Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Wild Forest. Along the southern shore there is ample camping and launch areas for cartop boats. Please don’t use a camping area as a launch unless you plan to camp there — leave it open for the campers. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one accesses you to a different part of the lake. This lake is very big and round, not allowing for much protection from the winds or elements. Be sure to explore the entire lake and take in the wetlands and the tributaries as they come to you. These are excellent locations for birding; eagles have been seen in the area quite frequently. The outlet on the western shore is a very attractive location to visit, but be very careful of the culvert near the road.

How to get there

 Eastern Launch: From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in Tupper Lake follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue for under 10-miles to Route 421 on the right. Follow 421 for around 5-miles to the inlet on the right. There is a small pull off on the side of the road.

Southern Launch: Continue an additional half a mile to the southern launch. This is a handicap accessible area.

Western Launch: Continue yet another mile to the open field area near the railroad tracks for this launch. An old sunken cement pier makes for a nice area.

Type of launch: All launches are road side with less than 100 feet to carry over flat terrain. All launches are gravel, dirt, and grass.

Type of water: This is a huge body of water that can whip up a huge storm if it’s in the mood. Whitecaps are not unheard of and heavy winds are frequent. Always watch out for motorboats. While there is no designated launch for motorboats it is in a Wild Forest and they are allowed. Mainly you will see small fishing boats with limited size motors trolling around.