Discover the best lakeside campgrounds near Saranac Lake, New York with horseback riding

United States
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New York
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Saranac Lake

99% (235 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Saranac Lake

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(17)

4 top lakeside campgrounds near Saranac Lake with horseback riding

99%

(177)

Islands Base Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · South Hero, VT

Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed is not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.

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(71)

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.

Kickin' Up Dust Farm

3 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Schuyler Falls, NY

Black Hole and Dunkley Falls

1 site · Lodging80 acres · Wevertown, NY

Our Family has owned this property for over 60 years. Jim & Sue spend their summers here. Our son recently vacationed at some great glamping sites around the country and had a vision of creating one on our property. We are excited to share the experience of what camping in this historic region of Adirondack's is all about.Black Hole & Dunkley Falls campsite is located on an 80-acre old Adirondack farm. The Mill Creek runs along with this property, which features access to the scenic Dunkley Falls & The Black Hole — a cavernous geological anomaly. This famous swimming spot is a perfect place to test your nerve with a backflip off its 20 ft cliffs or just take a leisurely swim in the naturally formed glacier pool. Like to fish? The Mill Creek is also stocked annually with over 3000 w/ brown & rainbow trout. All of this is just a short walk from our property. Onsite: Canvas Wall Tent (16ft X 14ft ) and Outhouse. In addition to the Canvas Wall Tent, we have a canvas bell tent for rent from larger groups. You can reserve this by adding it on as an extra when checking out with us here at Hipcamp.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Grand Isle State Park

Vermont

Lakeside camping near Saranac Lake with horseback riding 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.