Campsite #24: The Secluded Boat-In Camping Gem at Indian Lake Islands, Adirondacks NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents craving an escape that truly separates them from the hustle of city and suburban life, the Indian Lake Islands Campground offers a premier, unforgettable experience within the expansive Adirondack Park. This unique facility, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), stands apart from traditional drive-up campgrounds. All 55 campsites are water-access-only, offering a level of seclusion that few other places in the Northeast can match. The mandatory boat trip to your site transforms camping into a genuine adventure.

Campsite #24 is one of these highly sought-after locations. Situated on the vast 4,365-acre Indian Lake, this basic, primitive campsite is perfect for local users seeking maximum privacy and direct waterfront access. The site is a standard size, typically limited to a maximum of six occupants and two vehicles (parked at the mainland launch area). Like all sites here, Campsite #24 is well-forested, spacious, and equipped with the essentials for a rustic camping trip: a durable picnic table and a designated fireplace or fire ring. The consensus from seasoned campers is clear: the effort to reach sites like #24 is profoundly rewarding, with one customer noting, "Amazing site, worth the paddle." It is a true wilderness experience, where the soundtrack is the lapping of water and the rustle of the surrounding Adirondack woods.

Location and Accessibility

Indian Lake Islands Campground is located in the central Adirondacks, close to the picturesque village of Indian Lake in Hamilton County, NY. Campsite #24's general location is identified by the Plus Code MMH9+6R, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA. It is important for New York campers to understand that this address pinpoints the approximate area of the site on the lake, not a drive-in entrance.

Access begins at the main DEC Boat Launch and registration area for the Indian Lake Islands Campground. This facility is situated off State Route 30, roughly 12 miles south of the Village of Indian Lake. Upon arrival, campers must check in, register their party, and launch their watercraft. This launch facility is modern, featuring a concrete ramp and ample parking for vehicles and trailers, accommodating various sizes of boats, from motorboats to canoes and kayaks.

Campsite #24 is reached exclusively by boat. Depending on the site’s exact placement and the type of watercraft used, the journey across Indian Lake can take anywhere from a 15 to 25-minute paddle or a quick motorboat ride. Campers must transport all gear, food, and supplies to the island, underscoring the primitive nature of this destination. This water-access requirement is what ensures the exceptional sense of remoteness that New York outdoors enthusiasts cherish.

Services Offered

The services at Indian Lake Islands Campground are tailored to support primitive, boat-in wilderness camping. They are centralized at the mainland launch and registration area, meaning campers at Campsite #24 must plan carefully to be self-sufficient throughout their stay.

DEC Boat Launch & Trailer Parking: A modern launch ramp is available for all registered campers, along with designated parking areas for their vehicles and trailers while they are on the island.
Canoe and Kayak Rentals: Available at the launch site, providing an essential service for New York campers who do not own a personal watercraft but wish to access their site.
Firewood and Ice Sales: Available for purchase at the main office. This service helps prevent the spread of invasive insects, a crucial environmental consideration for all local campers.
Potable Water: Available for filling containers at the mainland registration area. Campers must transport all necessary drinking water to Campsite #24, as the island sites do not have piped water.
Pit Toilets: Campsite #24, like all island sites, is equipped with a private, well-maintained pit toilet for sanitation.
Carry In, Carry Out Policy: A strict policy is in place requiring all trash and refuse to be packed out and removed from the site and the lake entirely, helping to preserve the pristine wilderness setting.

Features / Highlights

The Indian Lake Islands Campground offers several standout features that distinguish it as a premier destination for New York locals, with Campsite #24 providing the perfect base for these activities.

Total Water-Access Seclusion: The definitive feature is the boat-in access, which naturally limits visitors and guarantees a quieter, more personal experience, fulfilling the promise of a true Adirondack escape.
Outstanding Boating Opportunities: Indian Lake is massive, allowing for all types of recreational boating, including powerboats, sailboats, waterskiing, and extensive exploration by canoe or kayak through numerous bays and smaller islands.
Superb Freshwater Fishing: The lake is well-known in New York for its deep-water fishing, particularly for lake trout, landlocked salmon, and northern pike, presenting a constant opportunity for a fresh catch.
Easy Access to Hiking Trails: Several DEC trails are accessible directly from the lake via water-access trailheads, including routes to Baldface Mountain and Snowy Mountain, offering rewarding climbs and panoramic views of the entire region.
Well-Furnished Primitive Sites: Campsite #24 is large, heavily wooded, and comes with a picnic table and fire ring/fireplace, providing the necessary infrastructure to make primitive camping comfortable and enjoyable.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning a trip to Campsite #24, all official correspondence and operational questions should be directed to the New York State DEC campground office.

General DEC Campground Address (Mainland Access/Registration): State Route 30, Sabael, NY 12842

DEC Campground Phone: (518) 648-5300

Note: All reservations for Campsite #24 must be made online or by phone through the official New York State park reservation system. Visitors should confirm current seasonal operating dates, check-in times (usually 2:00 PM), and check-out times (usually 11:00 AM) prior to arrival.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Campsite #24 at Indian Lake Islands Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for New York locals to disconnect and immerse themselves in the state's most magnificent natural resource—the Adirondack Park. Unlike the more crowded, easily accessible camping areas further south, this location demands effort and planning, but in return, it delivers a uniquely private, deeply restorative experience. The boat-in access, which initially seems like a hurdle, is the very feature that safeguards the site’s spectacular serenity. For the New York family or outdoor group, this is an affordable, yet profoundly rich, vacation destination. It provides the chance to secure what feels like a private island on a vast lake, enabling activities from stargazing in total darkness to daily boating and fishing adventures. It’s an authentic taste of wilderness camping, seamlessly supported by the organized operations of the DEC. This site is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a vital, secluded piece of the New York State outdoors, reserved for those willing to paddle for perfection.