Campsite #39: Your Exclusive Boat-In Adirondack Oasis at Indian Lake Islands Campground

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape into the wild heart of the Adirondack Park, the Indian Lake Islands Campground, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), represents the ultimate destination. This is not your typical drive-up camping experience; it is a premier, boat-access-only facility that offers an unparalleled level of solitude and immersion in nature. Spread across the numerous islands and remote shorelines of the massive 4,365-acre Indian Lake, the campground features 55 unique, well-forested sites.

Among these exclusive retreats, Campsite #39 has earned a reputation as a local favorite. As one passionate camper shared, "Site 39 is a favorite. My favorite New York State Park by far," a testament to its distinct beauty and secluded setting. The fundamental design of this campground—requiring a boat to reach your site—naturally filters for serious outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring a peaceful, well-maintained environment. Campsite #39 allows up to six individuals, providing a large, private base camp equipped with the essentials for a comfortable, yet distinctly rustic, Adirondack adventure.

The entire Indian Lake Islands facility is celebrated for its commitment to the wild forest aesthetic, protecting the natural surroundings while offering essential services. The dedicated and professional nature of the staff also contributes significantly to the positive experience, as reflected in the comment, "Always polite and helpful staff." This combination of stunning natural beauty, exclusive access, and excellent DEC management makes Campsite #39 an experience that New York residents return to season after season.

Location and Accessibility

Indian Lake Islands Campground is situated in the Central Adirondacks, specifically in Hamilton County, Indian Lake, NY 12842. The geographic remoteness is part of its charm, offering a genuine retreat far from the bustle of city life, yet remaining accessible via major routes leading into the park.

All campers, including those reserved for Campsite #39, must register at the main launch facility, which is conveniently located off Route 30, adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground. This access point is crucial, as it is the only way to reach the island and remote shoreline sites. The main facility is equipped with a modern, hard-surface boat ramp, capable of accommodating trailered powerboats, and offers extensive parking for vehicles and trailers.

The journey to Campsite #39 itself is via watercraft. Whether you bring your own powerboat, rent a canoe, or paddle a kayak, you must be prepared to navigate the lake. The site location provides a critical layer of privacy, often situated a comfortable paddling distance from the main launch, ensuring that the tranquility of your island escape is preserved. Campers are advised to plan their boating logistics carefully and check lake conditions before launching, especially as the large size of Indian Lake means water conditions can change quickly.

Services Offered

The New York State DEC operates Indian Lake Islands Campground with a focus on core needs, maintaining a "wild forest" feel by avoiding over-development. While you will not find luxury hookups at Campsite #39, you will find well-maintained, essential provisions:

Individual Site Amenities: Campsite #39 is furnished with a picnic table for dining and a metal fireplace or fire ring for contained campfires.
Sanitation: Each individual site utilizes a pit toilet (outhouse) for restroom facilities, consistent with the remote camping designation. Flush toilets and hot showers are not available on the islands.
Potable Water: Safe drinking water is available at the main registration and launch area on the mainland. Campers must transport water to their site or plan to use certified filtration/purification methods for lake water.
Campfire Supplies: To protect the forest from invasive species, firewood is sold at the campground office. The gathering of dead and down wood is permitted, but cutting trees (alive or dead) is strictly prohibited.
Watercraft Access: A modern boat launch ramp is provided at the main facility, and canoe/kayak rentals are typically available on site for those without their own vessel.
Waste Policy: A strict "carry in, carry out" garbage policy is enforced to keep the remote sites pristine, requiring campers to bring their waste back to the mainland for disposal or recycling at designated areas.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #39 embodies the best features of Indian Lake Islands Campground, offering compelling reasons for New York residents to choose this unique camping experience:

Premier Seclusion: As a boat-in-only site, Campsite #39 guarantees exceptional privacy, separating campers from the typical noise and traffic of mainland campgrounds.
Stunning Fall Foliage Views: A dedicated review mentions "Good fall colors but not peak, maybe two more weeks," highlighting the site's excellent perspective for leaf-peeping, with peak colors in the Central Adirondacks often occurring in the first half of October.
Water Sports Paradise: The extensive 4,365-acre lake allows for every type of water activity, from quiet paddling to power boating, jet-skiing, and water-skiing, all launching directly from your site's access point.
Outstanding Fishing Grounds: Indian Lake is renowned for its cold-water fishery, offering fantastic opportunities for catching Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Landlocked Salmon.
Access to Hiking: Numerous trails are accessible from the lake, including the climbs to Watch Point and Snowy Mountain, offering rewarding panoramic views of the entire area.
High Customer Satisfaction: The appreciation for Campsite #39 and the "polite and helpful staff" underscores the reliable and well-managed experience provided by the New York State DEC.

Contact Information

For all reservation, operational, and general inquiries concerning Indian Lake Islands Campground and Campsite #39, please use the following official contact information:

Address (General Area): Hamilton County, Indian Lake, NY 12842

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

Note: Reservations for popular sites like #39 must be made well in advance through the New York State Parks reservation system.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Indian Lake Islands Campground offers New York residents a distinctly superior camping experience by providing a seamless fusion of accessibility and wildness. For locals accustomed to the crowds of more accessible park regions, Campsite #39 offers a true antidote: a private, generously sized, boat-accessible sanctuary where the focus shifts entirely to the natural surroundings. The journey by boat serves as a symbolic and literal separation from the stress of urban and suburban life, ensuring that only those truly committed to a natural experience reach the inner reaches of the lake.

The dedication of the DEC staff, combined with the site’s natural advantages—from the excellent fishing and boating to the sought-after autumnal scenery—makes Campsite #39 a reliable and highly-rated location. It’s an investment in genuine New York State wilderness, providing the perfect blend of challenging adventure and restful seclusion that residents from across the state deserve to experience.