sailing lakes in the Adirondacks/lake George

Scott T-Bird · Jul 23, 2011

Lake George is beautiful! But also very expensive for leaving a car and trailer. The water is very clean and clear. The island campsites are really great but they also get filled during the summer. On weekends, reservations are a must. You can probably find campsites on weekdays without reservations.

Lake George is very long and also narrow. The south end has a width that would make it enjoyable for sailing but north of the mid-section (where almost all the island campsites are located) is pretty narrow.

I have always been there with my ski boat and camped on Long Island which is on the southern section, and numerous times on the island campsites that you can access from Boltons Landing in the middle section of the lake near Northwest Bay. Like I said, be prepared for the expense of parking your car and trailer. It is an extremely exclusive lake and access does not seem to be easy. Properties on the lake are strictly for the fabulously wealthy.

I've always wanted to spend time on Great Sacandaga lake which is closer to Saratoga. The width of the lake makes it seem like it would be a better option for sailing. I don't think you can go wrong there either.

A little bit longer drive can take you to Saranac Lake west of Lake Placid. Many people take their boats up there and access seems to be far more casual, without as much need for reservations as Lake George. Upper Saranac Lake and Middle Saranc Lake are really nice lakes and way up there in the Adirondacks. Lake Placid is a really great town to visit as well.

Did you make a trip with your boat to the Rockies?

smoothsailing · Jul 23, 2011

biorapper said:
I am heading to the Adoriondacks in a couple of days. Looking at lake george or champlain. Just wondering what folks think about these lakes, and any local knowledge that would make for a better trip. Also open to other lakes in the area. Preferably lakes with a state park boat ramp/showers and good town/mnt. hiking and, of course, sailing!

Thanks.

From what I have been told, if you have a head in the boat Lake Champlain is out. A friend of mine sold his boat to a man that will keep it on that lake. He had to remove the head from the boat before he sailed it up to the lake.

I vacationed on Lake George 10 years ago. Trailered my MacGreagor 24 from NJ. Its a great place to sail and I think you would enjoy it. Also a lot to do in that area.

Check out the Lake George Chamber of Commerce for some really good info. Also just Google Lake George.

Have fun.

Bill

Deadhead · Jul 23, 2011

I Vote for Lake George

I have sailed a sunfish, then a 16' daysailor and a hobie 16 on Lake George. I don't believe it is strictly for rich folks. My sister and brother-in-law turned me onto the place years ago. They have camped on the mainland and the islands since the 1980's.

The sailing is very nice and the water is absolutely gorgeous. And a little known secret is that there are some monster bass in the lake. Just north of Dome Island is a hump where the water is only 16' deep in one place. Catch bass there almost at will - use Gary Yamamoto scented worms in smoke. Farther north on the east side above the Narrows there are some more great places for bass. I caught a 5+ pound largemouth there a few Labor Days back.

capejt · Jul 23, 2011

watch the weather!!

I grew up on those lakes. One thing to always watch out for there is the weather. It can totally change in as little as five minutes!!! Nice and Sunny with a slight breeze one minute, then the clouds start coming over the mountains, and all heck breaks loose. Your calm serene day has just become a hurricane!
As another post suggested, stay away from the Southern end of Lake George. It's Disneyland on the water! In addition to the overpopulation you also have to contend with a substantial number of incompetant mariners.
If you stick to the Northern end you won't believe you're in the same lake. Totally opposite!

garyc · Jul 24, 2011

Re: watch the weather!!

Lake Champlain is a much larger lake. there is no problem with a head on board you just cann't discharge it into the lake. Plenty pump out stations. Same for lake George.

Prime Time · Jul 24, 2011

You might look at Schroon Lake. North of Lake George. Much less crowded. There are some campsites there as well.