Great Sacandaga Lake
Great Sacandaga Lake
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
55 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
14
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Phil C
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Great Sacandaga Lake is really two lakes in one.
The five-mile wide southern end is great for famlly camping, sailing, fishing, and people who like take in broad views across flatter land while fishing or cruising in big pontoon and powerboats. Beaches have more sand, and gradual dropoffs, and there are small islands to visit. Lots of casual dining spots, a few hotels, and even a Wal-mart are at the extreme southern end.
The northern, narrow section of the lake is very different. Stretching for about 20 miles, this section follows the course of the original Sacandaga River, which was dammed in 1930 to create the lake. It averages about a mile wide and up to 80 feet deep, steep hills on each side drop nearly to the shoreline, creating scenic water against mountain views. This section has few sandy beaches. Water access is often via docks tied to the shore. There are almost no stores or other amenities here, and very few spots with public access to the water.
The northern end is more peaceful, but it's still less than an hour from Lake George Village, Glens Falls and the horse racing mecca of Saratoga Springs. These communities offer a wide range of summer fun, plus cultural events, shopping, and fine dining.
Rental cabins are more numerous in the southern than the northern end, and rates tend to be lower there. But it's not hard to find a place at either end if you start searching the winter before your visit, or if you can visit during the May/June or September/October shoulder months.
Whatever type of experience you're looking for, you can find it at one of the two parts of Great Sacandaga Lake.
The five-mile wide southern end is great for famlly camping, sailing, fishing, and people who like take in broad views across flatter land while fishing or cruising in big pontoon and powerboats. Beaches have more sand, and gradual dropoffs, and there are small islands to visit. Lots of casual dining spots, a few hotels, and even a Wal-mart are at the extreme southern end.
The northern, narrow section of the lake is very different. Stretching for about 20 miles, this section follows the course of the original Sacandaga River, which was dammed in 1930 to create the lake. It averages about a mile wide and up to 80 feet deep, steep hills on each side drop nearly to the shoreline, creating scenic water against mountain views. This section has few sandy beaches. Water access is often via docks tied to the shore. There are almost no stores or other amenities here, and very few spots with public access to the water.
The northern end is more peaceful, but it's still less than an hour from Lake George Village, Glens Falls and the horse racing mecca of Saratoga Springs. These communities offer a wide range of summer fun, plus cultural events, shopping, and fine dining.
Rental cabins are more numerous in the southern than the northern end, and rates tend to be lower there. But it's not hard to find a place at either end if you start searching the winter before your visit, or if you can visit during the May/June or September/October shoulder months.
Whatever type of experience you're looking for, you can find it at one of the two parts of Great Sacandaga Lake.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles W
West Babylon, NY116 contributions
May 2021
My wife and I fished the lake twice during our visit, once from our canoe, launched from the beach newar the Braadalbin boat launch, once from the boat of Fish Attractor Guide Service. The pike that I had hoped for eluded us on both days, but we caught a lot of smallmouth bass (27, the morning we fished with the guide) on swimbaits. Fishing for bass was catch and release only, which was fine, as we enjoyed the fast action.
Written 17 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eddie James
Chester, NY2 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
In the past I would've said the lake is clean, clear of seaweed and never overcrowded. Over the past few years there have been more and more people and boats on the lake. Trash piling up at marinas and boat launches. Seaweed is taking over and our boats are getting scummier than ever. There are cleaner, quieter lakes in the adirondacks.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anna
Old Westbury, NY3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
This lake is flat with no great scenery or anything to do. Every lakeside restaurant was over crowded. Tons of boats and the people were very rude. Dump.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
inspectr
Northville, NY24 contributions
Jul 2020
(518) 863-8800 is not the phone number for the Great Sacandaga Lake !!!
Please call the Village of Northville for such info (518) 863-4211
Please call the Village of Northville for such info (518) 863-4211
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BjornvE
Northville, NY39 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Lapland lake cross country skiing at its best.
Royal mountain for family down hill skiing.
Great hikes.
Beautiful town of Northville.
You will love it every season
Royal mountain for family down hill skiing.
Great hikes.
Beautiful town of Northville.
You will love it every season
Written 30 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
moraha
Sandwich, MA161 contributions
Sep 2019
I have spent time here in the summer, and also the fall. Such a pretty lake. Did you know that it helps control the water flow to Hudson River leading in NYC. Not as busy as Lake George, but about the same size.
Written 21 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mac4747
Palm Beach Shores, FL224 contributions
Sep 2019
Bought a vacation house on this lake this summer and I'm loving it. Ring of Fire, held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, is not to be missed!
Written 20 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janice47931
Hudson, NY144 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
Nice large lake ok for fishing you need a boat to really have fun. I would go back with kayaks .... it is so large it would be really fun.
Written 2 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harry D
Salt Springs, FL30 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
The Great Sacandaga Lake is nearly 27,000 acres, nearly as big as Lake George. The water is somewhat clear ( typical of Adirondack lake waters), but not crystal clear. Underwater visibility is around 20 feet. This lake has fewer and smaller marinas and is less busy than Lake George. There are state launch ramps, but very busy on nice weekends. There is nearly no public shoreline, all shoreline is either private or unuseable. There are very few gas stations for boats. There are several restraunts of different price types avilable, most have adequate boat parking. There is very limited lodging here, and most visitors are day visitors.
Written 9 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
constance m
1 contribution
Can i get ny boat from northville lake onto the great sacanadaga lake?
1155christaw
West Palm Beach, FL1 contribution
Is there a town under the water here?
maxie1031
Northville, NY34 contributions
yes in 1936 as far as i know. flooded the flow and made the lake. I am 79 years old, my step father was here for the change. My father helped to build the bachlesbridge. so, we are natives here. hope this helps. also, my step father was the owner of the roller coaster at the original sacandaga park.
Rosie595
New York City, NY10 contributions
Can you recommend any B and B/Inn snowmobiling packages?
BeaandRich
St. Petersburg, FL441 contributions
Inn at the Bridge in Northville is close the the lake and is in a small town. It is across from the street from the lake and has packages available. Also, for snowmobiling and skiing there is a great place in Warrensburg, Al & Lynn's Butterfly Inn. She is an excellent cook so the food is a huge plus to your vacation. We had her food in Venice, Florida (still has to be as good in New York).
GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE (Northville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Sacandaga Lake
- Hotels near Great Sacandaga Lake:
- (15.15 km) Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center
- (1.31 km) Cute cedar cabin on great Sacandaga Lake
- (7.22 km) Inn at the Bridge
- (11.38 km) Finch Guest House
- (6.74 km) The Orendaga on Northville Lake
- Restaurants near Great Sacandaga Lake:
- (2.58 km) Northampton Diner
- (2.73 km) Lanzi's On The Lake
- (7.37 km) Klippel's Kozy Korner
- (7.43 km) Timeless Tavern Restaurant & INN
- (9.92 km) Alpine Grille
- Attractions near Great Sacandaga Lake:
- (15.07 km) Lapland Lake Cross Country Ski Center
- (3.49 km) Sacandaga Boat Charters
- (3.69 km) Northampton Marina
- (3.67 km) Grandview Mini Golf
- (3.60 km) Northampton Beach State Park