Lake Durant Campground, Indian Lake, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents looking to exchange the concrete canyons of the city for the breathtaking peaks and pristine waters of the Adirondack Park, the Lake Durant Campground presents an accessible and beautifully maintained retreat. Located on the eastern shore of the 327-acre Lake Durant, this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility is renowned for its remote, yet family-friendly setting. The atmosphere here is one of peaceful beauty, offering campers an incredible dose of clean mountain air, expansive forest, and captivating views of the iconic Blue Mountain.

As one visitor noted, this spot is "simply a paradise for those who like to rest in the camp," offering a perfect antidote to the "hustle and bustle of the city." The campground skillfully balances a feeling of deep woods seclusion with essential amenities, making it suitable for both first-time campers and seasoned veterans. With a selection of spacious, wooded sites, Lake Durant Campground is a premier destination for tent campers, trailers, and RVs up to 30 feet, all seeking an authentic, stress-relieving escape in the heart of Upstate New York.

Location and Accessibility

Lake Durant Campground is nestled in the central Adirondacks, offering a truly remote feel while being conveniently situated along two major regional routes. While the provided address is generally Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA, the specific location is often cited as being near Blue Mountain Lake, NY, at the junction of State Route 28 and 30.

For New York residents, reaching this destination typically involves a scenic drive into the mountains. From the south, access is usually via the New York State Thruway (I-90) to Route 30 North. From other parts of Upstate New York, the journey follows the winding, picturesque highways that lead deep into the park. The campground is approximately 9 miles north of the Village of Indian Lake. This location is valued by locals because it offers direct drive-in access—unlike some nearby boat-access-only sites—making it ideal for those with larger equipment, while still providing that coveted Adirondack isolation.

The lake itself, while man-made and relatively shallow, is easily accessible with a concrete boat launch ramp provided right at the facility. This feature is particularly valued by visitors who enjoy paddling, as it allows for immediate entry to the water. The surrounding trails are also readily accessible, with the famed Northville-Placid Trail passing directly through the campground, opening up miles of hiking opportunities immediately upon arrival.

Services Offered

Lake Durant Campground provides a comprehensive array of services that enhance comfort while preserving a rustic camping experience. The campground offers 61 tent and trailer sites, each designed to ensure guest privacy.

Modern Bathhouses with Hot Showers: This is a significant highlight, frequently praised by visitors for being newly upgraded, exceptionally clean, and offering private hot showers—a welcome luxury in a remote setting.
Flush Toilets: The campground provides clean, modern flush toilet facilities in addition to the popular new bathhouses.
Trailer Dump Station and Recycling Center: Essential facilities are provided for RV and trailer owners, including a convenient sanitary dump station near the entrance and a comprehensive recycling center.
Potable Water: Water spigots are located throughout the campground for easy access to drinking water.
Boating and Equipment Rentals: A concrete boat launch ramp is available for motor boats (smaller boats are recommended due to the lake’s depth), and rowboat and kayak rentals are offered on-site.
Firewood and Ice Sales: Firewood and ice are sold at the campground, making it easy for campers to enjoy an evening campfire and keep provisions cool.
Picnic Areas: Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table and a fireplace or fire ring, with additional picnic areas available for day use.
Accessibility Features: The campground includes mobility-impaired accessible features, such as a designated accessible campsite (Site 1A) and accessibility enhancements in the new shower building and at the fishing/viewing platform.
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed in the camping area with proof of a current rabies vaccination, provided they are leashed and properly managed.

Features / Highlights

Lake Durant Campground's appeal lies in its combination of natural beauty and practical amenities, offering New York campers a host of memorable features.

Direct Access to the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT): The NPT, a 138-mile wilderness hiking trail, runs through the campground. This provides unparalleled hiking and backpacking opportunities, with popular shorter trails like the 2.75-mile hike to Stephens Pond easily accessible.
Breathtaking Views of Blue Mountain: The campground is picturesquely located with magnificent views of Blue Mountain rising across the lake, creating stunning, photogenic backdrops, especially during sunrise and the autumn leaf season.
Sandy Swimming Beach: A small, maintained sand beach is available for campers to enjoy swimming and relaxing by the water. While swimming is unsupervised by a lifeguard, the beach area is clearly defined and patrolled by staff.
Boating and Paddling Paradise: The quiet, 327-acre lake is perfect for non-motorized activities. Visitors rave about the ideal conditions for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, often reporting sightings and sounds of local wildlife, particularly loons.
Quality Fishing: The lake is stocked and home to various species, including tiger muskellunge, smallmouth bass, and brown trout, ensuring good opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, enhanced by an accessible fishing pier.
Junior Naturalist Program: The campground offers an educational program for children aged 5-13, turning the wilderness into an outdoor classroom and adding an enriching layer to the family camping experience.

Contact Information

For reservations and official campground inquiries, New York State DEC provides direct contact channels.

Address: Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA (General area on Rte 28 & 30 near Blue Mountain Lake)

Campground Phone: (518) 352-7797

Reservations: Booking can be made online via the New York State Parks reservation system or by calling (800) 456-CAMP.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Lake Durant Campground is exceptionally well-suited for New York locals because it represents an ideal and balanced Adirondack experience. It delivers the much-needed respite and "incredible clean air" that city dwellers crave, without forcing them into a fully primitive setting. The existence of flush toilets and highly-rated hot showers means that families and less experienced campers can comfortably enjoy the wilderness.

Its location provides a central hub for exploring the best of the Central Adirondacks, from challenging hikes along the NPT to easy, peaceful paddles on a quiet lake. It is a place where you can launch a small boat directly from the campground, walk just a few minutes to access a major hiking trail, and end the day gathered around a barbecue area in a private, wooded site. This blend of accessibility, convenience, high-quality amenities, and genuine wilderness ensures Lake Durant Campground remains a premier and highly valued natural asset for the people of New York State.