Indian Lake Islands Campground and Day Use Area

• Dates of Operation:
  • Opening Date: May 17
  • Closing Date: September 2
• Camping Fee: $20 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
• Address: State Route 30 Sabael, NY 12864 (directions below)
• County: Hamilton
• GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 43 39 04.81939N, 074 23 18.57269W
• Campground Phone: (518) 648-5300
• Regional Office Phone: (518) 648-5616
• Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
• Map: Indian Lake Islands Campground and Day Use Area Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.

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.

Amenities

55 campsites, picnic areas with tables and fireplaces, pit toilets, boat access only, boat launches on Lewey and Indian Lakes, firewood and ice sales, canoe and kayak rentals, pay telephone, hiking trails.

Family Sites

Family sites are larger than typical campsites and can usually accommodate up to 12 people, four vehicles, four tents or two hard-wheeled equipment, or one hard-wheeled equipment and two tents. Maximum equipment size and site-specific limitations are listed with the site details. Sites also have up to two picnic tables and two fireplaces/fire rings.

Campsite Restoration Project

This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page.

Directions

From New York State Thruway (I-90), Exit 27 at Amsterdam; north on Route 30 through the villages of Wells, and Speculator. Campground is 12 miles north of Speculator on Route 30 on the right side of the road.

From the Adirondack Northway (I-87), Exit 23 at Warrensburg; Route 9 North to Route 28 West to Indian Lake Village, then left on Route 30. Campground is 12 miles south of Village of Indian Lake on the left side of Rte. 30.

Get driving directions from Google Maps 

Planning and Management

The Final Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the campground guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a five-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.

For more information regarding the UMP for this facility please contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY12233, Telephone 518 457-2500, and email for campground information

Additional Information

Area Attractions

The Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center at Newcomb, New York off Route 28N, is 59 miles north of New York State Route 30 and 28. The Village of Speculator is 12 miles away with shopping and restaurants. The Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake is located 27 miles north on New York Route 28 and 30, and features the history of the Adirondack Mountains and the Adirondack Park. The Wild Center in Tupper Lake focuses on flora, fauna, and geology of the Adirondacks. The village of Indian Lake is 12 miles north on New York State Route 30, and offers restaurants, shopping, and a grocery store. Golf courses are available in the villages of Indian Lake and Inlet.

Historic Interest

Development of the campground started in 1959 to provide controlled facilities and to clean up the area. Over 40 years of heavy camping had resulted in large deposits of refuse, uncontrolled cutting of trees, and numerous forest fires. These problems ceased to exist after the campground was officially opened in 1960.

Junior Naturalist Program

Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.