Perhaps more than ever before Lake George residents and visitors are ready to grab their backpacks and bug spray and head out for a weekend of camping. Well, there’s good news for outdoor recreationalists: the DEC has recently opened reservations for the 2020 season.
Campgrounds Open, High Volume Expected, New Rules in Place
Up until recently all DEC campgrounds, including those on Lake George islands, were open but only existing reservations were being honored. New reservations are now being accepted, and a high volume is anticipated; customers are encouraged to book reservations online ahead of time. Walk-in camping is not permitted at this time.
As expected, there are a number of COVID-19 guidelines to follow:
- Face masks must be worn when outside your campsite area at any place were social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Only registered campers will be allowed in campground areas; no day visitors are permitted.
- Check in time is now at 2pm and check out at 10am.
- There may be limited shower and/or restroom facilities and they may be periodically closed to allow for enhanced cleaning.
- Facility amenities including but not limited to playgrounds and pavilions may be restricted or prohibited at certain locations.
- Retail sales such as firewood and ice as well as other services such as boat rentals may be restricted or prohibited at certain locations.
- Day use sales and bather capacity numbers will be reduced.
With regards to backcountry (primitive) camping on State lands, the DEC has resumed issuing permits for groups of 10 or more people who wish to camp for more than three nights at one location. The only State land still not open at this time is Sugar Hill Recreation Area, which is in the Finger Lakes region.
Camping on a Lake George Island
Island camping is one of the most popular types of camping in the Lake George region. Check out the three island groups below:
Most sites on these islands allow up to six people, but some are limited to two or four. This group of islands is just off Bolton Landing.
As with Glen Island Group, some of these island are large enough for six, and others two to four. This is the quietest and most private of the islands.
Long Island Group comprises one large island that has about 90 campsites.
Get info on reserving island campsites >>
Camping at a Lake George Campground
These two campgrounds are located on the Western Lake George shoreline:
Hearthstone Point is about five minutes north of Lake George Village and has 250 tent and trailer sites.
Rogers Rock is about 45 minutes north of Lake George Village in Hague and has 332 campsites.
