Best Campgrounds near Indian Lake, NY

Indian Lake, New York serves as a prime Adirondack destination featuring multiple established campgrounds with access to pristine waterways. Campgrounds like Lewey Lake and Indian Lake Islands provide campsites spanning both tent and RV accommodation styles, with the latter offering boat-in only island sites that create a more secluded experience. The region includes several New York State-managed facilities with mixed-use campgrounds that support varying camping preferences, from primitive tent sites to areas with electric hookups for recreational vehicles. Golden Beach and Lake Durant campgrounds expand the area's options with additional amenities like showers and sanitary dump stations.

Camping season in the Adirondacks typically runs from mid-May through early October, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Winter conditions make most developed campgrounds inaccessible, though some nearby forest areas permit primitive camping year-round. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with stronger signals near towns and limited to no coverage in more remote camping areas. Campers should be prepared for occasional wildlife encounters, including bears, which necessitate proper food storage. As one camper noted, "You HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container... we ended up with a fleet of mice making merry with some of our food which we ended up having to throw out."

The waterfront camping experience draws consistently high reviews, particularly at island sites that offer privacy and scenic views. Indian Lake Islands Campground receives praise for its boat-access-only sites that provide seclusion and panoramic views of surrounding lakes and forests. A visitor described it as "Beautiful, off the beaten path. All of the campsites are accessible only by boat, between a 15 and 25 minute journey depending on which site you choose." Several campgrounds feature beaches, boat launches, and water access directly from campsites. Sites along brooks and creeks, such as those at Lewey Lake near Sucker Brook, offer relaxing natural soundscapes that enhance the camping experience. The region's mixed forests provide ample shade at most sites, though some lakefront locations receive more direct sunlight.

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Best Camping Sites Near Indian Lake, New York (172)

    1. Lewey Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 648-5266

    $20 / night

    "Quiet campground with large beach, decent sized sites on both Lewey Lake and Indian Lake"

    "There are a lot of options here, there are over 200 sites, scattered around Lewey and Indian Lakes."

    2. Lake Durant Campground

    11 Reviews
    Blue Mountain Lake, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 352-7797

    $20 / night

    "I took a solo trip through upstate New York a couple years back and spent a lot of time in the Adirondacks. I stopped at Lake Durant camp ground for a night and had a great experience."

    "Right on the lake. Separated sites. Close by bathrooms. Best camp shower I have ever been to! Wished the beach would have been open"

    3. Indian Lake Islands Campground

    10 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 648-5300

    $20 - $40 / night

    "A group of us put up two tents on a small, somewhat secluded, island on Indian Lake and had the time of our lives"

    "I took my kayak to the Indian Lakes Island camping ground and had a great experience. All sites are boat in only and offer beautiful panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests."

    4. Golden Beach Campground

    13 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 354-4230

    $20 / night

    "It’s the standard weird-ass New York thing where you have a site and you can park wherever the hell you want within it (so foreign to me), but you should spend some time with the map."

    "Each campsite has it's own outhouse and you are close to the water so you can fish or park your boat by your campsite. Book early cause they fill up fast."

    5. Lake Eaton Campground

    14 Reviews
    Long Lake, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 624-2641

    $20 / night

    "This time we camped along the back edge, near RT 30. There had been some bear sightings recently so i was excited. Shady spot uphill from the car. no road noise really given the proximity."

    "This campground is right on a lake where the sunrises are spectacular! Canoe and kayak rentals are available. The water is great for swimming & the beach is nice too."

    6. Lake Harris Campground

    9 Reviews
    Minerva, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 582-2503

    $18 / night

    "Only stayed one night before hiking the Santanonis, but the lakeside site was awesome"

    "We had a wonderful campsite with access to the water. Plenty of hiking nearby also! We hiked Goodnow Firetower down the road from the campground."

    7. Forked Lake Campground

    9 Reviews
    Long Lake, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 624-6646

    $18 / night

    "There was a bear den close to our site that was pretty cool."

    "we came here for a night and stayed at the camp 76 by the lake. it was beautiful. definitely top 5 best campgrounds we have ever been to. they had a picnic bench and an outhouse in good condition. great"

    8. Moffitt Beach Campground

    18 Reviews
    Lake Pleasant, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 548-7102

    $22 / night

    "Site 9 is kinda weird- there is a big tank thing up there, quite close to the site. I wouldn’t stay at that site again.

    We checked out the other loops and found an abundance of really nice sites!"

    "My favorite part about Moffitt Beach Campground is the lake/beach that is nearby!"

    9. Thornbush Acres RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Indian Lake, NY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (518) 648-5843

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Close to Lakes to Paddle, Store and Gas not far. Camp is quite more for Adults, no playgrounds or things for kids to do. Full hook ups and pull thru sites."

    10. Cedar River Entrance Camping

    3 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    11 miles

    "There are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by. beautiful surroundings of geometry dash lite."

    "Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes. A dam with some additional sites on the other side. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 172 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Indian Lake, NY

803 Reviews of 172 Indian Lake Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Horseshoe Lake

    NY Designated Camping

    Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.

    Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow.

    As it’s a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Roger's Rock

    It was a pretty good park. Wooded nicely. Big lots where we were. Down near the water the sites were pretty crammed together Not parked in a row like an RV park.

  • Robert K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    awesome place

    I came from the Albany area. It took me about two hours 45 minutes and well worth the drive, I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location. You can walk down to the water, which is only a small ledge and enough space to put a chair, me and my German Shepherd were walking around the trails and we found site five which was absolutely beautiful and right on the water, I mean right on the water. I went back to site for packed up a bunch of stuff into the truck and left the truck tent in there since it takes about 30 minutes to take up and down, I had walked the road a couple of times to see if I could get my truck down there, definitely need four-wheel-drive, but it is possible to get your truck down there and I did, set up camp there spent the rest of the day the night and all of the next day. Absolutely beautiful the dog loved the water being right there, I definitely love this place. This is my first campsite that I found using the app highly recommend.

  • X
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Carry Falls Recreation Area

    Quite, not high quality.

    Thai place is very cute, quiet, and not a lot of people frequent. The bathrooms are kind of “rundown” they are old and they use composing toilets with no showers and one sink located outside of the facility. It is NOT FREE they charge 16.00 a night. Located on an inlet of the man made lake. Water access, quiet, not busy, small, gives small town feel. Comes with picnic table and fireplace. We had site 6 and fit our 30 ft camper with 4 cars.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Little Green Pond

    Peaceful spots under the pines

    12 designated camping spots. Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond. Pond has a small beach to swim. Tree covered sites.

  • M
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Brookwood RV Resort

    Nice Campground

    Well maintained campground. Shop onsite with all you can possibly need. Beautiful pool. And easy access to Fort Ticonderoga, restaurants in town and Lake George area.

  • C
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake George RV Park

    Best campground we’ve stayed at

    We’ve stayed here three times now and it never disappoints! Well maintained from the roads now to the gardens. They pay attention to every detail. Staff is super friendly and honestly seemed very happy to work there. Only complaint is we wished we lived closer so we could go more often. We will definitely be back!

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

  • Alex
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Harris Campground

    Perfect Campsite

    The campsite has clean bathrooms. The campsite itself is more secluded and there wasn’t a lot of people or noise. It was intimate and quiet, no loud people or families. Honestly the perfect getaway.


Guide to Indian Lake

Campgrounds around Indian Lake, New York are situated within the Adirondack Park at elevations averaging 1,750 feet above sea level, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. The camping season typically runs mid-May through mid-October, with nighttime temperatures that can dip into the 40s even during summer months. Many campgrounds in this region operate without cell service and require proper food storage due to active wildlife populations.

What to do

Paddling access points: Lake Durant Campground offers direct water access for kayakers and canoeists, with rental options available on-site. "The lake is a great size to explore with children," notes Thomas M., who appreciated being able to "park our rental kayaks right at our site" for "early morning cruises."

Hiking nearby trails: Several trails originate directly from Lake Eaton Campground, making it convenient for day hikers. "There are 2 trail heads located in the campground that offer more trails as you go. Neither was very difficult and the end result was worth the hike," shares Michael G., who spent a week camping at Lake Eaton.

Wildlife observation: The area supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly around dusk and dawn. "We did some nice kayaking. Hung out with a pair of beautifully sounding Loons at sunset," reports Sandy T. about her experience at Lake Harris. Many campers report hearing loons calling across the lakes during early mornings.

What campers like

Private island experiences: Indian Lake Islands Campground offers unique boat-in only sites. "A group of us put up two tents on a small, somewhat secluded, island on Indian Lake and had the time of our lives," shares Joseph S. These sites require transportation of all camping gear by boat and provide exceptional privacy.

Clean water access: The lakes in this region are noted for their water quality and swimming conditions. According to Kelly H., "Lake Eaton is arguably the cleanest lake in the Adirondacks. Super sandy bottom that stays shallow for a ways out." This makes it particularly suitable for families with children.

Modern shower facilities: Lake Durant Campground receives consistent praise for its bathhouse facilities. James N. called it the "Best camp shower I have ever been to!" while another camper noted, "The shower facilities were brand new and always clean as were the bathrooms throughout the entire campground."

What you should know

Road noise considerations: Some lakefront sites, particularly at Lewey Lake Campground, may experience road noise from nearby highways. "Camped on one of the waterfront tent sites. Super nice but close to highway so you could hear the cars drive by and see the hwy from the site," reports The Other Kim K., though they added, "I'd still camp here again."

Insect conditions vary seasonally: Black fly season, typically May through June, can severely impact camping comfort. At Forked Lake, one camper recounted, "We went during peak black fly season and got eaten alive though and decided to pack it up early." Plan visits for late July through September for reduced insect activity.

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. James O. noted at Lewey Lake, "I use T-Mobile and there is no cell phone or wifi service." Prepare all directions, reservations, and contact information before arrival, as many areas lack reliable signals.

Bear protocols: Food storage requirements are strictly enforced. All items with scents must be secured in vehicles or provided bear boxes at primitive sites. Campsites typically provide appropriate storage options, with one camper at Cedar River noting the "bear policy is strict."

Tips for camping with families

Beach access: Golden Beach Campground features a sandy swimming area ideal for children. "The day use area has a nice sandy beach and a boat launch, and many of the lakeside sites, you can just launch your kayak or canoe right there," notes Katherine P. The beach has a designated swimming area with lifeguards during peak season.

Educational opportunities: The nearby Adirondack Experience museum offers rainy day activities for families. "Also not far (Blue Mountain Lake) is a ADK Experience museum which is a great museum," mentions John E., who camped with his 9-year-old. Many campgrounds also offer ranger programs where children can earn badges.

Quieter weekday visits: Weekend crowds can change the atmosphere at popular campgrounds. One family noted, "We don't recommend going there on the weekend as the clientele was loud, playing bags, drinking heavily and playing music right until we asked them to stop during quiet hours." Mid-week bookings often provide a more peaceful family experience.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: At Moffitt Beach Campground, RVers should carefully review site maps before booking. "Site 9 is kinda weird- there is a big tank thing up there, quite close to the site. I wouldn't stay at that site again. We checked out the other loops and found an abundance of really nice sites!" advises Alice C.

Dump station availability: Several campgrounds including Lake Durant and Lewey Lake provide sanitary dump stations, but not all facilities offer this service. "The Dyrt says there are electric hookups available but you better call first because I didn't see any," cautions James O. about Lewey Lake, highlighting the importance of verifying amenities before arrival.

Seasonal considerations: Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the area close after Columbus Day weekend. "Thornbush Acres is close to Lakes to Paddle, Store and Gas not far," notes Debbie W., adding that it offers "Full hook ups and pull thru sites" though sites are "Not very private you are close to your neighbors."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Indian Lake campgrounds in NY?

Campgrounds around Indian Lake offer varying levels of amenities. Lewey Lake Campground features a large beach, spacious sites on both Lewey Lake and Indian Lake, and quiet surroundings. Over 200 sites are available with options ranging from lakeside to more secluded spots. Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina provides more developed facilities including a general store, laundry facilities, and propane on-site. Most public campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Many campgrounds provide boat launches, swimming areas, and hiking trails, though amenities can vary significantly between primitive island sites and more developed mainland options.

Where are the island campsites located at Indian Lake in New York?

The island campsites at Indian Lake Islands Campground are scattered across various small islands throughout Indian Lake. These sites are accessible only by boat, typically requiring a 15-25 minute journey from either the marina or ranger station launch points. The islands offer somewhat secluded camping experiences with beautiful panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Adirondack forests. Some islands are small enough for just a couple of tents, while others may accommodate slightly larger groups. The campground's unique boat-in-only access creates a peaceful atmosphere away from road noise and typical campground activity.

How can I find a map of Indian Lake camping areas?

To find maps of Indian Lake camping areas, the best resources include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, which offers official campground maps for Lake Durant Campground and other public sites in the Indian Lake region. The DEC also maintains detailed maps of Forked Lake Campground and nearby camping areas. When making reservations through Reserve America (the booking system for NY state campgrounds), you can access interactive maps showing individual campsites. For boat-access island sites, rangers at check-in provide detailed navigation maps showing the locations of numbered island campsites. Visitor centers in nearby towns like Indian Lake and Long Lake also distribute free area maps.