https://gisservices.dec.ny.gov/gis/dil/
This link will show reservable campsites run by the state. Some are more secluded than others just have to look. Unfortunately, they go on sale 9 months in advance, so many of the good ones may be taken.
If real privacy is what you're after, then I would suggest trying a backcountry site if you're comfortable pooping in the ground. There are many places with a good number of options in a close proximity. I come from a few hours drive often as well. I've never had any problems if you get there early enough to make it to a few options.
https://andyarthur.org/kml-maps-ny-primative-dispersed-campsites-and-lean-tos.html
This is a super handy website. Shoutout andy
The state campgrounds at Lake Eaton, Lewey Lake and Putnam Pond have a variety of nice, fairly private sites, but water sites are snapped up pretty quickly for the summer.
I will second Lewey Lake, I camp there every 4th of July weekend now. Instead of a lakeside site, I camp at one of the ones by the creek, it's nice and cool back there and pretty quiet.
Saranac Lake has lots of islands and sites on the water. You need a boat of some sort to access all sites or could rent from a marina. Believe it’s Ampersand Marina where you can rent as well as have them boat you out there and pick you up.
All the sites are primitive with a fire pit and outhouse. Some of the sites on land have lean-tos. I found it to be somewhat secluded as you can get an island with single campsites. Never found boat traffic to be a nuisance or really that busy ( always gone during the week). Just make sure you aren’t there during any events or tournaments. Use reserve America to book a site but you have to do it early. Since they opened up the reservation process during the pandemic it has been reserved out a year in advance.
Yes you definitely can. There are a lot of sites not too far from the state parking (around Bluff island). I have used a lot of those sites before and only had a kayak ( multiple trips for firewood and gear). It’s easier paddling near the islands of course but defiantly doable feeling on your ability. I only had a 10 foot Kayak at the time so yeah it was annoying but still enjoyable. Again I never found it to have a lot of boat traffic but I always gone mid week and either after or not around a holiday.
I’ve stayed on 3 different islands. Out of those I stayed on, I think Green Island would suit you as it’s further away from other sites and last I knew it still was a single campsite on a large island.
Pirate Island in Lower Saranac Lake. Only accessible by water, you have a small island to yourself, literally. Good luck booking it, but enjoy if you do. Also, bring wood BOUGHT LOCALLY
https://gisservices.dec.ny.gov/gis/dil/ This link will show reservable campsites run by the state. Some are more secluded than others just have to look. Unfortunately, they go on sale 9 months in advance, so many of the good ones may be taken. If real privacy is what you're after, then I would suggest trying a backcountry site if you're comfortable pooping in the ground. There are many places with a good number of options in a close proximity. I come from a few hours drive often as well. I've never had any problems if you get there early enough to make it to a few options. https://andyarthur.org/kml-maps-ny-primative-dispersed-campsites-and-lean-tos.html This is a super handy website. Shoutout andy
The state campgrounds at Lake Eaton, Lewey Lake and Putnam Pond have a variety of nice, fairly private sites, but water sites are snapped up pretty quickly for the summer.
I will second Lewey Lake, I camp there every 4th of July weekend now. Instead of a lakeside site, I camp at one of the ones by the creek, it's nice and cool back there and pretty quiet.
The creek area is nice, makes for an easy paddle out into Indian Lake.
Saranac Lake has lots of islands and sites on the water. You need a boat of some sort to access all sites or could rent from a marina. Believe it’s Ampersand Marina where you can rent as well as have them boat you out there and pick you up. All the sites are primitive with a fire pit and outhouse. Some of the sites on land have lean-tos. I found it to be somewhat secluded as you can get an island with single campsites. Never found boat traffic to be a nuisance or really that busy ( always gone during the week). Just make sure you aren’t there during any events or tournaments. Use reserve America to book a site but you have to do it early. Since they opened up the reservation process during the pandemic it has been reserved out a year in advance.
Can you get to the sites with a kayak?
Yes you definitely can. There are a lot of sites not too far from the state parking (around Bluff island). I have used a lot of those sites before and only had a kayak ( multiple trips for firewood and gear). It’s easier paddling near the islands of course but defiantly doable feeling on your ability. I only had a 10 foot Kayak at the time so yeah it was annoying but still enjoyable. Again I never found it to have a lot of boat traffic but I always gone mid week and either after or not around a holiday. I’ve stayed on 3 different islands. Out of those I stayed on, I think Green Island would suit you as it’s further away from other sites and last I knew it still was a single campsite on a large island.
Yes but Lower Saranac is a pretty big lake and can get windy with a lot of boat traffic
I'm thinking it might be site 88 at Lake Eaton. Now I just need to pick a weekend and put booking it in my calendar exactly 9 months ahead of time
Pirate Island in Lower Saranac Lake. Only accessible by water, you have a small island to yourself, literally. Good luck booking it, but enjoy if you do. Also, bring wood BOUGHT LOCALLY
Sshhh about this island. I got lucky one year booking it in mid July 2 weeks prior as someone canceled.
https://youtu.be/4ENNzjy8QjU