Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Starkey's Point
How do I get to Starkey's Point?
The camp is boat-access only, meaning that you cannot drive to Starkey's Point. Guests should bring their own boat, rent a boat, or arrange for a water taxi from the village of Cranberry Lake (see details below).
Is there water taxi service available on the lake?
Yes, we highly recommend Cranberry Lake Dry Dock and Marine Services for water taxi service. Bill Smith, who runs the business, is reliable and friendly and we've had the great pleasure of working with him for several years. Bill's contact info is on his Facebook page (see link above). CLDDMS is located on Route 3 in Cranberry Lake, a 2-minute drive from the public boat launch on Columbian Road.
Can I rent a boat in Cranberry Lake?
Yes, contact Sue and Larry Welling at the Cranberry Lake Camper's Village and General Store through their website or at (315)-848-2501. Past guests have rented pontoon boats and small fishing boats from Sue and Larry.
If I have my own boat, where can I launch?
We recommend that you put in at the NY State Boat Launch (see pic) on Columbian Road in Cranberry Lake. The boat launch has lots of free parking for cars, trucks, and boat trailers. There is a smaller, sandy boat launch in Wanakena off Ranger School Road, but parking is very limited in this area, which is really better suited for day trips on the lake.
Can I paddle to Starkey's Point?
Yes, you can! Tammy and I have often paddled from Wanakena 6 miles across the lake to Starkey's Point. But BEWARE: this can be a dangerous paddle in rough or windy weather. The lake and Dead Creek Flow, both of which you must cross to reach the camp from Wanakena, are exposed to long fetches and the water can be rough even in relatively light wind conditions. Paddlers should have experience with open water paddling before attempting the trip from Wanakena. If you are interesting in paddling to Starkey's Point, please contact us for more information and our recommended route.
There are more sheltered options for paddling near Starkey's Point, although guests must always carry and WEAR personal flotation devices when canoeing, no exceptions.
Where can I park my car?
If you launch from the boat launch or catch a water taxi with Bill there is free public parking for cars, trucks, and trailers at the public boat launch on Columbian Road. There is also free public parking on Route 3 behind the Cranberry Lake library and municipal building although this is several minutes' drive from the boat launch..
Where can I buy gas?
Gas is available during the summer season at the Campers Village Campsite and Lakeside General Store on Route 3 at the head of Cranberry Lake. Pumps are in front of the store, not on the water.
The next closest gas station west of the Lake is the Circle K gas station and convenience store on Route 3 in Star Lake, 14 miles west of Cranberry Lake. The store is open 5a to midnight seven days a week and also has free WiFi access. East of Cranberry Lake, gas is available at Sevey's Point, 9 miles east of Cranberry Lake on Route 3.
The camp is boat-access only, meaning that you cannot drive to Starkey's Point. Guests should bring their own boat, rent a boat, or arrange for a water taxi from the village of Cranberry Lake (see details below).
Is there water taxi service available on the lake?
Yes, we highly recommend Cranberry Lake Dry Dock and Marine Services for water taxi service. Bill Smith, who runs the business, is reliable and friendly and we've had the great pleasure of working with him for several years. Bill's contact info is on his Facebook page (see link above). CLDDMS is located on Route 3 in Cranberry Lake, a 2-minute drive from the public boat launch on Columbian Road.
Can I rent a boat in Cranberry Lake?
Yes, contact Sue and Larry Welling at the Cranberry Lake Camper's Village and General Store through their website or at (315)-848-2501. Past guests have rented pontoon boats and small fishing boats from Sue and Larry.
If I have my own boat, where can I launch?
We recommend that you put in at the NY State Boat Launch (see pic) on Columbian Road in Cranberry Lake. The boat launch has lots of free parking for cars, trucks, and boat trailers. There is a smaller, sandy boat launch in Wanakena off Ranger School Road, but parking is very limited in this area, which is really better suited for day trips on the lake.
Can I paddle to Starkey's Point?
Yes, you can! Tammy and I have often paddled from Wanakena 6 miles across the lake to Starkey's Point. But BEWARE: this can be a dangerous paddle in rough or windy weather. The lake and Dead Creek Flow, both of which you must cross to reach the camp from Wanakena, are exposed to long fetches and the water can be rough even in relatively light wind conditions. Paddlers should have experience with open water paddling before attempting the trip from Wanakena. If you are interesting in paddling to Starkey's Point, please contact us for more information and our recommended route.
There are more sheltered options for paddling near Starkey's Point, although guests must always carry and WEAR personal flotation devices when canoeing, no exceptions.
Where can I park my car?
If you launch from the boat launch or catch a water taxi with Bill there is free public parking for cars, trucks, and trailers at the public boat launch on Columbian Road. There is also free public parking on Route 3 behind the Cranberry Lake library and municipal building although this is several minutes' drive from the boat launch..
Where can I buy gas?
Gas is available during the summer season at the Campers Village Campsite and Lakeside General Store on Route 3 at the head of Cranberry Lake. Pumps are in front of the store, not on the water.
The next closest gas station west of the Lake is the Circle K gas station and convenience store on Route 3 in Star Lake, 14 miles west of Cranberry Lake. The store is open 5a to midnight seven days a week and also has free WiFi access. East of Cranberry Lake, gas is available at Sevey's Point, 9 miles east of Cranberry Lake on Route 3.
Supplies and Dining
Where can I buy groceries?
The Lakeside General Store in Cranberry Lake carries a selection of food items and some camping essentials as well as Cranberry Lake and Adirondack-themed gifts. Guests can paddle or motor across the lake to the General Store which makes it a great trip for a hot summer day -- we highly recommend it!
If for you can't find it among the General Store's provisions, there is a full-service Great American grocery store in nearby Star Lake, a 6-mile drive west of Wanakena, 14 miles west of Cranberry Lake, on Route 3.
Where can we go for a meal? Are there restaurants we can take our boat to?
We highly recommend the Pine Cone Grill and Trading Post in Wanakena -- bar and grill with docks right outside for customers, located on the Oswegatchie River in Wanakena, 6 miles by lake from Starkey's Point. See their website for menu and summer hours.
Also visit the Stone Manor Motel & Diner on Route 3 in Cranberry Lake. During the summer the Stone Manor operates a roadside ice cream stand that is open until 8p. The diner is open 6:30a to 4p Sunday through Wednesday and 6:30a to 7p Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
The Lakeside General Store in Cranberry Lake carries a selection of food items and some camping essentials as well as Cranberry Lake and Adirondack-themed gifts. Guests can paddle or motor across the lake to the General Store which makes it a great trip for a hot summer day -- we highly recommend it!
If for you can't find it among the General Store's provisions, there is a full-service Great American grocery store in nearby Star Lake, a 6-mile drive west of Wanakena, 14 miles west of Cranberry Lake, on Route 3.
Where can we go for a meal? Are there restaurants we can take our boat to?
We highly recommend the Pine Cone Grill and Trading Post in Wanakena -- bar and grill with docks right outside for customers, located on the Oswegatchie River in Wanakena, 6 miles by lake from Starkey's Point. See their website for menu and summer hours.
Also visit the Stone Manor Motel & Diner on Route 3 in Cranberry Lake. During the summer the Stone Manor operates a roadside ice cream stand that is open until 8p. The diner is open 6:30a to 4p Sunday through Wednesday and 6:30a to 7p Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Where can I take garbage for disposal?
Unlike at home, there is no garbage pickup service at Starkey's Point. Guests must pack up their own garbage and take it out when they leave. However, that doesn't mean you have to haul it home with you! The Transfer Station in Star Lake is open to the public from 8a to noon on Saturdays and accepts household waste for disposal. The transfer station is 6 miles west of Wanakena on Route 3. The Transfer Station charges by bag (purchased from the Transfer Station) or by weight.
Unlike at home, there is no garbage pickup service at Starkey's Point. Guests must pack up their own garbage and take it out when they leave. However, that doesn't mean you have to haul it home with you! The Transfer Station in Star Lake is open to the public from 8a to noon on Saturdays and accepts household waste for disposal. The transfer station is 6 miles west of Wanakena on Route 3. The Transfer Station charges by bag (purchased from the Transfer Station) or by weight.
[Last updated 6/23/2018]
