Indian Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #13

For residents of the New York region looking to trade the skyline for a horizon of pines and water, the Indian Lake Islands Campground offers one of the most distinctive outdoor experiences in the state. Located in the central Adirondack Mountains, this is not your typical drive-up camping destination. Indian Lake Islands is famous for its boat-access-only sites, providing a level of seclusion and adventure that is rare in the Northeast. Campsite #13, specifically, is a gem within this system, offering a front-row seat to the pristine beauty of Indian Lake. This campground is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), ensuring that while the experience is rugged, the land is preserved and the facilities are maintained to a high standard for all visitors.

The allure of Indian Lake Islands lies in its departure from the traditional. Here, the "neighbor" at the next site is often hundreds of yards away, separated by thick forest or a stretch of water. For local New Yorkers who are used to crowded spaces, the silence of the islands is a profound luxury. Campsite #13 serves as a perfect home base for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, whether that means fishing at dawn, paddling through quiet bays, or simply watching the sunset over the mountains from your own private shoreline. It is a place where the pace of life is dictated by the sun and the weather, making it an ideal retreat for a digital detox and a reconnection with the wild.

Location and accessibility are the most critical factors to consider when planning a trip to Indian Lake Islands. Campsite #13 is located on the vast Indian Lake, which stretches over 12 miles in length. To reach this specific site, campers must travel to the town of Indian Lake in Hamilton County. The primary access point for registering and launching is typically through the boat launch at the nearby Lewey Lake Campground or the state boat launch off Route 30. Because all sites are on islands or along the remote shoreline, a boat is an absolute requirement. This could be a motorboat, a canoe, or a kayak. New York locals often prefer bringing their own vessels, but for those who do not own a boat, rentals are frequently available in the surrounding area.

Navigating to the campground from the New York City or Albany areas involves a scenic drive up through the heart of the Adirondack Park. The journey itself is part of the experience, as you transition from the busy highways to the winding, tree-lined roads of the North Country. Once you arrive at the water’s edge, the real journey begins. You will need to load all your gear—including food, water, and firewood—into your boat for the trip to Campsite #13. This requirement for boat access keeps the campground quiet and ensures that every visitor is a dedicated outdoor enthusiast. It is important to check weather conditions before heading out, as the lake can become choppy, requiring careful navigation for smaller crafts like canoes.

Despite its remote nature, the services offered at Indian Lake Islands Campground are designed to facilitate a safe and enjoyable stay. As a state-run facility, there is a clear structure for check-ins and site management. The campground staff and Forest Rangers are active in the area, providing a sense of security and assistance when needed. While you won't find luxury amenities like electricity or running water at the individual sites, the "managed wilderness" approach ensures that basic needs are met in an environmentally conscious way. This balance allows campers to enjoy a primitive experience without the total uncertainty of backcountry trekking.

• Designated Campsites: Each site, including Site #13, features a cleared area for tents and a designated fire ring.
• Picnic Facilities: A heavy-duty wooden picnic table is provided at the site for meal preparation and dining.
• Sanitation: Access to pit toilets (outhouses) located within the various clusters of island and shoreline sites.
• Information Services: A registration booth at the main launch provides maps, safety regulations, and local information.
• Emergency Response: Regular patrols by DEC staff and Forest Rangers to ensure camper safety and adherence to park rules.
• Carry-In, Carry-Out: A strictly enforced policy to ensure that all trash is removed by the campers, keeping the islands pristine.

The features and highlights of Indian Lake Islands Campground make it a standout destination for families and solo adventurers alike. One of the most significant highlights is that the campground is considered "Good for Kids." While it requires more effort to reach than a mainland park, children often find the boat trip and island living to be a grand adventure. The shallow waters near many of the shoreline sites provide excellent spots for supervised swimming and wading. Additionally, the lack of cars on the islands makes for a safer environment where kids can explore the immediate vicinity of the campsite with a sense of freedom.

• Privacy and Seclusion: Unlike mainland campgrounds, the water-access sites offer a high degree of separation from other campers.
• Fishing Opportunities: Indian Lake is renowned for lake trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
• Stargazing: With almost no light pollution, the night sky over the islands is spectacular, offering clear views of the Milky Way.
• Photography and Wildlife: Incredible opportunities to photograph loons, bald eagles, and the dramatic mountain landscapes.
• Water Sports: Ideal for long-distance paddling, sailing, and motorized boating across the 12-mile lake.
• Hiking: Proximity to several Adirondack trailheads, including the popular Snowy Mountain trail which offers panoramic views.

For those ready to book their Adirondack adventure, the contact information and physical location details are essential for navigation. While the campground is spread across the lake, the mailing and administrative headquarters are located within the town of Indian Lake. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months and holiday weekends, as these unique island sites are in high demand among New York residents.

• Address: MMVQ+WR, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA.
• Phone: (518) 648-5300 (Indian Lake Islands Campground Office).
• Alternative Contact: (518) 648-5616 (Regional DEC Office for Hamilton County).
• Booking Platform: Reservations can be made through the official New York State camping reservation system (ReserveAmerica).

What is worth choosing when it comes to Indian Lake Islands Campsite #13? The primary reason to choose this location is the sense of ownership and peace it provides. When you are on your island site, that piece of the Adirondacks feels like yours for the duration of your stay. It is worth choosing for the morning mist rising off the lake, the sound of the wind through the pines, and the satisfaction of being self-sufficient in a beautiful, remote setting. For families, it is worth choosing for the lasting memories of a boat-based camping trip that feels like a true expedition.

Furthermore, Site #13 is worth choosing because it offers a middle ground between "car camping" and "backpacking." You can bring more gear than you would on a hike—coolers, comfortable sleeping pads, and cast-iron cookware—because the boat does the heavy lifting. This allows for a very comfortable stay in a location that looks and feels like deep wilderness. For the local New Yorker who wants to experience the very best of what the state park system has to offer, Indian Lake Islands is a premier choice that rewards a little extra planning with an unforgettable outdoor experience.