Lake George Islands Campgrounds
Experience remote wilderness camping on Lake George's islands, accessible only by boat. Enjoy stunning views, tranquility, and a true escape into natu...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Lake George Islands Campgrounds
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience remote wilderness camping on Lake George's islands, accessible only by boat. Enjoy stunning views, tranquility, and a true escape into nature.
"The camping experience is a real adventure especially when compared to drive-up tent sights."
Reserve Your Island Site
Book your island campsite in advance using the RA Camping app. Popular spots fill up fast!
Boat Access is Key
All island sites are boat-access only. Ensure you have a boat or can arrange transport.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Remote Island Camping
Various islands across Lake George
Experience true wilderness camping with boat-only access. Enjoy peace after speed boats depart and spectacular night skies.
Spectacular Vistas
Black Mountain Point, various island viewpoints
Breathtaking panoramic views of Lake George and surrounding Adirondack mountains. Perfect for photography and nature appreciation.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the islands
Observe diverse local fauna, from small animals and birds to occasional raccoons. A great spot for nature watching.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Island Camping Logistics
Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Island Site
Book your island campsite in advance using the RA Camping app. Popular spots fill up fast!
Boat Access is Key
All island sites are boat-access only. Ensure you have a boat or can arrange transport.
Pack for the Wild
Bring all essentials: food, water, bug spray, and first-aid. Outhouses and docks are the main amenities.
Beware of Wildlife
Raccoons, snakes, and spiders are common. Check outhouses carefully before use.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Island Site
Book your island campsite in advance using the RA Camping app. Popular spots fill up fast!
Boat Access is Key
All island sites are boat-access only. Ensure you have a boat or can arrange transport.
Pack for the Wild
Bring all essentials: food, water, bug spray, and first-aid. Outhouses and docks are the main amenities.
Beware of Wildlife
Raccoons, snakes, and spiders are common. Check outhouses carefully before use.
Prepare for Weather
Lake George weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear for sudden storms.
Photography Paradise
The area offers picturesque moments and great opportunities for bird and nature watching.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the remote island camping experience on Lake George, highlighting the spectacular views and peaceful atmosphere once speed boats depart. The boat-access only nature enhances the feeling of escape. However, some find the rustic amenities challenging, and wildlife encounters require caution.
"Island camping is just wonderful. This time of year you have most islands to yourself, save a raccoon or three. Preparation for unexpected weather is important. But we had a cozy cabin and just took a boat ride on a beautiful September day out to a day use picnic area on Black Mountain Point. After docking, we looked for outhouses and reminded each other to look before you leap. In the springtime, this year I hurried into a porta john at Sterling Forest Lake and cornered an aggressive or territorial snake that could have easily exited the drain hole it came in. Instead it thrashed and lashed with it's mouth wide open. Luckily for me it was just a little garter snake with a big lesson to teach me. Porta johns near wooded areas can be safe hiding places for snakes. So, back to Black Mountain, I slowly pushed the door open to find no snakes on the floor. I used the john and turned around to reach for toilet paper to see a couple of dock spiders on the wall right behind me. Dock spiders are the size of your palm, can sting like a bumble bee and two locals I showed pictures identified them and both said they can run across water. In my photos, their eyes glinted in the camera flash. So, if you have to use an outhouse, look on the floor for snakes, on the walls for spiders and the ceiling for bats. One more thing I can tell you about outhouses. They are a safe haven in a sudden storm in the middle of Lake George."
rodney marione
"Great weekend get away. Spectacular views and hiking. It's laid out well so you have quite areas and seldom run into crowds. Everything is close so it's not too exhausting.. You can close to many small animals and birds. It's a great area for photography. The is the place if your looking to enjoy nature, serenity, easy trails, picturesque, photo moments, bird and nature watching."
Ralph Calderone
"After the speed boats go away for the night, the campground becomes peaceful.
The views are spectacular.
Access is only by boat, which enhances the remote camping experience.
The campsites are rustic, but they also include docks and outhouses.
When arriving, it is often necessary to ask boaters to leave your camp site's dock if it is in a location that is protected from wakes.
The night sky is bright with stars, but the glow from the Town of Lake George obscures the stars that are south.
It would be a motor boater's camping paradise if most of the docks for campsites were not so exposed to wakes.
Overall, the camping experience is a real adventure especially when compared to drive-up tent sights."
Bryant Arms
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the Lake George Islands Campgrounds is exclusively by boat. You'll need to arrange your own boat or use a water taxi service. Many visitors bring their own kayaks, canoes, or motorboats to reach their reserved island campsite.
No, you cannot drive your car directly to the island campsites. All access is via watercraft. There are marinas and launch points on the mainland where you can park your vehicle.
While specific rental companies aren't detailed, you can find various boat rental services in the Lake George area. Kayaks, rowboats, and motorboats are available for hourly or half-day rentals, with prices varying.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for cars, which was reported as $10. This fee typically covers access to day-use areas on the islands.
The islands are spread across Lake George, offering a sense of remoteness. The exact distance varies depending on the island, but they are generally accessible by boat within a reasonable time frame from the mainland.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can reserve your island campsite through the RA Camping app. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular dates.
Camping fees vary depending on the site, generally ranging from $18 to $37 per night. There might be a surcharge for non-New York residents.
Some visitors have noted that certain dog breeds are not permitted, which can be a disappointment for those wanting to bring their pets.
Campsites are rustic and typically include docks and outhouses. There are no extensive facilities, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.
Yes, day-use areas are available on some islands. You can access these by boat and enjoy picnicking and exploring for the day.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include enjoying the serene environment, hiking easy trails, photography, bird watching, and swimming. The remote setting offers a peaceful escape.
While outhouses are available, caution is advised. Wildlife like snakes and spiders can inhabit them. Always check thoroughly before use.
The campgrounds become particularly peaceful after the speed boats leave for the night, offering a serene atmosphere.
Privacy can vary. While the islands offer a sense of remoteness, some campsites may not afford much privacy during peak summer months.
Pack essentials like food, water, camping gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. Don't forget toilet paper for the outhouses!
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The islands offer spectacular views, picturesque landscapes, and opportunities for bird and nature photography. The night sky can also be impressive, though town glow may affect southern views. +1
Early mornings and late evenings often provide beautiful lighting for landscape photography. The serene atmosphere after boaters leave also enhances photo opportunities.
While many islands offer great vistas, Black Mountain Point is mentioned for its beautiful day-use picnic areas and views. Exploring different islands will reveal unique photographic potential.
You can spot various small animals and birds. Keep an eye out for them during your explorations for unique wildlife shots.
Yes, the rustic docks and island campsites themselves offer a unique photographic subject, capturing the essence of remote island living.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Adventure Seekers
📸 Nature Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Island Access
For those without their own vessels, numerous boat rental options are available in the Lake George area. These can range from smaller rowboats and kayaks for exploring closer islands to larger motorboats for covering more distance. The cost of rentals can vary, with options for hourly or half-day use.
It's also worth noting that while car entrance fees apply for day-use areas, the primary mode of transport to the islands themselves is water-based. This ensures the preservation of the islands' natural state and enhances the feeling of remoteness for campers.
Embracing Rustic Camping
Preparation for the elements is paramount. Lake George's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden storms posing a risk. Packing layers of clothing and rain gear is essential, even during warmer months. The outhouses, while functional, can also be havens for local wildlife, including snakes and spiders, so visitors are advised to exercise caution and inspect them before use.
Despite the rustic nature, the experience is highly rewarding for those seeking tranquility and a break from conventional camping. The opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty, coupled with the unique boat-access only aspect, makes for a memorable adventure.
Photography Opportunities
Early mornings and late evenings are particularly magical for photography, with soft, golden light that enhances the scenery. The quiet hours after the day-trippers leave also provide a peaceful setting for capturing the essence of the islands. Wildlife photography is also a possibility, with various birds and small animals inhabiting the islands.
Even the rustic elements, like the docks and outhouses, can add character to your photographs, telling the story of this unique camping experience. The night sky, though potentially affected by the glow from the Town of Lake George to the south, can still offer spectacular stargazing opportunities for astrophotography enthusiasts.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit