Saratoga Lake, New York, USA

Saratoga Lake, in upstate New York, is a 4,028-acre natural lake just north of the resort town of Saratoga Springs. The lake begins at the northern entry of Kayderosseras Creek where it is one and a half miles wide and ends at an eighth of a mile wide outlet called Fish Creek at its southern end. The shoreline in predominantly shallow with a gradual slope, but there…
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    • All About Saratoga Lake, NY

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

    Saratoga Lake, in upstate New York, is a 4,028-acre natural lake just north of the resort town of Saratoga Springs. The lake begins at the northern entry of Kayderosseras Creek where it is one and a half miles wide and ends at an eighth of a mile wide outlet called Fish Creek at its southern end. The shoreline in predominantly shallow with a gradual slope, but there are two deep sections in the lake with deepest being 95 feet. Best know for its boating and fishing, the natural beauty of the area, spectacular fall foliage, and easy interstate access also provides wonderful opportunities for visitors to enjoy what New York calls its Capital Saratoga vacation region.

    Most of the Saratoga Lake shoreline is privately owned, but there is public lake access at a state boat launch at the northern end for boaters, as well as several private marinas. Saratoga Lake does not have a public beach, but there are beach and picnic areas offered at various marinas and restaurants. Boaters can enjoy cruising the open water of the lake with water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and tubing providing entertainment and a cool reprieve from the summer heat. There is a large sandbar in the middle of the lake on the western side which is a vey popular place to anchor, swim, and just hang out. There is even a floating stage where bands play for big events. If you didn’t bring your boat, no problem, many of the marinas rent boats, jet skis and wave runners. Known for its clear water, snorkeling is also a popular pastime.

    Next to boating, fishing is Saratoga Lake’s other main attraction. Smallmouth and largemouth bass tournaments take place regularly. Perch, carp, bluegill, crappie, sunfish, walleye, chain pickerel and northern pike can also be found in the lake. Bow hunting for carp might be an interesting way to pursue these fish. Fishing is a year round sport and when the weather turns cold, ice fishers on the lake become a popular sight.

    The sport of rowing has a long history in the area, and visitors to Saratoga Lake may spot the championship Skidmore College crew row team skimming over the eight mile length of the lake. The lake has been host to national collegiate rowing races since the 1870s.

    There are no hotels or resorts on Saratoga Lake, but there are cottages and vacation rentals available from private owners. There is one campground at the northern end of the lake which has a ramp, boat slips, and camping. If the campground is full, the nearby town of Saratoga Springs has plenty of campgrounds to choose from. Also nearby is Moreau State Park which offers camping, tent sites, recreational vehicle sites, and cabins. A beach, boat rentals, and picnic areas make this a popular place to spend the day or stay the night. Hunting is allowed in select areas of the park during regulated seasons.

    Originally settled by the native Iroquois Indians, the town of Saratoga Springs, just northwest of Saratoga Lake, has long been a favorite spot for residents and visitors. With the discovery of natural mineral springs in the late 1800s, Saratoga Springs quickly became a resort town for wealthy families from all over New England. Many of the original Victorian mansions are still standing and attracting visitors to this day. Museums, golf courses, polo fields, mineral springs and bubbling spas are only a few of the many attractions you’ll find in town.

    Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs covers more than 2,000 rolling acres. The park features mineral springs, a spa, an automobile museum, reflecting pools, nature trails, playgrounds, a golf course and other attractions. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, located in the park, is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and also hosts concerts. In the winter there is ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Natures lovers visiting Saratoga Lake will want to pay a visit to this historic and unique park.

    Saratoga National Historic Park, located east of Saratoga Lake is part of the US National Park Service, commemorates the site where the US claimed its first victory in the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolution.

    Horse racing enthusiasts may want to take a break from Saratoga Lake and pay a visit to the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. The race track is recognized as the oldest continually operated thoroughbred race course in the country and holds races from the end of July to Labor Day. Saratoga Springs is also home to Saratoga Raceway, a separate, smaller race track for harness racing. A casino (also known as a racino) has recently been added to the grounds and features video gaming machines.

    Just 30 minutes north of Saratoga Lake lies beautiful Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains. Drive 30 miles south and you’ll find the state capital of Albany.

    No matter what your purpose for visiting Saratoga Lake, you won’t regret your time spent on the lake and in the area. There is much to see, much to do, and much to just take in.

    Things to Do at Saratoga Lake

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

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Wakeboarding
    • Tubing
    • Snorkeling
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Ice Skating
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • State Park
    • National Park
    • Museum
    • Playground
    • Casino Gambling

    What Kind of Fish Are in Saratoga Lake?

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

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Carp
    • Chain Pickerel
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Saratoga Lake

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    More Sites to Book a Saratoga Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Saratoga 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:

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    Saratoga Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 4,028 acres

    Shoreline Length: 23 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 203 feet

    Average Depth: 25 feet

    Maximum Depth: 95 feet

    Water Residence Time: 0.4 years

    Drainage Area: 210 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesoeutrophic

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