Indian Lake Islands Campground - Campsite # 31

- Indian Lake, NY 12842

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking a genuine retreat from the urban hustle, the Indian Lake Islands Campground (ILIC) provides an unparalleled Adirondack experience. This is not your typical roadside camping; it is a true 'boat-in' wilderness adventure managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The facility encompasses 55 unique campsites spread across the vast, 4,365-acre Indian Lake, offering unmatched privacy and a deep connection to the "Forever Wild" protected lands.

Campsite #31, specifically, represents one of the most sought-after experiences within this unique campground. Like all ILIC sites, Campsite #31 is accessible only by watercraft, creating a natural barrier that ensures isolation and tranquility. Campers arriving at their site can expect a large, well-forested space, a private area for mooring their vessel, and the simple but essential elements of outdoor living: a picnic table and a dedicated fireplace. As reviews often confirm, the campground staff maintains a high standard of care for these sites, with even the outhouses noted for being clean and well-maintained—a small but critical detail that enhances the primitive yet comfortable stay.

The core appeal of choosing a site like Campsite #31 is the feeling of having a private island or a completely secluded shoreline point to yourself. This isolation, paired with the stunning beauty of Indian Lake's 50 miles of shoreline and surrounding mountains, is what draws New Yorkers willing to make the extra effort for a truly memorable Adirondack escape.

Location and Accessibility

The Indian Lake Islands Campground is situated in the central part of the Adirondack Park in Hamilton County, an area renowned for its rugged beauty and extensive recreational opportunities. The campground’s official address is in Indian Lake, NY 12842. The main point of registration and the DEC boat launch are located off State Route 30.

Access from New York City and downstate areas typically involves a scenic drive of several hours north into the park. The primary driving routes lead to the DEC launch area, which is situated adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground entrance. The launch is modern and features a hard-surface ramp capable of accommodating trailered boats, as well as a separate area for hand-launching canoes and kayaks. Adequate parking is provided for registered campers.

It is crucial for New York campers to understand that after checking in and launching their boat, the journey to Campsite #31—or any other island site—begins. Indian Lake stretches approximately 14 miles long, and the distance to your site can vary significantly, sometimes requiring a lengthy paddle or boat ride of up to 8 miles. This requirement is the foundation of the campground's unique secluded nature. Visitors are strongly advised to secure their reservations through the New York State Parks reservation system well in advance, as these 55 boat-in sites are among the most popular camping spots in the entire state.

Services Offered

The Indian Lake Islands Campground successfully marries a primitive wilderness atmosphere with essential, state-managed services to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.

• Campsite Occupancy: Each of the 55 designated campsites, including Campsite #31, can accommodate up to six people, two tents, or one unit of hard-wheeled camping equipment plus one tent. A maximum of two vehicles is permitted at the main launch parking area per site.
• Basic Site Amenities: All sites are equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a steel fireplace or fire ring, perfect for cooking and the quintessential campfire experience.
• Sanitation and Water: Individual campsites feature private pit toilets (outhouses). Potable drinking water is available only at the centralized registration/launch area, meaning campers must bring ample containers for transport to their secluded site.
• On-Site Sales: For convenience, firewood (following state regulations to prevent the spread of invasive insects) and ice are sold at the main launch area.
• Watercraft Access: A modern, hard-surface boat launch ramp is provided for motorized and non-motorized vessels. Canoe and kayak rentals are typically available through nearby marinas or the DEC facility.
• Regulations: The campground maintains strict 'Carry In, Carry Out' garbage policies, requiring the use of clear or white bags for refuse to protect the wilderness environment. Quiet hours are strictly enforced between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Features / Highlights

The true value of camping at Indian Lake Islands, and specifically at Campsite #31, lies in the features that create a distinct and restorative experience for the local New Yorker.

• Unmatched Privacy and Views: Many sites, often located on their own small islands or remote peninsulas, offer 360-degree or 300-degree views of the lake and surrounding mountains, as noted in customer reviews. The distance from one site to the next is often considerable, guaranteeing seclusion.
• Premier Paddling and Boating: Indian Lake’s large size and numerous sheltered bays and islands make it a playground for all types of boating. Kayaking and canoeing along the vast, wild shoreline is a primary activity, while motorboats and sailboats are also permitted.
• Excellent Freshwater Fishing: The lake is well-known for its deep, cold waters, supporting populations of desirable fish species, including lake trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. The rocky outcrops and sheltered coves near island sites like #31 provide excellent spots for casting a line.
• Water-Access Hiking Opportunities: Several designated hiking trails, such as the Baldface Mountain Trail and Watch Point Trail, have trailheads accessible directly from the water, offering campers a unique way to combine boating with spectacular summit views.
• Stunning Seasonal Scenery: Particularly during the late summer and fall, the foliage around Indian Lake is spectacular, enhancing the already beautiful forest and water views directly from your campsite.

Contact Information

Address: Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA (Main Registration and Boat Launch Area is off Route 30)

Phone: (518) 648-5300

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Indian Lake Islands Campground is perfectly suited for New York residents who view camping not merely as a leisure activity, but as a commitment to experiencing the state’s raw, "Forever Wild" landscape. For city dwellers and suburbanites, the multi-step access—driving to the DEC launch, registering, and then boating to a secluded site like Campsite #31—is the very mechanism that delivers the quiet, clean air, and starry nights they crave. The Adirondacks are New York’s national treasure, and Indian Lake offers an island sanctuary that is functionally inaccessible to the casual day-tripper, ensuring that the peaceful, clean environment noted by real campers remains preserved. It's the ideal spot for families to build skills in wilderness navigation and self-reliance, or for couples to enjoy a quiet, romantic retreat centered around the water. Booking an island campsite is more than a reservation; it’s an investment in a true, unfiltered New York State wilderness experience.

Indian Lake Islands Campground - Campsite # 31

Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA