Your Secluded Adirondack Island Escape: Indian Lake Islands Campground, Campsite #33

For New York residents seeking the purest form of wilderness camping coupled with the exhilaration of a private, waterfront retreat, the Indian Lake Islands Campground stands as an unparalleled destination within the majestic Adirondack Park. Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this unique facility offers 55 designated campsites spread across the islands and remote shorelines of the expansive 4,365-acre Indian Lake.

Campsite #33 represents a prime example of the incredible solitude available here. It is exclusively a boat-access-only site, meaning the noise and bustle of traditional drive-up campgrounds are replaced with the gentle sounds of lapping water and Adirondack wildlife. The boat requirement serves as a natural barrier, protecting the pristine character of the campsites and ensuring a deep sense of peace for those who make the journey. As one satisfied camper noted, these sites offer a genuine escape, with one review mentioning a particular site being approximately "1 mile from the ramp"—a comfortable distance that perfectly balances accessibility with cherished isolation.

Each island or remote shoreline site, including Campsite #33, is large, well-forested, and designed for minimal impact, providing ample space for up to six individuals. These spots are highly coveted by locals who understand the value of a private, water-accessible base camp for exploring the 14-mile-long lake. From this campsite, you have direct access to some of the best boating, fishing, and paddling New York State has to offer. Campsite #33 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to claim a temporary piece of Adirondack paradise and immerse yourself fully in the natural world.

Location and Accessibility

Indian Lake Islands Campground is centrally located in the Adirondacks, in Hamilton County, making it a manageable drive from many population centers in New York State. While the ultimate destination—Campsite #33—is accessible only by water, the journey begins at a modern, well-maintained boat launch facility.

The main registration and launch area is situated off State Route 30 in Sabael, NY 12864, adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground. This location is approximately 12 miles south of the Village of Indian Lake. Upon arrival at the facility, campers must register their party before launching their boat to access the island sites. The facility provides a large, hard-surface boat ramp capable of handling various trailered watercraft, along with significant parking space for both vehicles and trailers.

The boat ride to Campsite #33 is a key part of the experience. Based on customer feedback, this distance can be a relatively short paddle or motorboat ride of about a mile, though distances vary across the 55 available sites. Campers should always confirm the exact mileage to their site during the reservation process and be prepared for lake conditions that can be affected by wind. For those who do not own a watercraft, canoe and kayak rentals are typically available at the main launch facility, ensuring the island camping experience is accessible to all prepared visitors.

Services Offered

The New York State DEC maintains a functional, wilderness-appropriate set of services at Indian Lake Islands Campground to support the secluded nature of the sites:

Individual Campsite Equipment: Campsite #33 is equipped with a designated fireplace or fire ring and a sturdy picnic table.
Sanitation Facilities: Each individual site, including #33, is provided with a pit toilet (outhouse). There are no flush toilets or shower facilities at the island sites, preserving the rustic, wild forest environment.
Potable Water Access: Drinking water is available at the main launch and registration area. Campers must carry in their water or purification devices, as the lake water is unpotable without treatment.
Camp Essentials Sales: Firewood and ice are sold at the main campground office, promoting the prevention of invasive insect spread by prohibiting outside firewood.
Boating and Launch Infrastructure: The main facility features a large concrete boat launch ramp and ample parking for trailers, accommodating both powerboats and non-motorized crafts.
Visitor Safety and Information: A pay telephone and an information cabin are available at the mainland access point for necessary communications and inquiries.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #33, like all sites within the Indian Lake Islands Campground, boasts features that make it a premier destination for New York outdoor enthusiasts:

True Island/Shoreline Seclusion: The definitive feature is the exclusive boat-access, providing supreme privacy and an isolated, tranquil experience far removed from vehicle traffic and crowds.
Exceptional Water Recreation: The vast Indian Lake is ideal for all water sports, including power boating, water-skiing, and quiet paddling among the islands, with canoe and kayak rentals readily available.
Superior Freshwater Fishing: The lake is recognized for outstanding fishing opportunities, particularly for lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon, providing an excellent chance to catch dinner right from your site.
Direct Access to DEC Trailheads: Nearby water-access trails allow for hiking adventures to destinations like Baldface Mountain or Watch Point, offering stunning overlooks of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Large, Wooded Site Profile: Campsite #33 provides a generous, forested area suitable for two tents or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent, ensuring a comfortable and well-shaded setting for your group of up to six people.
Carry In, Carry Out Policy: The policy for waste ensures a clean, pristine environment, reinforcing the collective commitment of campers to preserve the wild forest aesthetic of the Adirondacks.

Contact Information

For reservations, current seasonal dates, and operational inquiries regarding Indian Lake Islands Campground and Campsite #33, please utilize the following official information:

Address (Main Facility): NY-30, Sabael, NY 12864

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

Note: Reservations are essential for securing Campsite #33, especially during the peak season. Contact the office or visit the New York State Parks reservation website for booking details.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers who value their proximity to one of the East Coast’s largest and most beautiful protected areas, Indian Lake Islands Campground offers a gold standard in state-run wilderness camping. Campsite #33 is particularly suited for locals as it provides a readily accessible weekend or extended vacation that completely breaks from the metropolitan environment. The initial boat trip, though a small logistical hurdle, acts as a perfect transition into a genuine wilderness mindset, offering a level of solitude unmatched by roadside campgrounds.

The opportunity to camp on a boat-accessible island allows local users to leverage their adventurous spirit and enjoy activities that define the Adirondack experience: fishing, paddling, hiking, and simply relaxing in total tranquility. The knowledge that the campground is managed by the DEC ensures a commitment to preservation and minimal development, protecting the very wildness that New Yorkers seek. Campsite #33 is an ideal, self-contained retreat that promises a restorative and truly memorable connection with New York’s spectacular natural heritage, perfectly justifying the drive from the downstate area.