Escape the City: Discover Adirondack Wilderness at Indian Lake Islands Campground

Introduction / Overview

For residents across New York State, from the bustle of Manhattan to the suburbs of Long Island and Westchester, the Adirondack Park represents the ultimate escape into true wilderness. Within this vast, protected area lies a unique and highly sought-after destination: Indian Lake Islands Campground. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, this facility, operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), offers a genuinely secluded, wild forest camping experience on the shores and islands of 4,365-acre Indian Lake. With 55 designated campsites that are accessible exclusively by boat, this campground provides an unmatched level of privacy and immersion in nature that is a welcome contrast to the pace of city life.

Campsite #19, like all sites in this complex, is a piece of this Adirondack paradise. These sites are large, well-forested, and come equipped with the basic essentials needed for a rustic but comfortable stay. The commitment to boat-access only—which can involve a paddle or motorboat ride of up to 25 minutes depending on the site—is the primary factor that ensures the peace and quiet so many New Yorkers travel north to find. This is not just a place to sleep; it's a destination where the silence is broken only by the call of a loon, the lapping of water, and the crackle of your campfire.

Location and Accessibility

Indian Lake Islands Campground is centrally located in the Adirondacks, in the town of Indian Lake, New York, within Hamilton County. The official mailing address is simply Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA. The facility is approximately 12 miles south of the village of Indian Lake on New York State Route 30.

Accessibility is the defining characteristic of this campground, as all 55 sites are boat access only. Campers must register and launch their watercraft—whether a motorboat, canoe, or kayak—from the designated DEC boat launch area, which is located adjacent to Lewey Lake Campground off Route 30. The launch facility itself is new and modern, with a large concrete ramp suitable for trailered boats. For those without their own boat, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the launch area, making this secluded experience accessible even if you do not own a vessel. Once launched, campers must transport all their gear, food, and supplies to their reserved site by water, further ensuring the pristine, undeveloped nature of the island and shoreline spots.

Services Offered

While focused on wilderness camping, Indian Lake Islands Campground provides essential services and facilities to support a comfortable multi-day stay, all managed by the New York State DEC.

Boat Launch Facilities: A modern, concrete boat launch ramp is available for accessing Indian Lake, with ample parking for vehicles and boat trailers.
Camp Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are often available at the boat launch area for campers who do not own a watercraft.
Sanitation: Primitive, clean pit toilets (outhouses/privies) are provided at or very near all campsites, which are a necessary convenience for dispersed camping.
Supply Sales: Firewood and ice are typically available for purchase at the campground's main registration area (or a nearby DEC facility), which is crucial for safety and adherence to the "Don't Move Firewood" policy.
Communication: A pay telephone is available at the main access point or nearby facility, recognizing that cell service is often unreliable in the deep Adirondacks.
Waste Management: The campground operates on a strict "Carry In, Carry Out" garbage policy, requiring campers to pack out all waste, which helps maintain the pristine environment.

Features / Highlights

The experience at Indian Lake Islands Campground is defined by its unique natural features and the sense of adventure it provides.

Island and Secluded Shoreline Camping: This is one of the few places in New York where you can truly camp on your own private island or a deeply secluded, boat-access-only shoreline site, offering exceptional quiet and privacy.
Equipped Campsites: Each site, including Campsite #19, is a large, well-forested area featuring a dedicated fire pit (often with a grill grate) and a picnic table, providing the foundational amenities for a quality outdoor meal and gathering.
Abundant Water Recreation: The 4,365-acre Indian Lake is a paradise for water activities. Guests can enjoy power boating, sailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, canoeing, and kayaking across the expansive lake, exploring numerous bays and smaller islands.
Excellent Freshwater Fishing: The lake is home to a diverse population of fish, including lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon, making it a prime destination for New York anglers.
Direct Access to Hiking: While the sites themselves are boat-in, the location provides water access to several great hiking trails, notably the popular Snowy Mountain trail (offering breathtaking panoramic views) and the trails to Watch Point and Baldface Mountain.
Wilderness Atmosphere: The large, well-forested sites create a true wilderness atmosphere. The distance from the main road and the absence of constant vehicular traffic ensures dark skies perfect for stargazing and an environment rich with natural sounds.

Contact Information

The Indian Lake Islands Campground is a New York State DEC facility. Reservations and operational inquiries are handled through state channels.

Address: Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA (General Location)

Phone: The primary contact number for the facility is usually (518) 648-5300. Reservations are made through the state's official camping reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers, Indian Lake Islands Campground represents the epitome of a disconnected, restorative Adirondack vacation. While the state is filled with campgrounds, very few offer the level of raw, secluded wilderness and personal space that comes with a boat-access-only site like Campsite #19. For city dwellers and suburbanites accustomed to noise and close quarters, the guarantee of privacy—often being on an island or a remote point with no neighbors visible—is a profound luxury. It offers a crucial opportunity for digital detoxification, encouraging genuine time spent with family and friends around the campfire or exploring the expansive, clean waters of Indian Lake.

This destination appeals to the adventurous spirit inherent in many New York locals. The necessity of using a boat to access your site elevates the trip from a simple campout to a true expedition, creating instantly memorable stories and a deeper sense of accomplishment. It is an ideal base for boaters, paddlers, and fishermen, and a perfect place to introduce New York families to the rugged, natural beauty of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. It provides the quiet, the darkness, and the clean air needed to truly reset, making the effort to get there entirely worthwhile.