Description
The Lake George Islands campsites, divided into three groups, Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island, are located on Lake George, America's "Queen" Lake. Camping here is unique; Lake George Islands campsites are accessible by boat only and are spread out over much of the lake. Each of the three camping islands has its own headquarters, to make site registration as convenient as possible. After campers choose the area in which they wish to camp, they continue to a private marina to park and launch. Fishing, hiking, bird watching, boating and sailing are included in the many activities campers enjoy on these wonderful islands.
Geography:
Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island are separate campgrounds located on Lake George. 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. In 1885, the New York State Forest Commission, known today as the Department of Environmental Conservation, was given charge of the Forest Preserve. During the late 1930's, and through the 1940's, the Commission expanded development of the island campgrounds, with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Recreation:
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. The water in Lake George allows light to penetrate exceptionally deep, resulting in 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. Over 50 miles of hiking trails lead to mountains overlooking the lake and to remote mountain ponds.
Facilities:
There are campsites in the Narrow Island Group, the Glen Island Group, and on Long Island, all accessible by boat only. Most sites are well-forested and private. All sites have a dock for at least one boat, a fireplace, a picnic table, and a toilet facility.
Nearby Attractions:
Nearby attractions include the Million Dollar Beach, Fort William Henry, Waterslide World, and The Great Escape. Nearby activity options include parasailing, horseback riding, and miniature golf.
CAMPGROUND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
- All campsites are accessible by boat only.
- Pets are PROHIBITED on all Lake George Islands campsites and day use islands (including Glen Island’s mainland campsites, all docks or any vessels moored at docks).
- There is a $3/night refuse surcharge imposed for Lake George Island camping permits. The surcharge is necessary to cover rising operating costs and allow the Department to continue the current program of refuse management on Lake George.
- Lake George Park Commission requires a user’s permit, and a fee is charged depending on the length of time, boat size and sleeping capability. Permits are usually available at the marina where the boat is launched, sporting goods stores or delis in the area. Further information is available from the L.G.P.C. at 518-668-9347.
- The cruiser camping area at Red Rock Bay and Log Bay Island is for larger boats with living/sleeping quarters. Sleeping in tents is not allowed. Each site has a charcoal burner, picnic table, pit privy and share a fireplace.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE-You must sign for your own site. Have your equipment with you and be ready to camp when you register. Names of all campers on a site must be listed on the permit at time of registration
CHECK-IN TIME-From 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Campers must register for their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night of their reservation or the campsite will be subject to re-rental and all fees will be forfeited
CHECK-OUT TIME-11:00 a.m. on your departure date
OCCUPANCY-Limited to 6 individuals per campsite and up to 2 tents. Only 1 boat permitted on any campsite.
AGE REGULATIONS-Campsites must be registered and occupied by a responsible person 18 years of age or older
LENGTH OF STAY-Your camping permit can be issued for a maximum of 14 nights. From July 1 through Labor Day only 14 cumulative nights will be permitted at any campground.
QUIET HOURS-From 10 p.m. until 7 a.m., and are strictly enforced. Violators of this policy may be evicted
GENERATORS-The use of generators may be limited to no more than 5 hours per day and fall between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonably loud by the facility staff, then individual use of a generator may be prohibited/limited
FIRES-Must be built in fireplaces provided. Only dead and down wood may be used for fuel. No chainsaws are allowed in campgrounds, and cutting down trees, alive or dead is prohibited.
FIREARMS-Are not allowed in campgrounds except during the Fall and Spring hunting seasons. Firearms must not be discharged within campground boundaries at any time
ACCESSIBLE SITES-At least one member of the camping party must have a mobility disability, or the party may be turned away.
SWIMMING-Swimming at DEC campgrounds is unsupervised by lifeguards. DEC advises those wishing to swim to access the water from the designated beach area(s) only. Beaches are maintained and patrolled by campground staff. Swimming is prohibited from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.