Indian Lake Islands Campground - Campsite #7

Indian Lake Islands Campground offers one of the most distinctive and sought-after outdoor experiences in the New York region. Located on the southern shore of the expansive 4,365-acre Indian Lake in Hamilton County, this facility is famous for its "boat-access only" camping model. Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, Indian Lake Islands allows visitors to immerse themselves in a true wilderness setting, where the journey to the campsite is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself. Campsite #7 is a prime example of the secluded, forested sites that have made this location a staple for Adirondack enthusiasts for decades.

The campground is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is designed to preserve the wild character of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. With 55 designated campsites scattered across the lake's various islands and along its undeveloped shoreline, the facility provides a sense of privacy and isolation that is rare in modern camping. The area is heavily forested with a mix of hardwoods and evergreens, providing ample shade and a natural buffer between sites. For local New Yorkers looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, Indian Lake Islands represents the pinnacle of rustic Adirondack tradition.

Location and accessibility are the defining characteristics of Indian Lake Islands Campground. Situated at State Route 30 in Sabael, the campground serves as a gateway to the central Adirondacks. However, it is important for visitors to understand that "accessibility" here refers to the water. All sites, including the well-regarded Campsite #7, require a boat for access. Campers must launch their vessels—whether a powerboat, canoe, or kayak—from the designated boat launch near the Lewey Lake Public Campground to reach their destination.

• Strategically located on the southern end of Indian Lake, approximately 12 miles south of the Village of Indian Lake via Route 30.
• Primary registration and boat launching occur at the booth adjacent to Lewey Lake Campground, providing a central hub for arrivals.
• Accessible via a scenic drive from the Adirondack Northway (I-87) at Exit 23, following Route 28 West and then Route 30 South.
• Proximity to major Adirondack landmarks, including the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake and the village of Speculator.
• Features on-site parking at the main registration area for vehicles and boat trailers while campers are at their island sites.

The services offered at Indian Lake Islands Campground are intentionally minimal to maintain the wilderness atmosphere, yet they provide the essential support needed for a successful multi-day trip. The DEC focuses on conservation and "Carry In, Carry Out" principles, ensuring that the environment remains pristine for future generations. Key services available to guests include:

• Managed boat launch facilities on both Lewey Lake and Indian Lake, suitable for various vessel sizes.
• Canoe and kayak rentals available for those who do not have their own watercraft, facilitating access to island sites.
• Firewood and ice sales located at the main registration booth to ensure campers have essential supplies before heading out on the water.
• Access to a pay telephone and emergency communication at the campground headquarters.
• Periodic patrols by Forest Rangers and campground staff to ensure safety and compliance with park regulations.
• A Junior Naturalist program for children aged 5 to 13, offering educational activities to earn a nature-themed patch.

The features and highlights of Indian Lake Islands and specifically Campsite #7 revolve around the incredible natural assets of the Adirondack Park. This is a place where "amenities" are defined by the quality of the fishing and the clarity of the night sky. Highlights of the camping experience include:

• Large, well-forested campsites that offer significant privacy and room for up to six individuals per site.
• Each site is equipped with a traditional stone fireplace and a sturdy wooden picnic table.
• Access to pit toilets strategically located throughout the islands and shoreline areas to serve groups of sites.
• World-class fishing opportunities for lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon directly from the campsite shore.
• Immediate access to recreational boating, including power boating, sailing, and paddling across the 4,365-acre lake.
• Proximity to renowned hiking trails like the Snowy Mountain Trail and the Baldface Mountain Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the lake.
• Kid-friendly environment that encourages exploration, swimming (unsupervised), and learning about the local ecosystem.

For individuals planning a trip to Campsite #7 or any other site within the Indian Lake Islands system, reservations are strictly required and must be made through the ReserveAmerica system or the DEC's official channels. Please note that walk-in camping is not permitted.

Address: PM5W+M7, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA (Registration at Lewey Lake Campground, Route 30)

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

When considering an Adirondack camping trip, Indian Lake Islands Campground is worth choosing for the unmatched sense of freedom it provides. It is one of the few places in the New York region where you can truly "own" a small piece of an island for the duration of your stay. Campsite #7 is particularly worth choosing for those who want a central location with good lake views and the classic forested feel that makes the Adirondacks famous. This site offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility to the main boating channels.

Furthermore, the campground is worth choosing because it forces a slower pace of life. Once your boat is loaded and you’ve made the trek across the water, the distractions of everyday life fade away. It is an ideal environment for families with children who want to experience "unplugged" fun, from teaching a child to bait a hook to watching the sunset over the water from your own private shoreline. Whether you are a seasoned backcountry explorer or a family looking for a unique summer tradition, the Indian Lake Islands offer a pure, distilled version of the New York wilderness that is simply not found in drive-in parks. Choosing a site here means committing to an adventure that will create lasting memories of loons calling across the water and the crackle of a campfire under a canopy of ancient pines.