Indian Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #2

For outdoor enthusiasts in the New York region, the Adirondack Park serves as the ultimate backyard for adventure. Among the many ways to experience this vast wilderness, few methods compare to the seclusion and charm of island camping. Indian Lake Islands Campground, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is a premier destination for those looking to truly escape. Specifically, Campsite #2 offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Hamilton County, providing a "boat-in" experience that trades the noise of paved roads for the tranquil lapping of lake water against the shore.

Indian Lake Islands Campground is widely regarded as one of the most popular camping destinations in the state, and for good reason. It offers a "wild" forested environment across 4,365 acres of water. This is not your typical drive-up RV park; it is a place designed for the self-sufficient camper who values privacy, pristine air, and the thrill of navigating to their own private slice of the woods. Whether you are an experienced paddler or a family looking for an unforgettable summer memory, Campsite #2 provides a gateway to the true Adirondack spirit.

Located in the town of Sabael within Indian Lake, NY, the campground is strategically positioned along NY-30. However, "Location and Accessibility" take on a special meaning here. Unlike most mainland facilities, all 55 campsites at Indian Lake Islands—including Campsite #2—are accessible by boat only. This unique requirement ensures that the campground remains a quiet haven free from the constant traffic of cars and motorcycles.

For New York residents traveling to the site, the primary registration point is located at the boat launch adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground, also on Route 30. From the New York State Thruway (I-90), travelers typically take Exit 27 at Amsterdam and head north on Route 30. If coming from the Adirondack Northway (I-87), Exit 23 at Warrensburg leads to Route 28 West and then onto Route 30. Once you arrive and check in, you must launch your vessel and navigate the 12-mile-long Indian Lake to reach your designated island or shorefront spot. While the trip requires a boat, canoe and kayak rentals are often available nearby for those who do not bring their own watercraft.

• Large, well-forested campsites designed for privacy and a wilderness feel.
• Boat launch facilities located near the registration area at Lewey Lake.
• Provision of basic campsite infrastructure including a picnic table and a stone fire ring or fireplace.
• Access to pit toilets (vault toilets) located at strategic intervals across the islands and shoreline.
• On-site firewood and ice sales available at the main registration point to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Canoe and kayak rental services for guests who need watercraft to access their sites.
• Junior Naturalist Program activities during the peak season, perfect for engaging children with the local ecosystem.
• A "Carry In, Carry Out" garbage policy to maintain the pristine nature of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

• Exceptional recreational boating opportunities on the 12-mile-long Indian Lake.
• Premier fishing for species such as lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon.
• Proximity to world-class Adirondack hiking trails, including the nearby trails to Snowy Mountain and Watch Hill.
• Uninterrupted stargazing opportunities away from the light pollution of New York's major cities.
• Family-friendly environment where children can learn about wilderness survival and wildlife in a safe, contained setting.
• Privacy that far exceeds standard mainland campgrounds, as sites are spaced out along the islands and rugged shorelines.
• On-site parking for your vehicle and trailer at the mainland launch area while you are out on the island.

To plan your trip to Indian Lake Islands Campground and Campsite #2, it is essential to coordinate through the official state channels. Reservations are highly recommended and are typically handled through the ReserveAmerica system, which opens six months in advance. You can find the physical registration area at the following address:

Address: NY-30, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA (Located 12 miles south of Indian Lake Village)

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

Regional Office: (518) 648-5616

New York residents should keep in mind that check-in time is between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM. If you arrive after 9:00 PM on your first night, your site may be subject to re-rental. Check-out is strictly enforced at 11:00 AM on your departure date to allow the rangers to prepare for the next group of adventurers.

What makes Indian Lake Islands Campsite #2 worth choosing is the sheer sense of accomplishment and serenity that comes with island living. In a state as busy as New York, finding a place where you can be "the best to camp" means finding a place that respects the silence of nature. It is worth choosing for the avid fisherman who wants to cast a line right from their morning coffee spot, and it is worth choosing for the family that wants to unplug from screens and spend their evenings around a crackling fire under a canopy of stars.

Furthermore, the boat-access-only nature of the park creates a unique community of like-minded individuals who all share a love for the water. Whether you are navigating the choppy waters of the "Narrows" or exploring the hidden coves near the Jessup River, the experience is one of constant discovery. While it requires more gear and planning than a typical weekend trip, the reward of a private, forested island site is a "gem" of the Adirondacks that keeps New Yorkers returning year after year. If you are looking for an authentic wilderness experience that stays true to the history of the Adirondack Park, this campground is an unparalleled choice.