The closest town to camp. Indian Lake is named after Sabael Benedict, a Penobscot Indian who was the first European-era settler in Hamilton County and lived to be 108. The lake itself is technically a reservoir, dammed in 1898 to control water levels downstream on the Hudson. The town has no permanent stop lights and calls itself the Moose Capital of the Northeast. You may actually see one — keep your eyes open on Route 30 around dusk.
Coffee & Wi-Fi
Indian Lake Public Library
Comfortable armchairs, a fast Wi-Fi connection, and a quiet that’s hard to find anywhere else in town. If you need to take a video call home or hammer out a serious chunk of work, this is your spot. Closed Sundays. Open until 6pm Mon, Wed, Fri.
Stewart’s
Take me down to Stewie’s. If you’re not from the area, don’t be fooled! This is more than just a gas station. Their ice cream is the best around. If you’re hungry, their food’s not half bad either. Grab a slice of pizza or a sub sandwich. You’ll be here a lot.
Food
Indian Lake Restaurant & Tavern
Price: $$ | Food score: 4/5 Logs
The salmon is excellent (that’s the dish locals order). Big menu otherwise, with all the classic tavern food done well. The dining room has an Elvis pinball machine in the corner that’s genuinely entertaining while you wait. The closest best dinner you can find. Closed Mon-Tue.
Willie’s Barbecue
Price: $ | Food score: 5/5 Logs
North Carolina-style pulled pork in the middle of the Adirondacks. They’re only open Fr.i to Sun. from 4pm-8pm. If you see their “OPEN” flag waving you will want to stop, a true rarity but the best bbq around.
Things to Do
Indian Lake Marina
Rent a pontoon boat for the group, a kayak for yourself, a canoe for two, or a paddleboard if you want a workout. The lake has dozens of small islands you can pull up on for a picnic. The afternoon wind picks up most days so plan to be off the water by 4pm. Call ahead (518) 648-5459.
Indian Lake Theater
A single-screen movie theater on Main Street that’s been there since 1937. They play current releases on a normal schedule, $8 ticket, popcorn at the counter. Sometimes there’s an organ player before the show during summer events. Check their Facebook page for showtimes; their website is unreliable.
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