What to Know About Island Camping on Lake George: Your Questions Answered

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Camping on one of Lake George's islands is a truly unique and amazing experience. If you're new to island camping or need a refresh on how it works, we've got all the info you need below.

At a Glance

• Reservations open up to 9 months in advance
• Most sites book months in advance
• All campsites require boat access
• Maximum 6 people per site
• Up to 2 tents per campsite
• Pets are prohibited
• Campfires and fishing are allowed

Jump to:

• Reservations
• Boat Access
• What to Pack
• One-Campsite Islands
• Rules, Amenities & What to Expect
• Day Use Permits
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Reserve an Island Campsite

Island campsites are usually reserved months in advance, so book as early as possible. You can book up to nine months in advance through ReserveAmerica.

Lake George islands are separated into three categories: Glen Island Group, Long Island Group, and Narrow Island Group: You can check island campsite availability through ReserveAmerica.

Island camping on Lake George begins in mid-May. Glen Island Group is open through Columbus Day, Long Island Group through Labor Day, and Narrow Island Group until around mid-September.

General Island Group Info

• Glen Island Group - Ranger Station Contact Number (518-644-9696)
• Long Island Group - Ranger Station Contact Number (518-656-9426)
• Narrow Island Group - Ranger Station Contact Number (518-499-1288)

You can check for availability for these groups through ReserveAmerica's website (links down below). You can also contact ReserveAmerica directly, as they can help answer any specific questions you have. Their reservation phone number is 1-800-456-2267 and their customer service phone number is 1-800-777-9644.

Non-Reservable Campsites

There are also campsites in each island group that are not reservable. They are first-come, first-serve, and the sites can only be obtained in person at the appropriate ranger station during check-in. These non-reservable sites can change season to season, so you can't expect one to be open when you arrive at the ranger station.

If you are interested in non-reservable campsites, make sure you have a backup plan or prior campsite reservation because none may be available when you arrive at the ranger station.

Note: You cannot obtain a non-reservable campsite at Norowal Marina's ranger station because this station is only able to check in campers with prior reservations.

Cancellations

You'll want to contact ReserveAmerica directly for cancellation information. Their reservation line is 1-800-456-2267 and their customer service line is 1-800-777-9644.

Getting to Your Island Campsite

Bring Your Boat

All campsites are accessible by boat. There is a public launch at Million Dollar Beach. All campsites have a dock for one boat. Brush up on local boating regulations ahead of time.

The water depth near many of the island docks on Lake George is not enough to fit cruisers and other boats that draw a significant amount of water. Most people with these types of boats go to Red Rock Bay and drop an anchor instead of docking.

As the lake levels vary and different boats draw differently, it is always best to check with an island ranger about your particular circumstances before attempting to dock.

Got a sailboat? There are a number of sailboat-friendly docks and campsites on both the overnight islands and some day-use picnic islands on Lake George.  

Rent a Boat

If you don't have a boat, you can rent a boat or take a water taxi.

You do not needing a boating license to rent a boat. You do need your drivers license and a boating safety certificate. Read up boating regulations before you rent, and ask questions at the marina so you're confident and safe.

Accessible Campsites

Looking for an accessible campsite for island camping? There are two wheelchair accessible campsites, sites BM5 and BM6 in the Long Island Group.

What to Pack

Check out our island camping checklist and helpful tips for what to pack. Our team has also compiled their recommendations for camping gear and equipment to purchase for your trip.  

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One Campsite Islands

These are the one-campsite islands:

• Brush Island
• Steere Island
• Little Gourd
• Gourd Island
• Hermit Island
• Refuge Island
• Gem Island
• Perch Island
• Fox Island
• Bass Island
• Horicon Island
• Sunny Island
• Watch Island
• Cooper Island
• Pine Island
• Mallory Island
• Steere Island
• Phenita Island
• Little Burgess Island

Rules, Amenities & What to Expect

*Each campsite is limited to 6 people ad up to 2 tents.

*Camping permits can be issued for up to 14 nights. From July 1 through Labor Day, only 14 cumulative nights are permitted at any campground.

*Each campsite comes with a fireplace, picnic table, and toilet facility or privy. No island has electricity.

*Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am and are strictly enforced.

*Campfires are permitted, provided you purchase the firewood within 50 miles of the campsite. This is imperative for preventing the spread of invasive species, and it's the law. You cannot cut down trees on the islands for firewood.

*Fishing is permitted provided you have a NY State fishing license. Juniors 15 years old & younger do not need a license to fish.  

*Dogs and other pets are prohibited by the NY State DEC from being on any of the islands, island docks, or vessels moored at the island docks.

*Glen Island has a convenience store.

Day Use & Picnic Islands

Day use islands are called picnic islands. Day use permits for campsites and docks on Lake George's islands can be reserved and purchased online. Reservations can be booked as early as seven days in advance of arrival and as late as the same day. A day use permit costs $12.

Book online through ReserveAmerica, download the ReserveAmerica app, or call 1-800-456-2267.

In the past, Lake George boaters with season passes could reserve a day use island at no charge using their pass number, but this is no longer the case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Lake George Island Camping

Feel free to submit further questions to LakeGeorge.com via our contact page.  

See the Lake George Boating Guide >>

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