Indian Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #19

For New York residents looking to escape the hustle of city life, the Indian Lake Islands Campground offers a truly unique wilderness experience in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, this facility is renowned for its "boat-access only" sites, where the journey to your campsite is just as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself. Campsite #19 is a prime example of the secluded, wild-forest atmosphere that characterizes this region. Located on the southern shore of the sprawling 4,365-acre Indian Lake, this campground allows New Yorkers to immerse themselves in a landscape of rugged islands and pristine shorelines that have remained largely unchanged for decades.

Campsite #19 is part of a carefully managed system of 55 sites spread across the lake’s many islands and remote coastal areas. This specific site provides the privacy and quietude that local outdoor enthusiasts crave, making it a favorite for those who own their own watercraft or are willing to rent one for the weekend. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the campground was developed to protect the lake’s ecosystem while providing high-quality recreational opportunities. For families in the New York region, a trip to Indian Lake Islands is more than just a camping trip; it is an opportunity to reconnect with nature in one of the most scenic settings in the Empire State.

The location and accessibility of Indian Lake Islands Campground are central to its charm. Situated in Hamilton County, the campground is located approximately 12 miles north of the Village of Speculator and 12 miles south of the Village of Indian Lake via New York State Route 30. For local travelers coming from the Albany area or the New York State Thruway, the route through Amsterdam and up into the mountains offers breathtaking views long before you even reach the water. Upon arrival, campers must register at the boat launch located adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground. From this point, all gear and supplies must be loaded onto a boat for the trek across the water to Campsite #19.

Accessibility at the main registration area includes on-site parking for your vehicle and trailer, ensuring a secure place to leave your land-based transportation while you are on the water. However, it is important to note that the campsites themselves are primitive by design. To reach Site #19, visitors must navigate the lake, which can vary from glass-calm mornings to choppy afternoons depending on the wind. This boat-in requirement effectively limits the crowds and preserves the "forever wild" feel of the area. The site is a popular destination for those seeking a true Adirondack retreat, providing a sense of independence that is rare in modern camping facilities.

• Boat-access only camping, ensuring high levels of privacy and a genuine wilderness atmosphere.
• Dedicated boat launch ramps at the registration area for powerboats, rowboats, and canoes.
• On-site parking at the main facility for vehicles and boat trailers during your stay.
• Canoe and kayak rentals available for guests who do not have their own watercraft.
• Firewood and ice sales located at the ranger station to help stock your island basecamp.
• Regular patrols by forest rangers to ensure safety and adherence to environmental regulations.
• A "Carry-In, Carry-Out" garbage policy to maintain the pristine beauty of the islands.
• Information on local flora and fauna provided by the DEC Junior Naturalist Program for children.
• Access to public pay telephones at the main registration building for emergency communication.

Features and highlights of the Indian Lake region include world-class freshwater fishing and extensive hiking opportunities. Indian Lake is home to a diverse array of fish species, including lake trout, northern pike, and landlocked salmon, making it a premier destination for local anglers. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the surrounding Jessup River Wild Forest offers trails like Snowy Mountain and Watch Point, which provide stunning overlooks of the lake and the high peaks of the Adirondacks. Campsite #19 itself features the essential amenities for a comfortable primitive stay, including a large picnic table and a sturdy fire ring for evening campfires under a dark, star-filled sky.

• Spacious, well-forested site with natural buffers that provide excellent separation from neighbors.
• Magnificent waterfront views perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset over the Adirondack peaks.
• Proximity to excellent swimming areas with clear, mountain-fed water.
• Access to over 14 species of fish, making it an ideal "fish-from-camp" location.
• Kid-friendly environment where children can safely explore the shoreline and forest.
• Nearby hiking trails like Snowy Mountain (3.5 miles) offer some of the best views in Hamilton County.
• A rich historical interest, as the lake was expanded in the 1800s to support the local logging industry.
• Minimal light pollution, providing some of the best stargazing opportunities in New York State.

To plan your visit to Indian Lake Islands Campground, it is essential to make a reservation through the New York State Parks system (ReserveAmerica). The physical mailing address for the facility is State Route 30, Sabael, NY 12864. For specific questions regarding water levels, weather conditions, or site details for #19, the project office can be reached at (518) 648-5300. Because this is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Adirondacks, local users are encouraged to book their stays as early as nine months in advance, especially for the peak summer months between July and Labor Day.

What is worth choosing about Indian Lake Islands Campsite #19 is the unparalleled sense of freedom it provides. For the modern New Yorker, the ability to leave behind the digital world and the noise of the road is a luxury. Choosing this site means committing to a simpler way of living—one governed by the movement of the sun and the conditions of the water. The site is particularly worth choosing for families with children, as the boat-in experience teaches self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the New York wilderness. It is a place where you can spend your days paddling between islands and your nights listening to the haunting call of loons, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Furthermore, the facility’s management by the DEC ensures that the area remains clean and safe for everyone. By choosing a regulated state campground, you are supporting the conservation of the Adirondack Park while enjoying professional services like firewood sales and emergency ranger assistance. Whether you are an experienced backcountry traveler or a family looking for their first island adventure, Indian Lake Islands Site #19 provides the perfect backdrop for a quintessential New York outdoor experience. Its combination of rugged beauty, recreational variety, and absolute serenity makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to truly experience the "North Country" way of life.