Island

Paddle to your own island campsite on Indian Lake for a family camping adventure that feels like true wilderness. The DEC maintains 55 island and shoreline campsites accessible only by boat. Kids love the excitement of paddling to their campsite and having an island all to themselves. Indian Lake is large and scenic with mountain views from the water. The campsites have fire rings and pit toilets. The town of Indian Lake is nearby for supplies. This is a more accessible alternative to the Saranac Lake Islands with similar magic.

Camping on one of the islands in Lake George is a bucket-list Adirondack experience. Over 300 islands dot the lake and the DEC maintains campsites on many of them accessible only by boat. Kids are thrilled by the adventure of paddling or boating to a private island campsite surrounded by clear water and mountain views. Sites include fire rings and pit toilets. The Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island groups are the most popular. You will need your own boat or canoe to reach the sites.

A beautiful beachfront campground on the North Shore with a long sandy beach, calm water, and a small offshore island you can wade to at low tide. Goat Island (Mokuauia) is accessible by wading across the shallow channel and kids think it is the coolest thing ever to walk to their own island. The beach is quiet and uncrowded compared to town. Tent camping is available right behind the tree line. Cabins and yurts are also an option for families who want more comfort. This is beach camping at its finest.

Paddle to a private island campsite on one of the Saranac Lakes for an unforgettable family camping trip. The DEC maintains 87 primitive island campsites across Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes, each with a fire ring, privy, and picnic table. Kids feel like explorers paddling to their own island and spending the night surrounded by water and wilderness. The Lower Saranac launch is the easiest access point. Loon calls at sunset and stars with zero light pollution make this a magical experience.