Indian Lake Islands Campground: Your Secluded Adirondack Island Escape (Campsite #13)

For dedicated New York adventurers, the call of the Adirondack wilderness often leads to a search for the most remote and rewarding camping experiences. The Indian Lake Islands Campground (ILIC) represents the pinnacle of this pursuit, offering a truly unique, boat-access only destination that stands apart from standard roadside facilities. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), this facility transforms a typical camping trip into a micro-expedition, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Adirondack Park.

The Indian Lake Islands Campground is composed of 55 distinct campsites spread across the vast, 4,365-acre Indian Lake. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the overwhelming majority of these sites are located on secluded islands or remote shoreline points, ensuring maximum privacy and an immersive forest experience. Campsite #13, while just one of these spots, embodies the unique appeal of ILIC, promising a private mooring for your boat, a designated fire area, and panoramic water views away from the crowds. This level of solitude is exactly what New Yorkers seeking a genuine break from urban life are searching for.

The entire experience is defined by water. From the moment you load your gear into your vessel—be it a kayak, canoe, or powerboat—the journey to your site begins, offering the immediate reward of wild forest beauty and the quiet lapping of the water. Each campsite is well-forested and spacious, maintaining the balance between primitive wilderness and the managed security of a state campground. The opportunity to secure a spot like Campsite #13 means reserving a private sanctuary where the biggest decision of the day is whether to spend your time paddling the shoreline, hiking one of the nearby trails accessible by boat, or casting a line for some of the region's abundant freshwater fish species.

Location and Accessibility

Indian Lake Islands Campground is located in Hamilton County in the central Adirondack Park. The main point of entry and registration is situated on the southern shore of Indian Lake, off State Route 30 in the hamlet of Sabael, NY 12864. This location is easily accessible from major routes, though the final stage of the journey—the water crossing—is what makes this campground distinctive.

For New York residents driving from the downstate or central regions, the drive involves taking the New York State Thruway (I-90) to Exit 27 at Amsterdam, and then heading north on Route 30 through Speculator. The campground is approximately 12 miles north of Speculator. Alternatively, if traveling via the Adirondack Northway (I-87), travelers take Exit 23 at Warrensburg, then Route 9 North to Route 28 West to Indian Lake Village, with the campground located 12 miles south of the village on Route 30.

The critical detail for any camper targeting Campsite #13 or any other ILIC spot is that access is strictly by boat only. Campers must register at the boat launch area, which is adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground. The DEC provides a hard-surface boat launch ramp capable of handling various vessel sizes. Given Indian Lake's 14-mile length, the paddle or motorboat ride to your reserved island site can range from a short distance to up to 8 miles, depending on the campsite's specific location, a factor that truly underscores the seclusion of the Indian Lake Islands experience. It is highly recommended that New Yorkers reserve their campsites well in advance, as this destination is one of the most popular state campgrounds in the Adirondacks.

Services Offered

While offering a primitive experience, the Indian Lake Islands Campground provides necessary support services to ensure a safe and memorable trip. These services are centered at the main launch and registration area.

Campsite Facilities: Each of the 55 campsites is designed to accommodate up to six people and two tents (or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent). They are furnished with a heavy-duty picnic table and a dedicated fireplace or fire ring for cooking and warmth.
Water and Sanitation: Potable water is available at the main access point. Individual sites, including Campsite #13, are equipped with pit toilets (outhouses). Campers must adhere to the mandatory "carry in, carry out" garbage policy, using clear or white bags for all refuse.
Boat Rentals: For campers who do not own a watercraft, canoe and kayak rentals are typically available on site or through nearby marinas, ensuring access to the boat-only campsites.
Essential Sales: Firewood and blocks of ice are sold at the main registration office, a crucial service for extending an island stay.
Registration and Rules: Reservations are mandatory and can be made through the New York State Parks reservation system, allowing bookings up until 5 p.m. on the day of arrival. Strict rules are enforced regarding quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and generator use (limited to 9 a.m.–11 a.m. and 4 p.m.–7 p.m. daily).
Pet Policy: Pets are permitted but must have current rabies documentation and be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. They are prohibited in facility structures or day-use areas.

Features / Highlights

The ILIC's draw lies in its spectacular natural environment and the wealth of activities it enables.

Ultimate Seclusion: The boat-access nature of Campsite #13 and all other sites provides a rare opportunity for true solitude. Many sites are on single islands, giving campers the feeling of having their own private retreat in the Adirondacks.
Exceptional Boating and Paddling: Indian Lake is massive, offering ample space for all types of watercraft, including power boats, sailing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing. Its numerous bays and islands create endless opportunities for quiet exploration by canoe or kayak.
World-Class Freshwater Fishing: The lake is recognized for outstanding fishing, hosting a variety of species including lake trout, brown trout, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Anglers can fish directly from the shore of their campsite or venture out into the deeper, cooler parts of the lake.
Water-Accessible Hiking: The campground provides access to scenic hiking trails that begin directly from the water's edge, such as the Baldface Mountain Trail (1.1 miles, water access) and the longer Snowy Mountain Trail (3.5 miles one way), which offers stunning summit views.
Wilderness Management: As part of the Forever Wild Forest Preserve, the area is meticulously maintained by the DEC to protect its natural state, ensuring that the unique character of island camping is preserved for future generations of New Yorkers.

Contact Information

Address: STATE ROUTE 30, Sabael, NY 12864 (Main Office/Boat Launch Area)

Phone: (518) 648-5300

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Indian Lake Islands Campground is the ideal destination for New York residents looking to graduate from car camping to a more authentic, back-to-nature adventure without sacrificing the convenience of a reservation system. The unique boat-access requirement, which defines the experience of Campsite #13, acts as a natural filter, ensuring the campground attracts those who truly respect the Adirondack wilderness and seek genuine solitude. By requiring campers to use watercraft, the facility guarantees a tranquil and unspoiled environment that provides a profound sense of escape from the high-paced life often associated with New York State. This is a place where families can forge enduring traditions of paddling, fishing, and campfires on their own private piece of the state's magnificent Forest Preserve, creating cherished memories that are distinctly Adirondack.