Within the Jessup River Wild Forest, Indian Lake Islands Campground provides a unique boat-in camping experience managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Campers access sites exclusively by watercraft, with journeys ranging from 15 to 25 minutes from either the marina or ranger station depending on the chosen location.
The campground spreads across multiple islands and shoreline areas, with some sites offering complete island privacy while others share space with one additional campsite. Each location includes substantial picnic tables and robust fire pits equipped with grills. Sites provide expansive views across Indian Lake toward the surrounding forested hills. "Visit with a kayak or canoe and camp on your own private island," suggests Amber A.. Water activities dominate the experience here, with calm conditions suitable for paddlers of varying skill levels.
The campground operates from mid-May through early October, charging $20-40 per night with reservations strongly recommended. Electric, water, and sewer hookups accommodate RVs, though boat transport limits practical RV size. Fishing proves consistently productive, with families regularly catching fish in the lake's numerous bays. Rangers assist with navigation and provide area recommendations.
For campers preferring drive-in access, Lewey Lake Campground sits just south of Indian Lake.
Description
This boat access only campground is located on the southern shore of Indian Lake. Beautiful wild forest islands offering wilderness camping and some of the best recreational boating in the Adirondacks, Indian Lake Islands Campground is located on the southern shore of 4,365 acre Indian Lake. All the campsites offer privacy. They are large and well forested. Campsites are accessible by boat only. Campers register at the boat launch adjacent to the Lewey Lake Public Campground off Route 30. The opportunity to camp on an island or along the shore of Indian Lake makes this one of the most popular camping destinations in the Adirondacks. Indian Lake Islands Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: Canoeing and boating, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. 55 campsites, picnic areas with tables and fireplaces, pit toilets, boat access only, boat launches on Lewey and Indian Lakes, firewood sales, pay telephone, hiking trails.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
DEC Campgrounds: Same-day reservations will be allowed until 5pm on day of arrival at all DEC campgrounds. Reservations can be made online or through the Reserve America Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
Please be advised that only customers renting boats from the privately-operated Indian Lake Marina on Lake Shore Drive will be permitted to launch/park there. We are aware that many of our customers have traditionally used the marina for launching/parking, however we encourage you to do so at the Indian Lake Islands Campground after check-in for your reservation. Keep in mind that this may add up to 8 miles to your route to access campsites on Indian Lake Islands. We apologize for this inconvenience but look forward to welcoming you to our facility.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundIndian Lake Islands Campground is located in New York
Directions
From New York State Thruway (I-90), take Exit 27 at Amsterdam; go north on Route 30 through Wells and Speculator. The campground is 12 miles north on Route 30 from Speculator, on the right side of the road. From the Adirondack Northway (I-87), take Exit 23 at Warrensburg; take Route 9 North to Route 28 West to Indian Lake Village. The Campground is 12 miles south of Village of Indian Lake, on the left side of Rte. 30.
Address
STATE ROUTE 30
Sabael, NY 12864
Coordinates
43.64828 N
74.38858 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 1 hr 20 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 41 min from Albany, NY
- 2 hrs 18 min from Burlington, VT
