Island camping - NY State Parks and DEC campgrounds

[haley]

Greetings,
NY has A lot of parks that are boat access only. Anyone with experience with these in the Adirondacks? I know Lake George is great but I am curious if there are others that would accommodate a small runabout as opposed to a canoe or kayak. Alger Island? Indian Lake Islands? The camp ground info mentions docks sometimes but they are not clear if the depth is motor friendly instead of just someplace to tie off the canoe.

Thanks!

 

[ADK_Boater]

Re: Island camping - NY State Parks and DEC campgrounds

Alger Island has good sites that can accommodate a runabout. Fourth Lake Launch in Inlet is free, Old Forge launch is not. They have a launch there but I think you have to pay. Alger Island also has lean-to sites as well as tent sites. The Island is good size and has a sand bar like area around the North-West side.

However, if you are looking to get away from it all Fourth Lake is not the place. The shore line is developed with camps and a couple bar/restaurants and there is boat and cruise boat traffic.

I have only been through Indian Lake. If you end up camping there let me know how it is.

The Saranac Lake Chain has many many boat access Islands that will blow you away. Some Islands have only a single site...Goose Island on Lower Saranac for instance. Middle Saranac is almost completely undeveloped around the lake shore, and has the least boat traffic. You can take the lock system to other lakes too...really nice place to be. A few nice beaches too. You'll be fine with a motor boat at any of these places as long as it is not a cruiser... 21' or under is fine.

Good Luck!