the elements of mother nature. Learn more about this land: Walk Adirondack Acres Trail to the end and you will find a beautiful private natural beach on the shores of the Au sable River, which is well known for the best place in the world for fly fishing. We are pet friendly about a ten to 15 minute walk to your car and all that is left is you and nature. We are right in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains on the way towards Whiteface Mountain with spectacular views. Ask about our toilet accommodations, wi-fi password is available if you ask us for it. Campsite numbers available this year will be Site2 which is left, we are planning to OPEN second site which will be on the right side, Site1, when it is finished. In the middle of Summer, you can ask about it. Only 1 site is open, Site2, on the entire land at this time. This year we have changed a few things and we have added some changes hoping to improve every year and we hope you have a wonderful time here on our beautiful land that we are very blessed to share and enjoy, with you our Hipcamp, friends! We have it as a 10 to 15 minute Walk in depending on where you park, for vehicles with no 4x4. We are requiring 4x4 and some clearance to be able to drive up to the site. Wood is FREE off the land, we suggest bringing wood for the first camp fire especially if it has been raining. You can look for firewood on our land and we have it available where we Meet and Greet. Arnolds grocery, is small mom and pop store with 375 different kinds of beer, wood, and local art. Maplefields grocery store and Stewart's stores also has gas, grocery, wood, and both have restrooms. And Just to be extra safe when we meet and greet to show a group down to the river we will be staying at least 6 feet apart and not shaking hands be smart, be safe. We want you to be able to experience nature to it's fullest.

Willow Hill Farm and Mountains

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents375 acres · Keeseville, NY

Willow Hill Farm is a family-run working horse farm. We train , teach, board horses, and run a day camp. We had a resident camp for 40 years. We have mountains in our backyard and the Au Sable River with world class fishing bordering our meadow for a half mile. We are 45 minutes from Lake Placid and 30 minutes from Plattsburgh. Montreal and Burlington, VT are a 1.5 hour drive. Lake Champlain is 15 minutes away. Hiking, boating, and swimming are all close, and riding lessons are available on the farm. Most hip camp sites are where resident campers stayed. There are two sleeping cabins with many bunks. Each has two small rooms where a counselor slept and one large room. There are screened windows with shutters on all sides and screen doors without locks on each end. There are electrical outlets and over head lights in the cabins. We have plans to improve the cabins. Past the cabins is the Green with 4 loose stone firepits. Across from the cabins is the shower house with four hot showers, sink, and toilets. Showers and toilets have closed stalls. Currently, the water system is above ground and will not work in freezing temps. We are installing an outhouse for year round use. All water is from our excellent well. On each side of the former(closed) dining are spots. There are electrical outlets on the outside of the dining hall. People with campers may like to park in the riding arena near the barnyard. There are outlets, but no toilets. Good water is available from the barns. Lovely views of sky and mountains! We also have a beautiful 50 acre field with an outlet, but no well. We will be putting an outhouse there. Excellent sky viewing here. This is where we jump and train our horses. is

Star Hosts in Saranac Lake

95%

(83)

Riverfront

3 sites · Tents8 acres · Keene, NY

Ausable riverfront sites. Close proximity to hiking, kayaking, fishing, mt biking and lake placid. High peaks within a 5 minute drive. Please when you arrive, don’t go up Manning’s way!!! Neighbors are getting aggravated. We are across the street from Manning’s way on the river side of the road. Message me for physical address

Adirondack Acres Trail & Camps

2 sites · Tents80 acres · Keeseville, NY

Adirondack Acres has about 80 acres of vast unexplored territory where there are deer, bear, coyotes and a variety of wild birds. We are off the grid heading towards Lake Placid New York. If you are lucky you might get a glimpse of Whiteface Mountain, which is the Olympic mountain of the East. Our property extends across the road to the top of Cold Spring Mountain. If you go towards Keeseville, Ausable Chasm is 5 minutes away, The Grand Canyon of the East. During Summer FREE LIVE MUSIC ON THE GREEN Depends which Town you're in ! Adirondack map of hikes and trails will be in our tiny shop, up on the wall, inside from the elements of mother nature. Learn more about this land: Walk Adirondack Acres Trail to the end and you will find a beautiful private natural beach on the shores of the Au sable River, which is well known for the best place in the world for fly fishing. We are pet friendly about a ten to 15 minute walk to your car and all that is left is you and nature. We are right in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains on the way towards Whiteface Mountain with spectacular views. Ask about our toilet accommodations, wi-fi password is available if you ask us for it. Campsite numbers available this year will be Site2 which is left, we are planning to OPEN second site which will be on the right side, Site1, when it is finished. In the middle of Summer, you can ask about it. Only 1 site is open, Site2, on the entire land at this time. This year we have changed a few things and we have added some changes hoping to improve every year and we hope you have a wonderful time here on our beautiful land that we are very blessed to share and enjoy, with you our Hipcamp, friends! We have it as a 10 to 15 minute Walk in depending on where you park, for vehicles with no 4x4. We are requiring 4x4 and some clearance to be able to drive up to the site. Wood is FREE off the land, we suggest bringing wood for the first camp fire especially if it has been raining. You can look for firewood on our land and we have it available where we Meet and Greet. Arnolds grocery, is small mom and pop store with 375 different kinds of beer, wood, and local art. Maplefields grocery store and Stewart's stores also has gas, grocery, wood, and both have restrooms. And Just to be extra safe when we meet and greet to show a group down to the river we will be staying at least 6 feet apart and not shaking hands be smart, be safe. We want you to be able to experience nature to it's fullest.

Blackfly Camp and Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs3 acres · Vermontville, NY

Mt Baker Tiny Cabin

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Saranac Lake, NY

This off-the-grid tiny house is nestled on a 23 acre parcel at the end of a quarter-mile dirt road. The property itself is secluded but is less than 2 miles from the heart of Saranac Lake's downtown. This property is bordered by the Saranac River, the backside of Baker Mountain and State Forest. The only other building on the property is our timberframe which we may or may not be at during the time of your visit. The property does have private trails up to the cliffs on the backside of Baker mtn however, the Saranac River is down a steep embankment so it does not make for a good place to launch a boat (several public boat launches nearby). The Mt Baker tiny house is a great basecamp for hiking the Saranac Lake 6-ers, paddling/boating along the Saranac Chain of lakes or Saranac River, Mountain Biking at Dewey, Pisgah or other nearby BETA trails. IMPORTANT DETAILS: This tiny cabin is completely off the grid: no electricity, heat or cooling. Queen sized bed - we provide the linens. The driveway is narrow - so nothing in tow. Drinking water is provided via jug and dispenser. There is a brand new outhouse (no flushable toilet) We have a designated spot for campfires (smores are a must) There is an older propane grill outside for guest use

Adirondack Magic

4 sites · RVs25 acres · Elizabethtown, NY

We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.

Available this weekend

95%

(83)

Riverfront

3 sites · Tents8 acres · Keene, NY

Ausable riverfront sites. Close proximity to hiking, kayaking, fishing, mt biking and lake placid. High peaks within a 5 minute drive. Please when you arrive, don’t go up Manning’s way!!! Neighbors are getting aggravated. We are across the street from Manning’s way on the river side of the road. Message me for physical address

Adirondack Acres Trail & Camps

2 sites · Tents80 acres · Keeseville, NY

Adirondack Acres has about 80 acres of vast unexplored territory where there are deer, bear, coyotes and a variety of wild birds. We are off the grid heading towards Lake Placid New York. If you are lucky you might get a glimpse of Whiteface Mountain, which is the Olympic mountain of the East. Our property extends across the road to the top of Cold Spring Mountain. If you go towards Keeseville, Ausable Chasm is 5 minutes away, The Grand Canyon of the East. During Summer FREE LIVE MUSIC ON THE GREEN Depends which Town you're in ! Adirondack map of hikes and trails will be in our tiny shop, up on the wall, inside from the elements of mother nature. Learn more about this land: Walk Adirondack Acres Trail to the end and you will find a beautiful private natural beach on the shores of the Au sable River, which is well known for the best place in the world for fly fishing. We are pet friendly about a ten to 15 minute walk to your car and all that is left is you and nature. We are right in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains on the way towards Whiteface Mountain with spectacular views. Ask about our toilet accommodations, wi-fi password is available if you ask us for it. Campsite numbers available this year will be Site2 which is left, we are planning to OPEN second site which will be on the right side, Site1, when it is finished. In the middle of Summer, you can ask about it. Only 1 site is open, Site2, on the entire land at this time. This year we have changed a few things and we have added some changes hoping to improve every year and we hope you have a wonderful time here on our beautiful land that we are very blessed to share and enjoy, with you our Hipcamp, friends! We have it as a 10 to 15 minute Walk in depending on where you park, for vehicles with no 4x4. We are requiring 4x4 and some clearance to be able to drive up to the site. Wood is FREE off the land, we suggest bringing wood for the first camp fire especially if it has been raining. You can look for firewood on our land and we have it available where we Meet and Greet. Arnolds grocery, is small mom and pop store with 375 different kinds of beer, wood, and local art. Maplefields grocery store and Stewart's stores also has gas, grocery, wood, and both have restrooms. And Just to be extra safe when we meet and greet to show a group down to the river we will be staying at least 6 feet apart and not shaking hands be smart, be safe. We want you to be able to experience nature to it's fullest.

Massawepie Scout Camps

81 sites · RVs, Tents3700 acres · Tupper Lake, NY

Gear up for the Total Eclipse on April 8th at Massawepie Scout Camps. Available for RV and tent campers seeking the ultimate eclipse experience! Nestled within the path of totality, our site offers prime viewing for the total solar eclipse. Bring your camping gear or RV and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks to witness the awe-inspiring moment when the moon covers the sun. Power Hookup and Dump Stations will NOT be available for this event, pit Latrines are available on-site. Spots are limited so secure your site now!

Wilmington Terrace Barnyard

1 site · RV1 acres · Wilmington, NY

* I'm only able to host FULLY SELF-CONTAINED rigs currently. This means that you must have a toilet on-board * WTB is part of an old Wilmington apple orchard with views of Whiteface Mountain and access to the Au Sable River. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Wilmington Terrace Barnyard! It's a half acre plot of land located behind my house "Wilmington Terrace Ranch" (on Air B+B). It's a quiet neighborhood on a dead-end street. We're in close proximity to copious hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing on the Au Sable river, 'the flume' swimming hole, pubs and restaurants, and nearby Adirondack towns including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Keene. Aside from the lean-to located in the back corner of the property, there is access to electricity and water, a fire pit and outdoor seating. I can only accommodate fully self-contained rigs! Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Adirondack Adventure Base

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Paul Smiths, NY

Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.

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95%

(137)

Adirondack State Park

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The best sunsets over the Adirondacks - The beach at Button Bay Campground.

100%

(5)

Button Bay State Park

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Camping near Saranac Lake guide

Overview

Hemmed in by forests, lakes, and mountain peaks, outdoor activities take place year-round at Saranac Lake. Hike or bike along the Saranac River, paddle between the three lakes by canoe or kayak, or play a game of golf. As the snow begins to fall, set out to explore by snowmobile, try snowshoeing or ice fishing, or hit the ski slopes at Mt Pisgah. For a memorable camping experience, snag a spot at one of the island campsites—be warned, they book up quickly! If you miss out, there are more state campgrounds nearby, plus ‘lean-tos’ for hikers in Saranac Lakes Wild Forest.

Where to go

High Peaks

South of Saranac Lake, the famous High Peaks are the headline act of the Adirondacks region. This is hiking heaven, with rugged trails crisscrossing the 46 mountain peaks, magnificent views across the forested valleys, and summits reaching up to 5,344 feet. Come prepared if you want to camp out—backcountry campsites are remote with minimal facilities, or you can venture off-piste and pitch your tent in the wilderness.

North-Western Lakes

Lakes, rivers, and forest-fringed wetlands speckle the landscapes north of Saranac Lake. Escape the crowds to paddle around the Saint Regis Canoe Area, where some primitive campsites can only be reached by water. Further west, there’s a state campground at Cranberry Lake, and the surrounding hiking trails can also be explored by snowmobile in the winter months.

Western Adirondacks

South of Saranac, the lively resort town of Long Lake is the gateway to the 14-mile-long lake, a popular spot for boat cruises, seaplane flights, and water sports. Check into one of the state or private campgrounds at Long Lake or neighboring Raquette Lake. Continuing west, there’s great backcountry camping in the Moose River Plains.

When to go

Anytime is a good time to visit Saranac Lake. May through August sees the biggest crowds, and the summer season is the ideal time to swim and get on the water. In fall, the forested shores transform with a rainbow of foliage, affording some of the best leaf-peeping in the Adirondacks, while in springtime, daffodils bloom throughout town. In February, the 10-day Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is one of the region’s most popular events.

Know before you go

Saranac Lake has grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, and shops selling camping and fishing supplies.
Tick season runs from April through September in the Saranac Lake region, so cover up when hiking and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
There’s no fee to enter Adirondack Park, but state campgrounds charge a fee and many require reservations. A New York State Fishing License is required for fishing.
Backcountry camping is allowed on state forest land through Adirondack Park, but you can’t camp within 150 feet of any road, trail, or body of water unless otherwise marked.