Printer-friendlyLake George Islands
Address:18 Boathouse Lane, Bolton Landing, NY 12814-0993
Campground Phone:
Glen Island - (518)644-9696
Long Island - (518)656-9426
Narrow Island - (518)499-1288
Regional Office Phone: (518)623-1200
Camping Fee: $22
Campground Map PDF File (411 KB)
Make a reservation at Glen Island with ReserveAmerica.
Make a reservation at Long Island with ReserveAmerica.
Make a reservation at Narrow Island with ReserveAmerica.
Located on the "Queen" of American Lakes, Lake George, the Lake George Islands offers a unique experience to campers. Lake George Islands campsites are accessible by boat only and are spread out over much of the lake. They are divided into three groups, Glen, Long and Narrow. Each group has its own headquarters to make site registration as convenient as possible. After choosing the area you want to camp in, you need to go to a private marina to park and launch. A fee is usually charged for both. Fishing, hiking, bird watching, boating and sailing are included in the many activities campers enjoy.
Hours of Operation: Glen Island, Long Island and Narrow Island all open in mid-May and remain open through the Fall foliage season, closing on Columbus Day.
Directions: Lake George is accessible from Route I-87 (Adirondack Northway) using exits 20-25, and 28, then Routes 4, 9, 9N, 8, 22, 74 and 149. Once leaving the Adirondack Northway, caution should be observed as some roads contain steep grades.
Glen Island Group - in The Narrows east of Bolton Landing.
Long Island Group - on the south end of the lake.
Narrow Island Group - in the Mother Bunch located in the northern part of the lake.
Amenities: There are 387 shoreline campsites located on 44 state owned islands. 85 sites are located in the Narrow Island Group (Mother Bunch Group), 170 sites and 42 cruiser sites are in the Glen Island Group (The Narrows), and 90 sites are on Long Island. The 42 cruiser sites are for large boats with sleeping quarters. 25 sites in the Glen Island Group are located on the mainland but are accessible by boat only. Most sites are well forested and private. All sites have a dock for at least one boat, a fireplace, picnic table, and toilet facility. Cruiser sites also provide a charcoal burner and privy.
Boating: Lake George is 32 miles long, 3 miles wide at its widest point, with a maximum depth of 195 feet. It offers some of the best recreational boating opportunities in the Northeast. All types of watercraft are allowed on the lake. Because of the long, narrow shape of the lake it is susceptible to hard winds and fast storms. Be mindful of weather warnings and get off the water if the situation looks threatening. Always use the appropriate vessel. Canoes are fine along the shore, but a sturdy boat is recommended out in the middle. Boaters should get the Lake George Power Squadron hydrographic chart at a local marina before sailing. Water depths vary greatly from sandy shoals, to sunken islands, to sudden drop offs. The chart not only show the location of such hazards, but contains information about navigational aids and rules of the lake.
Fishing: The water in Lake George allows light to penetrate exceptionally deep. This causes a two-story fishery, with landlocked salmon, and lake trout found at 50-180 foot levels while bass and pike tend to gather in weed beds, particularly in protected areas such as bays, and around islands. Pan fishing is fun at the shoreline, but a stable boat with motor is necessary for deeper waters.
Hiking: There are hiking trails that lead to many of the mountains overlooking the lake, and to remote mountain ponds. Over 50 miles of trails are marked with red, blue, or yellow 3 inch diameter markers.
Day Use Facilities: Picnicking is permitted in designated day-use areas. There are 116 day-use sites on 8 islands and 2 mainland areas. Permits must be obtained from the appropriate headquarters. These sites provide charcoal grills, fireplaces and tables. There are 9 picnic shelters that will hold up to 15 people each. They can be reserved. No day-use tickets will be issued after 8 p.m.. All day-users must leave the facility by 9 p.m..
Area Attractions: The Million Dollar Beach; Waterslide World; para sailing; horseback riding; miniature golf; marinas for boat, personal watercraft, and canoe rentals. The Great Escape is located a few minutes to the south.
Historic Interest: Lake George was created at the end of the last ice age when glacial deposits dammed up two ancient rivers that flowed through the valley. It is over thirty miles long, and is dotted with islands. Lake George has always been strategically important. Starting with the wars between the Iroquois and Algonquin Indians, and continuing with the French and Indian War, and the American Revolution. In 1885, the New York State Forest Commission, created by chapter 283 of the laws of that year, was given charge of the Forest Preserve. The Commission, is known today as the Department of Environmental Conservation. During the late 1930's and through the 1940's the Commission expanded development of the island campgrounds. Much of this work was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corp., including construction of caretaker's cabins and administrative offices for some of the Island Groups.
