Indian Lake Islands Campground & Day Use Area
- Dates of Operation:
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: October 9
- Camping Fee: $20 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
- Address: State Route 30 Sabael, NY 12864 (directions below)
- County: Hamilton
- GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 43 39 04.81939N, 074 23 18.57269W
- Campground Phone: (518) 648-5300
- Regional Office Phone: (518) 648-5616
- Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
Indian Lake Islands Campground & Day Use Area Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator
Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.
Support DEC Campgrounds
Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the National Heritage trust (NHT). Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources. Donate here (leaves DEC website).
This boat access only campground is located on the southern shore of Indian Lake.
Beautiful wild forest islands offering wilderness camping and some of the best recreational boating in the Adirondacks, Indian Lake Islands Campground is located on the southern shore of 4,365 acre Indian Lake. All the campsites offer privacy. They are large and well forested. Campsites are accessible by boat only. Campers register at the boat launch adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground off Route 30. The opportunity to camp on an island or along the shore of Indian Lake makes this one of the most popular camping destinations in the Adirondacks. Indian Lake Islands Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: Canoeing and boating, hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
Amenities
55 campsites, picnic areas with tables and fireplaces, pit toilets, boat access only, boat launches on Lewey and Indian Lakes, firewood sales, pay telephone, hiking trails.
Family Sites
Family sites are larger than typical campsites and can usually accommodate up to 12 people, four vehicles, four tents or two hard-wheeled equipment, or one hard-wheeled equipment and two tents. Maximum equipment size and site-specific limitations are listed with the site details. Sites also have up to two picnic tables and two fireplaces/fire rings.
Campsite Restoration Project
This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page.
Featured Activities
Boating
Power boats, rowboats, kayaks and canoes allowed. Canoe rentals available at Indian Lake Campground as well as at adjacent Lewey Lake Campground.
Fishing
Fish present in the lake include: lake trout, rock bass, rainbow trout, smelt, brown bullheads, smallmouth bass, brown trout, yellow perch, common sunfish, white sucker, lake whitefish, northern pike, and landlocked salmon. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
Hiking
Snowy Mountain - located 4 miles north of campground entrance. A 3 1/2 mile hike to breathtaking view of lakes and mountains. Watch Point - 1 1/2 mile hike to overlook of Indian Lake. Baldface Mountain Trail - 1.1 miles (water access), and John Mack Pond Trail - 1.4 miles (water access).
Directions
From New York State Thruway (I-90), Exit 27 at Amsterdam; north on Route 30 through the villages of Wells, and Speculator. Campground is 12 miles north of Speculator on Route 30 on the right side of the road.
From the Adirondack Northway (I-87), Exit 23 at Warrensburg; Route 9 North to Route 28 West to Indian Lake Village, then left on Route 30. Campground is 12 miles south of Village of Indian Lake on the left side of Rte. 30.
Get driving directions from Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Planning and Management
The Final Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the campground guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a five-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.
For more information regarding the UMP for this facility please contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY12233, Telephone 518 457-2500, and email for campground information
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
DEC campground rules and regulations
Clean your boat and equipment - help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives
Don't move firewood - help prevent of spread of invasive insects
Additional Information
Area Attractions
The Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center at Newcomb, New York off Route 28N, is 59 miles north of New York State Route 30 and 28. The Village of Speculator is 12 miles away with shopping and restaurants. The Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake is located 27 miles north on New York Route 28 and 30, and features the history of the Adirondack Mountains and the Adirondack Park. The Wild Center in Tupper Lake focuses on flora, fauna, and geology of the Adirondacks. The village of Indian Lake is 12 miles north on New York State Route 30, and offers restaurants, shopping, and a grocery store. Golf courses are available in the villages of Indian Lake and Inlet.
Historic Interest
Development of the campground started in 1959 to provide controlled facilities and to clean up the area. Over 40 years of heavy camping had resulted in large deposits of refuse, uncontrolled cutting of trees, and numerous forest fires. These problems ceased to exist after the campground was officially opened in 1960.
Junior Naturalist Program
Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.
