The best star host camping near Saranac Lake

·

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.

99% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Saranac Lake

1. Mt Baker Tiny Cabin

100%
(96)
1.2mi from Saranac Lake · 1 site · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night

4. Adirondack Rustic Retreat

100%
(69)
45mi from Saranac Lake · 2 sites · Lodging
As far as we know, this land has been occupied since shortly after the civil war.  It is actually two farms, combined into one around 1900. The main farmhouse was built out of the logs they cleared in 1879, and there are old foundations of the other original farm houses/barns as well.  All over the property (now woods) there are piles of stones that the original inhabitants pulled from the fields. The second farm house was built in 1901. Most of the total 240 acres were cleared pasture land at that time.  During the twenties and thirties the property was owned by an industrious couple from the City that lovingly turned it into more of a "rustic retreat"; damming a pond, planting ornamentals and upgrading the buildings.  There have been many owners over the years, but we are proud to say it has been with us the longest.  Our family bought it in 1961 and we have been trying to be good stewards ever since.  Come and visit our little patch of wilderness!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$99
 / night

5. Wilmington Terrace Barnyard

100%
(26)
16mi from Saranac Lake · 1 site · RV
* 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!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$49
 / night

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.

99% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Saranac Lake

1. Mt Baker Tiny Cabin

100%
(96)
1.2mi from Saranac Lake · 1 site · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night

4. Adirondack Rustic Retreat

100%
(69)
45mi from Saranac Lake · 2 sites · Lodging
As far as we know, this land has been occupied since shortly after the civil war.  It is actually two farms, combined into one around 1900. The main farmhouse was built out of the logs they cleared in 1879, and there are old foundations of the other original farm houses/barns as well.  All over the property (now woods) there are piles of stones that the original inhabitants pulled from the fields. The second farm house was built in 1901. Most of the total 240 acres were cleared pasture land at that time.  During the twenties and thirties the property was owned by an industrious couple from the City that lovingly turned it into more of a "rustic retreat"; damming a pond, planting ornamentals and upgrading the buildings.  There have been many owners over the years, but we are proud to say it has been with us the longest.  Our family bought it in 1961 and we have been trying to be good stewards ever since.  Come and visit our little patch of wilderness!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$99
 / night

5. Wilmington Terrace Barnyard

100%
(26)
16mi from Saranac Lake · 1 site · RV
* 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!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$49
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping near Saranac Lake guide

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.