Indian Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #10, Indian Lake, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking a genuine departure from the concrete jungle, the Indian Lake Islands Campground, deep within the Adirondack Forest Preserve, represents the pinnacle of wilderness immersion. This unique New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility is one of the region's most popular destinations, precisely because it demands a little extra effort. All 55 campsites here are strictly boat-access only, ensuring a serene, secluded experience that you simply cannot find at a typical drive-up campground. It is a true haven for those who cherish solitude, the sounds of nature, and the stunning scenery of the Adirondack Mountains.

Campsite #10, whether situated on one of the lake's many islands or a remote shoreline point, offers campers a large, well-forested area that ensures privacy and an authentic connection to the wild. Unlike some crowded recreational areas, the boat-in requirement creates a natural barrier against excessive traffic, preserving the tranquility for which the Adirondacks are famous. As one enthusiastic camper noted, the location is "Incredible... in a beautiful forrest. I will keep coming back." This sentiment perfectly captures the draw of Indian Lake: a place so naturally stunning and peacefully remote that it becomes a cherished annual retreat.

Indian Lake itself spans 4,365 acres, providing an enormous playground for water sports and exploration. Camping here is not merely an overnight stay; it is a true Adirondack adventure, where your vessel is the key to your private piece of the preserve.

Location and Accessibility

The Indian Lake Islands Campground is located in the central portion of the Adirondack Park, situated on the southern shore of Indian Lake, near the hamlet of Sabael. The facility’s central address is listed as 166-117 Griffin Rd, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA. This address typically corresponds to the main registration area and boat launch where campers check-in and begin their journey.

Access to Campsite #10, and all other sites, is a unique step in the camping process. Visitors must drive to the mainland DEC facility, which is located off State Route 30, approximately 12 miles south of the Village of Indian Lake. Here, you will find a modern boat launch—including a large concrete ramp suitable for trailerable boats—and parking for vehicles and trailers. After registering, campers must load all their gear into a canoe, kayak, or powerboat, and navigate to their reserved site. Campsite #10, being one of the first ten sites in the system, may be closer to the launch than sites in the middle of the lake, but it still guarantees the boat-access-only seclusion that defines the experience. This necessary water journey, which can take anywhere from a short paddle to a 25-minute motorboat ride depending on the site’s distance, is the price of admission for the unparalleled privacy that follows.

Services Offered

The New York State DEC manages Indian Lake Islands Campground to offer a balance of essential services for comfortable wilderness camping.

Modern Boat Launch: A high-quality boat launch with a concrete ramp and hand launch access for smaller craft, capable of facilitating entry for various boat sizes.
Parking Facilities: Ample designated parking is available at the mainland registration area for campers' vehicles and boat trailers while they occupy their boat-access site.
Potable Water Access: Drinking water is available at the main check-in area/launch point, but campers must transport it to their remote campsite.
Sanitation: Each individual campsite, including Campsite #10, is equipped with a private pit toilet (outhouse/privy) for basic sanitation needs.
Camp Supplies: Firewood and ice are often available for sale at the main campground office, helping visitors adhere to park regulations regarding invasive species and fire safety.
Emergency Communication: A pay telephone is typically located near the main launch facility, providing a reliable communication option where cellular service is often limited or unavailable.
Canoe and Kayak Rentals: Rentals for non-motorized boats are usually available near the main launch point, ensuring the secluded experience is open to all New Yorkers, regardless of boat ownership.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Indian Lake Islands Campground is its focus on a pristine, activity-rich, and private outdoor experience.

Maximum Privacy: Campsite #10 is one of 55 sites designed for exceptional seclusion, with large, well-forested boundaries, minimizing interaction with other campers and ensuring a true quiet retreat.
Fully Equipped Site: Every site includes a heavy-duty picnic table and a dedicated metal fireplace ring, often with a cooking grate, for preparing meals and enjoying campfires.
Expansive Boating Opportunities: Indian Lake is massive, allowing for all types of recreational boating, including power boats, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, and the peaceful activity of canoeing and kayaking.
Superb Freshwater Fishing: The lake is well-known for its excellent fishing, stocked with species like lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon, providing great opportunities for anglers.
Access to Adirondack Hiking: The location provides water-access points to popular hiking trails, including the challenging climb to Snowy Mountain and the shorter, scenic routes to Watch Point and Baldface Mountain, all providing rewarding views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Wildlife Viewing: The natural, undisturbed forest environment makes the area prime for birdwatching and observing indigenous Adirondack wildlife.

Contact Information

For reservations, seasonal operating dates, and current regulations, New York residents should contact the DEC facility directly.

Address: 166-117 Griffin Rd, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA

Phone: (518) 648-5300 (DEC Campground Office)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the urban and suburban population of New York, Indian Lake Islands Campground offers a vital service: genuine escape. The mandatory boat-access to a site like Campsite #10 acts as a filter, ensuring that only those truly seeking a wilderness experience make the trip. This results in a cleaner, quieter, and more restorative environment than what is often found at more conventional, drive-up campgrounds. After a demanding week in a high-stress environment like New York City or its metropolitan suburbs, the chance to have what feels like a private island or remote point to yourself is an invaluable reset.

The experience fosters self-reliance and adventure. Paddling or motoring to your campsite, setting up camp in a deep forest, and being surrounded by the massive, undeveloped Adirondack Park feeds a need for nature that is hard to satisfy closer to home. It is a perfect destination for family bonding, fishing trips, and simply unplugging—a necessary luxury for any New Yorker. By providing this easily bookable, state-run, yet fully wild option, Indian Lake Islands Campground allows residents to quickly and easily trade the noise of the city for the beautiful, perennial forest of Upstate New York, a truly unforgettable local treasure.