Oxbow Lake, New York, USA

A perfect view over a perfect lake: that describes beautiful little Oxbow Lake in the Adirondack region of New York. Other lakes may be bigger than Oxbow’s estimated 140 acres, but few are more picturesque and none are cleaner. Spring-fed Oxbow Lake has been adjudged the cleanest lake in the Adirondack Region by the State of New York. A mile long, the north shore is partially enclosed…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Oxbow Lake! Article topics include:

Looking for Oxbow Lake cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Oxbow Lake, NY

    Lake Locations: USA - US Mid-Atlantic Region - New York - Adirondacks Region, NY -

    A perfect view over a perfect lake: that describes beautiful little Oxbow Lake in the Adirondack region of New York. Other lakes may be bigger than Oxbow’s estimated 140 acres, but few are more picturesque and none are cleaner. Spring-fed Oxbow Lake has been adjudged the cleanest lake in the Adirondack Region by the State of New York. A mile long, the north shore is partially enclosed by Jessup River Wild Forest Area. A portion of the west end of the lake is wetland. The only development is concentrated along the south shore, assuring that every property owner has unspoiled vistas across the lake to the wooded expanse of Adirondack Park.

    Oxbow Lake is an all-sports lake. Gasoline motors are allowed, but most visitors feel the narrow lake is more perfectly suited to canoeing and kayaking. Water skiing and tubing are possible but would likely be more enjoyable on a larger water body – the lake is only a quarter of a mile wide at its widest point. The south shore is sandy, allowing for ideal swimming beaches. A small resort rents boats and allows for paid boat access for visiting anglers. Most visitors are content to swim, paddle-boat, row and paddle the lovely lake. An evening around a campfire on the beach or a night view from the deck provides a perfect ending to a picture-perfect day at Oxbow Lake.

    Most visitors come to Oxbow Lake for the fishing. The lake is an excellent fishery for largemouth bass and pickerel, particularly along the undeveloped north shore. The lake also holds smallmouth bass, bluegill, perch and sunfish. Relatively shallow, the lake is an ice fisherman’s dream. Many of the vacation rentals are four-season, so anglers visit the lake in winter to enjoy the ‘hard water’ sport of ice fishing. Perch are the prey of choice for these hardy sportsmen, although several other species will do for a catch. A New York fishing license is required, and all fishing regulations must be obeyed.

    The area around Oxbow Lake is filled with the sights and sounds of the Adirondacks. A number of trails and hiking paths in the Jessup River Wild Forest Area offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, of which bird watching is a favorite. The Perkins Clearing area northeast of Oxbow Lake is a favorite of birders to view several species of warblers, while the nearby Northville/Lake Placid Trail meanders into wetland areas where Great Blue Heron, Common Loons and several duck species nest. Ospreys are often seen hunting above the area lakes-a good pair of binoculars is a must!

    Oxbow Lake is a perfect spot for outdoor activities any time of the year. Hiking in the area is a favorite, with the Northville/Lake Placid Trail passing directly past the southern shoreline. The Village of Speculator offers access to over 650 miles of groomed snowmobile trails across area mountains and lakes. Trail maps are available online and at local Speculator businesses. The Adirondack Park itself offers myriad trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and hiking. The park also provides areas for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, trout streams for fly fishing and rustic camping. Several excellent golf courses are located in the area, and a nearby ski center offers downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter.

    Oxbow Lake area contains a variety of eating places varying from the casual to more formal. Some are located directly on the lake, while others in the area are located at nearby Piseco Lake, in the Villages of Piseco and Speculator and all along Route 30. All desired daily services can be found locally, and several artists and craftsmen have studios located in the area. The area is home to a number of antique shops and a few of the most picturesque country inns and bed-and-breakfasts in northern New York.

    Oxbow Lake offers a variety of vacation rentals from family-owned motels and cottage resorts to private residences. Most offer lake frontage or lake access and often include canoes, kayaks, paddle-boats and rowboats as part of the rental. There is a small RV campground at Oxbow Lake plus camping at three state-maintained campgrounds at Piseco Lake a mile to the west and in Adirondack Park itself. For those wishing to own their own private Adirondacks camp, real estate is sometimes available on Oxbow Lake. Even when lake properties aren’t available on Oxbow Lake, other waterfront properties can often be found in the immediate area. But one must experience Oxbow Lake before appreciating the true beauty of this outdoor paradise. So pack up the outdoor gear, the fishing rod, binoculars, mountain bike and spend a week at Oxbow Lake. But, a word of warning: the peace, serenity, beauty and slow-paced lifestyle are addictive. Once you visit, you’ll find it necessary to come back again and again!

    Things to Do at Oxbow Lake

    These are some activities in the Oxbow Lake, NY area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Ice Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Water Skiing
    • Tubing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Hiking
    • Rock Climbing
    • Biking
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Dog Sledding
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Oxbow Lake?

    Oxbow Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Oxbow Lake

    If you’re considering a Oxbow Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Oxbow Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Oxbow Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Oxbow Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 140 acres

    Shoreline Length: 4 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,706 feet

    Average Depth: 10 feet

    Maximum Depth: 17 feet

    Trophic State: Oligotrophic

    Oxbow Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

    More local lakes to explore in this area:

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Mirror Lake NY

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Loon Lake, NY

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Paradox Lake, NY

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Oxbow Lake Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    ORDER HERE
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Oxbow Lake news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Oxbow Lake forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Oxbow Lake photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Oxbow Lake article with your fellow LakeLubbers: