Why Bolton Landing Is the Best Starting Point for Lake George Island Camping
Camping on a Lake George island offers a one-of-a-kind Adirondack experience, but every trip begins on shore. You need a place to park, launch a boat, rent a watercraft, arrange transportation, and pick up anything you may have forgotten.
That is what makes Bolton Landing such a convenient starting point. Located along the western shore of the lake, the community is directly across from the Glen Island Group and close to marinas, boat rentals, water taxis, stores, and waterfront restaurants.
You can arrive with your own trailered boat, rent one for several days, or let a water taxi carry you and your camping gear to your reserved site. Before leaving home, explore our complete Lake George Island Camping Guide and reserve your campsite through ReserveAmerica
Nearby Islands for Overnight Camping and Day Use
New York State’s Lake George Islands Campgrounds include 387 shoreline campsites spread across 44 state-owned islands. The boat-access-only sites are divided into the Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island groups.
The Glen Island Group, located in the Narrows east of Bolton Landing, is the most convenient group for travelers using the community as their starting point. The Long Island Group is at the southern end of Lake George, while the Narrow Island Group is farther north.
Every overnight campsite includes a dock for one boat, a fireplace, a picnic table, and access to a toilet facility. Campsite reservations should be made before arranging a boat rental or water taxi, especially during peak summer periods. Review the latest maps, operating dates, rules, and reservation information through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Overnight Camping Islands
The Glen Island Group includes everything from private, single-site islands to larger destinations with several neighboring campsites. A few options to consider include:
Log Bay Island has 12 cruiser campsites designed for larger boats with living or sleeping quarters. Its location near popular Log Bay makes it a good choice for campers who want to spend plenty of time boating and exploring the eastern shoreline.
Phantom Island has four campsites and sits across the channel from Glen Island, where the group’s ranger station is located. Its smaller size offers more of an island atmosphere without limiting campers to a single-site destination.
Pine Island has one campsite accommodating up to six people. A single-site island can provide extra privacy for a family or small group, but these secluded options are often in high demand.
Other islands in the Glen Island Group include Ranger Island, Uncas Island, Big Burnt Island, Fork Island, Mohican Island, and Huckleberry Island. Review site details carefully before reserving. Dock configuration, water depth, exposure to wind, tent platforms, and campsite capacity can differ significantly from one island to another.
Picnic and Day-Use Islands
You do not have to camp overnight to enjoy lunch or an afternoon on a Lake George island. The state-managed island groups also include designated day-use areas and picnic docks.
Commission Point and Black Mountain Point are among the picnic areas shown on the Glen Island Campground map. Farther north, Picnic Island in the Narrow Island Group offers picnic sites and a reservable pavilion.
A permit may be required before using a state-managed day-use area. Check with the appropriate ranger station for current availability and permit requirements before docking. These areas work well for a shorter boating excursion, a picnic during a captained cruise, or a daytime break from an overnight campsite.
Getting on the Water From Bolton Landing
Bolton Landing offers multiple ways to reach the islands, whether you arrive with your own boat or need transportation for your entire group.
Norowal Marina: Paid Parking and Boat Launching
Known as the “Gateway to the Islands,” Norowal Marina provides a public boat launch, more than three acres of parking, docking, and seasonal boat services. Its location makes it especially practical for visitors heading toward the Glen Island Group.
Campers bringing their own trailered boats can arrange parking and launching through the marina. Boats launched at Norowal must also comply with Lake George Park Commission inspection and decontamination requirements.
Water Taxi on Lake George operates from Norowal Marina and transports passengers and gear to island campsites. A water taxi can be especially helpful for campers who do not want to rent or operate a boat throughout their stay. Arrange transportation in advance and provide the operator with your island, campsite number, number of passengers, and amount of gear.
Bolton Boat Rentals
Bolton Boat Rentals offers another option for campers who want their own watercraft during the trip. Its rental fleet includes a 90-horsepower Camping Tritoon designed to transport passengers and camping equipment. The spacious, stable layout makes it useful for groups carrying tents, coolers, food, and other bulky supplies.
The company also operates a Lake George water taxi, giving visitors the choice between piloting a rental and booking direct transportation to their campsite.
Ask about rental duration, campsite delivery policies, fuel, security deposits, operator requirements, and parking before booking. Confirm that the selected boat is appropriate for the dock and water depth at your reserved site.
F.R. Smith & Sons Marina
F.R. Smith & Sons Marina offers boat rentals for visitors who want to navigate Lake George and explore the islands independently.
For a relaxed day on the water, the marina also offers captained boat cruises. These customizable outings can include sightseeing, swimming, island exploration, picnic areas, or waterfront dining. Because captained cruises are day experiences rather than transportation for an overnight campsite stay, they are best suited to visitors who want to see the islands without operating a boat.
The primary pickup point is F.R. Smith & Sons Marina. Pickup may also be available from The Sagamore Resort waterfront for hotel guests by arrangement or from a private waterfront home when the dock is suitable. Additional fees may apply.
Chic’s Marina
Chic’s Marina offers boat rentals and captained boat rides from its Bolton Landing location. A rental can give experienced boaters the freedom to plan their own island outing, while a captained ride is a convenient option for sightseeing or visiting a picnic area.
Parking should be part of your planning. Chic’s Marina does not offer long-term parking for an overnight island camping trip, so campers may need to arrange paid parking elsewhere, such as Norowal Marina. Confirm parking, launch logistics, rental rules, and permitted uses directly with the marina before finalizing the trip.
Tips for Provisioning and Taking a Break From Camping
Careful packing makes an island camping trip easier, but Bolton Landing also gives campers access to food, ice, fuel, and meals on shore.
Pick Up Last-Minute Supplies Before Launching
Once you reach your island, replacing a forgotten item requires another boat trip. Stop at Tops Friendly Markets or Stewart’s Shops in Bolton Landing for ice, drinks, snacks, groceries, firewood, and other last-minute necessities before heading to the marina.
Pack drinking water, meals, cooking supplies, flashlights, batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, and secure containers for food and trash. Campers should also check current DEC rules regarding firewood, campsite occupancy, pets, quiet hours, and waste disposal.
Remember that dogs are prohibited on the Lake George camping islands, docks, and vessels moored at island docks.
Enjoy Dockside Dining During Your Trip
Camping meals are part of the fun, but a waterfront lunch or dinner can be a welcome change during a longer stay. Campers with their own boat or a multi-day rental can cruise back toward Bolton Landing and dock near a local restaurant.
Tavern on the Lake at Blue Water Manor offers waterfront dining with views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains.
The Algonquin Restaurant is another popular waterfront option in Bolton Landing, making it convenient for boaters who want to take a break from campsite cooking.
Dock space can be limited during busy meal periods. Contact the restaurant ahead of time to confirm current docking policies, availability, and hours.
Begin Your Island Camping Adventure in Bolton Landing
With the Glen Island Group just offshore and several transportation options nearby, Bolton Landing takes much of the logistical stress out of Lake George island camping. You can launch your own boat, rent one designed to carry camping gear, reserve a water taxi, or book a captained outing to experience the islands for a day.
Before your trip, confirm your campsite reservation, transportation, parking, and marina policies. Then stock up in town and get ready to trade the roadway for open water.
Explore more places, services, and activities in our Bolton Landing Guide, or continue planning with the Lake George Camping Guide and Boating Guide.