Lake George Islands Campgrounds
- Dates of Operation (Glen Island):
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: October 9
- Dates of Operation (Long Island):
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: September 10
- Dates of Operation (Narrow Island):
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: September 17
- Camping Fee: $28 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
- County: Warren
- Campground Phone (Glen Island): (518) 644-9696
- Campground Phone (Long Island): (518) 656-9426
- Campground Phone (Narrow Island): (518) 499-1288
- Regional Office Phone: (518) 623-1200
- Make Your Camping Reservation (Glen Island): ReserveAmerica
- Make Your Camping Reservation (Long Island): ReserveAmerica
- Make Your Camping Reservation (Narrow Island): ReserveAmerica
Check out the virtual tour for Glen Island! (leaves DEC's website)
Check out the virtual tour for Long Island! (leaves DEC's website)
Check out the virtual tour for Narrow Island! (leaves DEC's website)
Glen Island Campground Map (PDF) || Long Island Campground Map (PDF) ||Narrow Island Campground 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.
Support DEC Campgrounds
Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the National Heritage trust (NHT). Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources. Donate here (leaves DEC website).
The Lake George Island Campgrounds (Glen, Long, and Narrow Islands) are boat access only campgrounds located on Lake George. Dogs are prohibited on any of the islands, docks and on vessels moored at docks.
Visitors to the Lake George Area should be aware of actions they can take to reduce the transport of aquatic invasives. Please visit Protect Lake George website(live link on right) and DEC Fisheries for more information.
BE ADVISED: Effective immediately, there will be a $3/night refuse surcharge imposed for Lake George Island camping permits. The surcharge is necessary to cover the rising operating costs and allow the Department to continue the current program of refuse management on Lake George. This fee is incorporated into the nightly camping fee.
Lake George Island (Glen, Long and Narrow Islands) campers: In addition to registering at the usual locations, you can now register at the DEC's office at the Norowal Marina on Sagamore Road in Bolton Landing. The telephone number at the DEC's Sagamore Road office is 518-644-9125. More information on the Norowal Marina. (leaving DEC website)
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. Please note that dogs are prohibited on any of the islands, docks and on vessels moored at docks.
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 one boat, a fireplace, picnic table, and toilet facility. Cruiser sites also provide a charcoal burner and privy.
Glen Island - Sites BM5, BM6, Pit Privies near sites BM5 & BM6 (no accessible showers in facility). Full Listing of DEC's Accessible Recreation Destinations
Featured Activities
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.
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. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
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.
Picnicking is permitted in designated day-use areas. Information can be found on the Lake George Islands Day Use page.
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.
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
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
DEC campground rules and regulations
Clean your boat and equipment - help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives
Don't move firewood - help prevent of spread of invasive insects
Additional Information
Area Attractions
The Million Dollar Beach; Fort William Henry; 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.
Junior Naturalist Program at Glen Island
Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.
