With the click of a pair of garden shears by DEC Commissioner Joe Martens, the new Scaroon Manor campsite was unveiled yesterday, turning it from a day use site to a full, functioning camp ground.

And it becomes one of only a handful of sites in the North Country that gives access to this wonderful part of the Adirondacks for folks with disabilities.

Smooth hardened surfaces allow easy access to the beach – right to the water’s edge – as well as boat docks and fishing piers, to showers and restrooms.

“This is a welcome, welcome, boost in the arm for the economy,” Schroon councilman Roger Friedman told Schroon Laker today.

Up until yesterday the area was for the exclusive use of day visitors, who paid a fee. The verdict is still out on how successful that was, considering visitors could drive just a few miles up the road and enjoy the free beach at Schroon.

Friedman said other DEC campgrounds at nearby Eagle Point and Paradox Lake, were “very successful, solvent and made money”.

“Having Scaroon Manor, with its full access for those with disabilities, will fill another niche”

He said Schroon (and other area towns) will benefit with the influx of visitors “seeking the many amenities we have to offer.”

Scaroon Manor Campground features 60 campsites located on three loops – Morning Star Loop with 17 sites, Taylor Point Loop with 28 sites and Amphitheater Loop with 15 sites. A combined bathroom and shower house with flush toilets and hot water is centrally located within each of the loops.

Campsites have accessibly designed ring fireplaces and picnic tables, many with views of the lake, in wooded areas and at the picnic pavilion. One of the docks is reserved for people with disabilities only, as well as many parking sites.

Cathy Moses, Supervisor, Town of Schroon, said in a statement: "The Town of Schroon and our residents of Schroon are ecstatic that the campground is opening. It will be a great benefit to the local economy. We welcome campers to the shores of Schroon Lake, and know that they will enjoy the beauty of the lake, the mountains and the community."