Indian Lake, New York, USA

Surrounded by the grandeur of the Adirondack Mountains, Indian Lake, in northern New York’s Adirondack Vacation region, is a 4,365-acre lake well known for its year round attractions. With a southwest to northeast orientation in the hamlets of Indian Lake and Lake Pleasant in Hamilton County, Indian Lake has 49 miles of shoreline and offers the very best in fishing, boating, swimming, and opportunities to explore numerous…
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All About Indian Lake, NY

Surrounded by the grandeur of the Adirondack Mountains, Indian Lake, in northern New York’s Adirondack Vacation region, is a 4,365-acre lake well known for its year round attractions. With a southwest to northeast orientation in the hamlets of Indian Lake and Lake Pleasant in Hamilton County, Indian Lake has 49 miles of shoreline and offers the very best in fishing, boating, swimming, and opportunities to explore numerous islands, coves and mountains. Lake level is controlled by Indian Lake’s current (third) dam, first built in 1898. Before being dammed, the valley was home to a chain of three small lakes.

Indian Lake Islands Campground run by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a number of island and mainland campsites and several day-use areas. All campsites have picnic tables, fireplaces and restroom facilities. Island campsites can only be reached by boat. A modern boat launch is located on the campground and boat rentals are available. Lake Islands Campground fills up fast so make your reservations early. Additional camping can be found across the highway at Lewey Lake Campground. Lewey Lake provides a swimming beach and hot showers for both campgrounds which share facilities. In addition to campgrounds, there are several cabin, lodge and vacation rentals available in the Indian Lake area. Indian Lake has an elevation is 1,650 feet so be prepared for chilly nights even during the summer months.

In the spring, white water rafting trips on the upper Hudson River are an exciting way to take in the scenery along miles of exhilarating fast moving water. Power boats, sailboats, rowboats, and canoes are allowed on Indian Lake for pleasure and fishing. Anglers can look forward to catching lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, smelt, brown bullheads, yellow perch, sunfish, white sucker, lake whitefish, and northern pike.

From the shores of Indian Lake rise many spectacular mountains. Snowy Mountain, at 3,903 feet, has a trail to its summit from which a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside can be seen. Indian Lake, nearby Blue Mountain Lake and the town of Sabael are in an area referred to as Adirondack Park, a 6 million acre natural sanctuary of public and private land which covers nearly a third of New York State. Paved roads and dirt trails will take nature enthusiast to the tops of Baldface Mountain, John Mack Pond and Dug Mountain Brook Falls. East of the lake is Chimney Mountain know for its fascinating geology as well as caves and crevices for experienced spelunkers.

The Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake is located 27 miles north of Indian Lake and showcases the history of the Adirondack Mountains and the Adirondack Park. The hamlet of Indian Lake is located 2 miles north of the north end of Indian Lake and offers restaurants, shops and galleries. The Town of Indian Lake Museum, housed in a historic village homestead, is full of interesting exhibits, history and lore. Golf courses can be found in the villages of Indian Lake and Inlet. The village of Speculator is 12 miles away with shopping and restaurants.

For winter fun, Indian Lake is located between two great ski areas, Gore Mountain in North Creek with a gondola, and Oak Mountain Center in the village of Speculator. You can also ski at the Indian Lake Village Ski Area which has a T-bar lift, downhill slopes and a skating rink. Snowmobiles are always welcome along with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, snowboarding, ice skating, and of course ice fishing.

Animal lovers will see white tailed deer, black bear, raccoons, and maybe even a moose or two. Moose are often spotted walking along roads and trails near Indian Lake. The town of Indian lake calls itself the moose capital of New York.

Autumn may be Indian Lake’s most popular season. Many festivals take place as the leaves turn to red, orange and gold. The stunning foliage and crisp air are the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking and fishing. Opportunities for hunters also abound this time of year.

Whether you’re planning a winter, spring, summer or fall vacation, Indian Lake, with its ideal location between forests, lakes, and mountains, is a perfect retreat for the entire family.

Things to Do at Indian Lake

These are some activities in the Indian Lake, NY area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Ice Fishing
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Beach
  • Canoeing
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Golf
  • Camping
  • Campground
  • Picnicking
  • Cabin Rentals
  • Hiking
  • Ice Skating
  • Spelunking
  • Biking
  • Snowboarding
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Tobogganing
  • Hunting
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Museum
  • Shopping

What Kind of Fish Are in Indian Lake?

Indian Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

  • Bass
  • Black Bass
  • Brown Trout
  • Lake Trout
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Northern Pike
  • Perch
  • Pike
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Salmon
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Smelt
  • Sucker
  • Sunfish
  • Trout
  • Whitefish
  • Yellow Perch
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Find Places to Stay at Indian Lake

If you’re considering a Indian Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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More Sites to Book a Indian Lake Vacation

Our interactive Indian Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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Indian Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

Water Level Control: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Surface Area: 4,365 acres

Shoreline Length: 49 miles

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,650 feet

Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 1,615 feet

Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,651 feet

Average Depth: 39 feet

Maximum Depth: 85 feet

Water Volume: 170,235 acre-feet

Completion Year: 1898

Water Residence Time: 0.9 years

Drainage Area: 131 sq. miles

Trophic State: Mesotrophic


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