Lake Desolation was a popular spot for fishing and hunting in the early 1900’s.  At one time the area had two inns for overnight guests: one located right on the lake and the other a few miles back in the woods. Vintage postcards show guests enjoying the lake and these inns beginning around 1905 through the 1950's.  A fire sometime after that burned down the inn.  However, if you walk along Main Street at the lake, you'll see remnants of the old inn (although we're not exactly sure what part of it remains). There was also a glass factory and graphite mine nearby years ago each with their own small settlements. The glass factory made bottles for Saratoga Springs mineral water - a favorite of many people to this day. Due to its location in the foothills of the Adirondacks, Lake Desolation has something for everyone!  Surrounded by State forest land, the lake offers a number of recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast - from hiking and biking to swimming, fishing and boating (canoes & kayaks only, please).  In the winter, due to our elevation, we are one of the first lakes to freeze -making Lake Desolation a popular choice location for snowmobilers and ice skaters. There is one restaurant at the lake, Tinney's Tavern. Go to www.tinneystavern.com , webcam, for a "live" view of the lake from the deck of Tinneys' . Tinney's not only offers a delectable, affordable meal in a casual atmosphere but entertainment and activities throughout the year.   As if that weren't enough, Lake Desolation is located only minutes from Saratoga Springs, which puts a world of shopping, dining and entertainment options at your fingertips.

Activities at the lake include: Swimming Boating (we have canoes & kayaks available for our guests) Fishing Walking/Hiking Ice Skating Biking Snowmobiling & ATV Good old-fashioned relaxing

Check out what's on the menu (food and entertainment) at the one and only Tinney's Tavern: www.tinneystavern.com

Lake Desolation is in Saratoga County, in the Albany metro area. The latitude of Lake Desolation is 43.131N. The longitude is 73.969W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 1,568 feet.