Why The Largest Natural Lake In The Adirondacks Belongs On Your Bucket List

Lakes in New York are great visits year-round. It seems that no matter the season, you can find plenty of our residents hanging out by the water and enjoying New York’s spectacular scenery. With 3,000 lakes and ponds tucked inside the Adirondack Park, we all have our favorite body of water to visit in this region. But as a New Yorker, can you say that you know which one is actually the largest natural lake in the park?

With 99 miles of shoreline, New York's Raquette Lake is the largest natural lake in the Adirondack Mountains.

Surrounded by the wilderness and undeveloped forests, you'll find handfuls of little islands scattered across the lake - making for beautiful scenery in the mountains.

If you're looking to get out on the water and explore one of the Adirondack's more peaceful bodies of water, then look no further.

Around the southern shores of the lake, you'll find that things are more developed, with places to eat and stay available to you near Route 28.

To truly soak in all that Raquette Lake has to offer, you can go camping at one of the amazing campgrounds around the lake like Golden Beach Campground off of Route 28 where there are nearly 200 campsites - many of which are right along the water.

If you want even more seclusion away from the rest of New York, you can camp at Tioga Point Campground - a boat-access-only campground that's made up of 15 lean-to's that will give you a beautiful off-the-grid experience.

If you're not interested in roughing it out and camping by the water, then places like Risleys Rush Point Cottages make for a great alternative.

But one of our favorite ways to enjoy this body of water is to book a cruise with the Raquette Lake Navigation Company.

Throughout the year Raquette Lake Navigation features special cruises. Past cruises have included the Saranac Beer Tasting Cruise, Moonlight Cruise, and delicious BBQ picnic cruises that all make for amazing ways to see the lake.

And if you can't make it to the lake during the summer season, don't worry because Raquette Lake wears each season quite beautifully as well.

From waterfront cottages and campgrounds to cruises and boat launches where you can get out onto the water, there are so many ways to enjoy the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks!

So, did you know about Raquette Lake? Or that, as far as natural lakes go, it’s among the biggest lakes in New York? Have you ever been up to (or out on) Raquette Lake? If so, do you agree that it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in New York? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us!

Don’t let distance keep you from visiting this New York lake! If it’s a far drive from your house, consider turning your day trip into an overnight adventure by booking lodging via VRBO.

Looking for other beautiful lakes in New York, check out our past article to read about how the clearest lake in New York is almost too beautiful to be real.