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.
Matt Champlain/Google
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.
Doug Letterman/Flickr
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.
Santa Dog/Flickr
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.
Santa Dog/Flickr
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.
vignesh subramanian/Google

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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.
Marlin Weaver/Google
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.
Risleys Rush Pt Cottages/Facebook
But one of our favorite ways to enjoy this body of water is to book a cruise with the Raquette Lake Navigation Company.
Raquette Lake Navigation/Facebook
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.
Raquette Lake Navigation/Facebook
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.
Raquette Lake Navigation/Facebook
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.

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More to Explore

Lakes In New York

Daniella DiRienzo | December 07, 2023

What other lakes rank among the best lakes in New York?

There are lots of lovely lakes in New York. Here are some of the most beautiful lakes in New York:

  • Lake George: Known as the "Queen of American Lakes," Lake George is renowned for its clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. It's a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking.
  • Lake Placid: Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is not only beautiful but also famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. The lake is surrounded by picturesque villages and offers various water activities.
  • Finger Lakes: The Finger Lakes region is home to several long, narrow lakes, each with its own charm. Canandaigua, Seneca, Cayuga, and Skaneateles are among the most famous, offering wine trails, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes.

 

Aside from Adirondack Park, what are some other great parks in New York?

When it comes to lakes in New York, Adirondack Park is a treasure trove, but it’s not the only park in New York worth visiting. There are several other must-visit parks in New York, including:

  • Prospect Park: Designed by the same architects as Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Prospect Park in Brooklyn offers a peaceful escape with a lake, wooded areas, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Prospect Park Zoo.
  • High Line Park: Built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side, the High Line is a unique park with gardens, public art, and stunning views of the city.
  • Bear Mountain State Park: A bit outside of the city, Bear Mountain State Park in Hudson Valley is a nature lover's paradise with hiking trails, a zoo, a lake for boating, and stunning views from the Perkins Memorial Tower.

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