Lake George Islands Campgrounds

• 

  Dates of Operation (Glen Island):

  • Opening Date: May 16
  • Closing Date: October 13
• Dates of Operation (Long Island):
  • Opening Date: May 16
  • Closing Date: September 7
• Dates of Operation (Narrow Island):
  • Opening Date: May 16
  • Closing Date: September 14
• Camping Fee: $28 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
• County: Warren
• Campground Phone (Glen Island): (518) 644-9696
• Campground Phone (Long Island): (518) 646-1618
• Campground Phone (Narrow Island): (518) 499-1288
• Regional Office Phone: (518) 623-1200
• Make Your Camping Reservation (Glen Island): ReserveAmerica
• Make Your Camping Reservation (Long Island): ReserveAmerica
• Make Your Camping Reservation (Narrow Island): ReserveAmerica
• Maps: Glen Island Campground Map (PDF) || Long Island Campground Map (PDF) ||Narrow Island Campground Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.

The Lake George Island Campgrounds (Glen, Long, and Narrow Islands) are boat access only campgrounds located on Lake George. Dogs are prohibited on any of the islands, docks and on vessels moored at docks. This also includes the 25 campsites located in the Glen Island group located on the mainland.

Visitors to the Lake George Area should be aware of actions they can take to reduce the transport of aquatic invasives. Please visit Protect Lake George website(live link on right) and DEC Fisheries for more information.

BE ADVISED: Effective immediately, there will be a $3/night refuse surcharge imposed for Lake George Island camping permits. The surcharge is necessary to cover the rising operating costs and allow the Department to continue the current program of refuse management on Lake George. This fee is incorporated into the nightly camping fee.

Located on the "Queen" of American Lakes, Lake George, the Lake George Islands offers a unique experience to campers. Lake George Islands campsites are accessible by boat only and are spread out over much of the lake. They are divided into three groups, Glen, Long and Narrow. Each group has its own headquarters to make site registration as convenient as possible. After choosing the area you want to camp in, you need to go to a private marina to park and launch. A fee is usually charged for both. Fishing, hiking, bird watching, boating and sailing are included in the many activities campers enjoy. Please note that dogs are prohibited on any of the islands, docks and on vessels moored at docks.

Amenities

There are 387 shoreline campsites located on 44 state owned islands. 85 sites are located in the Narrow Island Group (Mother Bunch Group), 170 sites and 42 cruiser sites are in the Glen Island Group (The Narrows), and 90 sites are on Long Island. The 42 cruiser sites are for large boats with sleeping quarters. 25 sites in the Glen Island Group are located on the mainland but are accessible by boat only. Most sites are well forested and private. All sites have a dock for one boat, a fireplace, picnic table, and toilet facility. Cruiser sites also provide a charcoal burner and privy.

Accessible Features

In the camping area in the Glen Island Group, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Two accessible campsites (Sites: BM5, BM6); and
• Privy

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities including a full listing of Accessible Features at DEC Campgrounds and Day Use Areas.

Directions

Lake George is accessible from Route I-87 (Adirondack Northway) using exits 20-25, and 28, then Routes 4, 9, 9N, 8, 22, 74 and 149. Once leaving the Adirondack Northway, caution should be observed as some roads contain steep grades.

Glen Island Group - in The Narrows east of Bolton Landing.
Long Island Group - on the south end of the lake.
Narrow Island Group - in the Mother Bunch located in the northern part of the lake.

Planning and Management

The Final Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the campground guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a five-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.

For more information regarding the UMP for this facility please contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY12233, Telephone 518 457-2500, and email for campground information

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

DEC campground rules and regulations

Clean your boat and equipment - help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives

Don't move firewood - help prevent of spread of invasive insects

Hiking safety tips

Additional Information

Area Attractions

The Million Dollar Beach; Fort William Henry; Waterslide World; para sailing; horseback riding; miniature golf; marinas for boat, personal watercraft, and canoe rentals. The Great Escape is located a few minutes to the south.

Historic Interest

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. It is over thirty miles long, and is dotted with islands. Lake George has always been strategically important. Starting with the wars between the Iroquois and Algonquin Indians, and continuing with the French and Indian War, and the American Revolution. In 1885, the New York State Forest Commission, created by chapter 283 of the laws of that year, was given charge of the Forest Preserve. The Commission, is known today as the Department of Environmental Conservation. During the late 1930's and through the 1940's the Commission expanded development of the island campgrounds. Much of this work was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corp., including construction of caretaker's cabins and administrative offices for some of the Island Groups.

Junior Naturalist Program at Glen Island

Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.