A Best-Kept Secret Of The Adirondacks Is A Tranquil Lake With Sandy Coves, Fishing, And Epic Sunsets

The Adirondack Mountains hide all sorts of lovely destinations, including a tiny town with charming shops and cozy cabins. But one thing that's impossible to hide is Great Sacandaga Lake. Featuring 125 miles of shoreline and covering a massive 42 square miles, it's quite a noticeable landmark. And while Lake George and Lake Placid might be more popular with tourists, Great Sacandaga Lake is quickly gaining traction with Adirondack travelers thanks to pristine waters and dramatic sunsets.

Great Sacandaga Lake is easy to reach. About an hour from Albany and just over three hours from New York City, you'll have plenty of options when it comes to nearby airports. Plan on flying into New York City? Check out some of the best budget-friendly outdoor activities in the city before making your way north.

A myriad of towns dot the shores of Great Sacandaga Lake, so you won't lack lodging or restaurant options, though many visitors love to camp in the surrounding wilderness. A unique way to enjoy the lake and the Adirondacks is by spending the night at Glampful. Buried in a thick forest just a short drive from the water, it provides an upscale glamping experience that'll appeal to most travelers. But no matter where you rest at night, your days at Great Sacandaga Lake will be filled with all sorts of aquatic fun and some of the best sunsets in the state.

Swimming, fishing, boating, sunbathing — there's no shortage of ways to spend your time at Great Sacandaga Lake. You'll find multiple beaches around the area, but few are as popular as the Northampton Beach Campground. Along with a campground, it provides direct access to an excellent swimming beach. The shore isn't exactly sand (it's more like tiny rocks), but it's a fun spot to wade into the water or kick back and relax in the sun. A good alternative is Mayfield Town Beach, as it's just down the road and features a more traditional, sandy beach.

To get out on the calm water, snag a rental from Majestic Mountain Marina. Pontoons, kayaks, and pedal boats are all available, and spending a day on the lake is the best way to bask in panoramic Adirondack views. If you love fishing, don't miss the opportunity to reel in a northern pike or smallmouth bass. Aaron's Guide Service offers trips out onto the water and can help you "catch the fish of a lifetime." The largest northern pike ever caught in New York was found in Great Sacandaga Lake back in 1940 — so there's definitely some big fish lurking below the surface.

Most people love to visit this area when the sun is out and the weather is warm, but visiting in the cold winter months is an exciting alternative. This opens up activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing, and you could even try your hand at some ice fishing. Keep in mind that the daylight hours will be a sliver of what they are in the summer, and temperatures in this area can get quite frigid.

Several charming towns surround Great Sacandaga Lake — Mayfield, Northville, Hadley, Edinburg, and Broadalbin are some of the best. If you're seeking a distinctive place to spend the night, Historic Hotel Broadalbin might fit the bill. Set inside a historic structure from 1854, it treats guests to cozy accommodations just a short jaunt from the shops and restaurants of downtown Broadalbin. It's also home to the 1854 Pub Restaurant and its menu of seafood, salads, and burgers.

Camping opportunities are abundant, though consider reserving a space in advance as they can get quite booked up. The previously mentioned Northampton Beach Campground is clean, spacious, and right near the water, though it's one of the most popular campgrounds in the region. If you can't find a site here, good backups include Sacandaga Campground on the Sacandaga River and Pop's Lake Campground in the foothills of the Adirondacks. All three are remarkably scenic, as they're hugged by the Adirondacks and tucked away inside the dense woods near Great Sacandaga Lake.

Glampful splits the difference between a traditional hotel and camping. You'll get sites with most of the same amenities as a standard hotel room, but with nature at your doorstep. Sway Meadow is a similar choice — available through Airbnb, the off-grid destination has earned rave reviews from travelers thanks to its cozy vibes, warm aesthetic, and the peaceful ambiance around camp. It's similar to a luxurious glamping spot out on the West Coast, giving you a chance to reconnect with nature without having to sacrifice your creature comforts.