Wilderness Campsite

For New Yorkers who find traditional campgrounds too crowded or modernized, the Wilderness Campsite in Indian Lake offers a return to the raw, untamed spirit of the Adirondacks. This is not a destination for the casual traveler; it is a sanctuary for the true woodsman and the backcountry explorer. Located at the dramatic confluence where the Cedar River flows into the mighty Hudson River, this informal site represents the "wild" in Wilderness. From the perspective of a local user, this spot is a hidden treasure within the Forest Preserve, offering a level of solitude that is increasingly rare in the popular 1000 Islands or High Peaks regions. Here, the only soundtrack is the rushing water of the river and the wind through the hemlocks.

As an informal wilderness site, there is a profound sense of freedom that comes with staying here. There are no registration booths, no assigned numbers, and no paved pads. Instead, you find a pristine natural setting that demands respect and self-reliance. It is the kind of place where New York residents can test their outdoor skills, practicing "Leave No Trace" principles while enjoying a landscape that looks much as it did centuries ago. Because the site is rarely used and effectively "off the map" for most tourists, it offers an exclusive opportunity to experience the Hudson River Gorge area in its most authentic form.

Location and Accessibility are the primary factors that keep this site secluded. Situated river-right and downstream of the confluence of the Hudson and Cedar Rivers in Indian Lake, NY 12842, the site is notoriously difficult to reach by land. There are no easy access roads leading directly to the clearing, which is a significant part of its charm for local backcountry enthusiasts. Most visitors arrive by water, often as part of a multi-day paddling trip starting from Newcomb or the Cedar River Flow. For those navigating the river, the site serves as a vital resting point before entering the more challenging rapids of the Hudson River Gorge. Those attempting to reach it on foot should be prepared for a rigorous bushwhack or a long trek through the surrounding state forest lands, as marked trails do not lead directly to the water's edge here.

• Primitive, informal camping area with no permit fees required for short-term stays (under three nights for small groups).
• Natural river access for small watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and packrafts.
• Spacious, shaded ground suitable for pitch-tent camping on the riverbank.
• Unrestricted access to the confluence of two of New York's most historic rivers for photography and exploration.
• Proximity to world-class whitewater rafting routes for those equipped with the proper gear and experience.
• A "true wilderness" experience with no artificial light pollution, providing some of the best stargazing in the Adirondack Park.

• Strategically located at the meeting point of the Hudson and Cedar Rivers, offering a unique geological and scenic vantage point.
• Exceptional fishing opportunities for trout in the colder, faster-moving waters of the river confluence.
• Total immersion in nature with absolutely no facilities—no restrooms, no running water, and no electricity.
• A quiet, low-traffic environment that is rarely occupied by other campers, ensuring maximum privacy.
• Front-row access to the Hudson River's ecosystem, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, deer, and river otters.
• Freedom from the noise of motorized vehicles and neighboring campsites, allowing for a deep connection with the environment.
• Dog-friendly atmosphere where well-behaved pets can enjoy the wild, provided they are kept under control in the backcountry.

Because this is an informal wilderness site, there is no official office or phone line dedicated solely to the campsite. However, the area is managed as part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Preserve. For information regarding current river conditions, forest fire ratings, or backcountry rules, campers should contact the regional DEC office or the local Forest Ranger.

• Address: Confluence of Hudson and Cedar Rivers, Indian Lake, NY 12842, USA
• Regional DEC Office (Warrensburg): (518) 623-1200
• Emergency Dispatch (Forest Ranger): (518) 891-0235

What is worth choosing about the Wilderness Campsite is the opportunity for total disconnection. In a world where even the most remote parks are adding Wi-Fi, this site remains a steadfast bastion of the primitive. It is worth choosing for the seasoned Adirondack paddler who wants to wake up to the mist rising off the Hudson without hearing a single car engine. The lack of facilities is actually the site’s greatest feature; it ensures that everyone you meet here is a dedicated outdoor enthusiast who shares a deep respect for the land.

Choosing this spot also means choosing a premier fishing and scouting location. The confluence is a natural gathering place for fish and wildlife, and for those planning to raft the Hudson Gorge, stopping here allows you to scout the river and prepare for the Class III-IV rapids downstream. For New Yorkers looking to escape the "resort" feel of other campgrounds, the Wilderness Campsite offers the ultimate reward: the chance to be truly alone in one of the most beautiful river valleys in the United States. It is a place that reminds us that the best things in life—and the best views in New York—are often the ones that are hardest to reach.