Has anyone ever camped at the Saranac Lake island campgrounds? I am planning a camping trip with my neice and nephew, along with at least one dog; and the idea of keeping them all contained on an island sounds like a good idea. Also, has anyone swam there? I'm wondering about leeches. I think the city kids would die of fright if they picked up a little friend. I'm not too fond of them myself.
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Saranac Lake Island Campgrounds
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I wouldn't worry about the leeches, I hear the snapping turtles eat them if there is nothing else around.And if they don't I hear there are a lot of Crazed loons out there... Just kidding, I wouldn't make a big deal out of it, if it happens play it down either further.Be careful, don't spread invasive species!!
When a dog runs at you,whistle for him.
Henry David Thoreau
CL50-#23
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Originally posted by chairrock View PostI wouldn't worry about the leeches, ... if it happens play it down either further."Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth." -Walt Whitman
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[QUOTE=dmartenvt;85503]Has anyone ever camped at the Saranac Lake island campgrounds? I am planning a camping trip with my neice and nephew, along with at least one dog; and the idea of keeping them all contained on an island sounds like a good idea. Also, has anyone swam there? I'm wondering about leeches. I think the city kids would die of fright if they picked up a little friend. I'm not too fond of them myself.[/QUOTE]
The leaches? Or the City kids?
You could also try sauteing a few of the leaches and then telling the kids to go swimming to catch breakfast."If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. Johnson
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Hawk Vittles Leech Breakfast, Yummie!
I remember once while my wife and I were trouting in a small stream and she got snagged on the bottom, being a true outdoors person she stripped starkers to retrieve the Lake Clear Spoon,etc.Needless to say she came out of the water with a leech on her....talk about screaming!!! Glad we were in a very secluded area!Be careful, don't spread invasive species!!
When a dog runs at you,whistle for him.
Henry David Thoreau
CL50-#23
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Saranac Lake Islands is a nice campground. My dad and I went up there in 2005 and really enjoyed it. We canoed in. Just a heads up, there are a bunch of motorboats in the lake, but the speed limit is very strictly enforced. I went swimmin' there too and had no issue with leeches. If you're in a place that isn't stagnant, I don't believe the little buggers are a problem.
Have fun.Goin home, goin home by the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul
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We went there with the scouts two summers ago. Not a single leech. Considering all the swimming we did, that's impressive. As for the island sites... first come first serve. Middle Saranac you have to reserve sites and you'd better do it fast because the islands disappear.How is it that you are heading west? Well, we face north and then really sudden like turn left.
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Thanks for the information everyone. The island camping sounds great. I live close to there, but my neice and nephew (the city kids who I am VERY fond of!) want a "real" overnight camp-out. They came last year from Dublin and to my delight they loved the Adirondacks and the outdoor life.
I would like to bring my dogs hence the interest in the island camping. As for the aversion to leeches, I am getting somewhat used to the leeches in the Adirondack ponds, but honestly, those huge monsters in Taylor Pond deserve to have their own species. And I am trying to downplay the leeches for the kid's sake. I'll remember the salt (but I'm forgoing the frying pan, thanks anyway Hawk).
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I've never been to Saranac lake Islands but I have been to Indian Lake Islands several times. Each time was a terrific experience, one of the main reasons IS the peace of mind if you have a dog that likes the water and fear it wandering off. The sites do fill up quick so I suggest you book soon. Forked lake also has a few islands you might want to check out. Here is a link to a thread about forked lake.
You might also want to check out stillwater reservoir. They have many islands, however you can't reserve there, it is first come first serve.
The maps on reserveamerica are HORRIBLE so it is sometimes difficult to see if you are reserving an island. I like to cross reference with a topo map or aerial image to try and figure out which site is which. I have a more detailed map of the Indian lake islands and can tell which sites are which. PM me if you are interested in Indian lake at all.
Good luck, have a great trip.
PS-leeches have never been noticed by me at either place.........
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Cranberry Lake has alot of water access sites also.Many are on islands and many others might as well be as they are so secluded. Wind can be a problem ,as on any of the bigger lakes. Also motorboats are around, especially on weekends but such is life.No reservations and I would hazard a good educated guess that there are always sites open,especially in some of the arms of the lake that are further from town.Be careful, don't spread invasive species!!
When a dog runs at you,whistle for him.
Henry David Thoreau
CL50-#23
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Are there size/ horsepower limitations to the boats allowed on Cranberry lake?
Is there a sign in book/kiosk that you can see the sites available and sign in to campsites before you venture out on the lake or do you need to wander the lake to find an open spot? I'm assuming mid-week during the summer is less hectic than weekends.
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Originally posted by dharter View PostAre there size/ horsepower limitations to the boats allowed on Cranberry lake?
Is there a sign in book/kiosk that you can see the sites available and sign in to campsites before you venture out on the lake or do you need to wander the lake to find an open spot? I'm assuming mid-week during the summer is less hectic than weekends.Be careful, don't spread invasive species!!
When a dog runs at you,whistle for him.
Henry David Thoreau
CL50-#23
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Which Sites are solo islands?
I usually go to Indian Lake or Stillwater Reservoir for island camping, but I had to reserve something for this July and the only solo island (I think) was at Saranac Lake. Solo Island camping is great for a crazy dog that loves the outdoors but also can be trusted not to roam. Does anyone know anything about site #22 on Lower Saranac Lake? Is it a solo island site? Is there a public day site on the island or the next island over?
I sure do wish reserveamerica or the DEC would update their GIS data/maps!
Thank you in advance for any info. , you will be rewarde with good karma in the ADK.
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Saranac Islands State Campground
The islands of Lower and Middle Saranac lakes are part of the state campground, as well as many sites on land. In the popular summer season, reservations are needed (and payment) to secure a campsite on either lake. I camped on Lower and enjoyed the beauty of the islands. My only complaint was the sound of traffic on RT. 3 that passes quite close to Lower Saranac Lake."Like" my FB page http://tinyurl.com/FB-BuffaloPaddles and visit my map ALGonquin Bob's "BUFFALO PADDLES" Paddle Guide
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