Camping in Lake George, NY
Tucked away in the southern Adirondacks, Lake George is a beloved Upstate New York treasure. The majestic body of crystal-clear water is enveloped by forests and rising mountain peaks. Dubbed the “Queen of the American Lakes” by Thomas Jefferson, visitors have been drawn to the area for centuries. For outdoor lovers, the lake’s inspiring landscape is a picturesque backdrop for a wide variety of activities.
Whether your priorities are peace and relaxation, or taking in all of the sights, smells and sounds of the area’s natural splendor, camping is a great choice for accommodations. Lake George camping options run the gamut, but your best bet is a memorable island camping getaway.
We’re here to help you start planning your Lake George camping trip!
The Best Time for Lake George Camping
Most will say that the best season for Lake George camping is the summer, but it really depends on your preferences. Do you like warm or cold weather activities? Do you want quiet and serenity, or do you enjoy seeing people around town and at festivals?
Summer, the Most Popular Season
The most popular time to visit Lake George is June through August, and for good reason. The weather is nice but not too hot, with highs in the 70s and 80s. Visitors can enjoy all warm weather activities, including biking, hiking, kayaking, boating and swimming. In the summer months there are also seasonal events, such as a jazz festival, and special activities like concerts in the park, fireworks and a designated “ice cream trail.”
Fall, a Scenic Transformation
Alternatively, the shoulder season in the weeks just after the high season is an ideal time to bask in the area’s glory while avoiding throngs on the roads, trails and water. September sees the first of cooler weather, although it is still pleasant enough for most warm weather activities. October is peak fall foliage.
The striking leaf change donning the forests and surrounding hills is worthy of a visit in and of itself. Hike, bike, or drive through the colorful canopy. You can also take a gondola ride or hot air balloon journey above the forest for a bird’s eye view. There are plenty of special autumn activities, such as Oktoberfest and a hot air balloon festival. Lake George camping options begin to dwindle in October however, as many campsites start closing mid-month.
Winter and Spring for Cold Weather Lovers
The winter season is very cold, with average temperatures in the 20s and 30s. For cold weather sport enthusiasts, this is the perfect time to head to Lake George, although tent and RV camping will have to be swapped for a hotel or cabin rental. In addition to skiing, sledding, ice skating and other time-honored outdoor winter traditions, Lake George also showcases winter events. There is the famous ice castles exhibit—an interactive attraction—as well as a winter carnival. Visitors can also take a ride in a horse-drawn sled, go dog sledding, or snowshoe on designated routes. Cold weather continues through part of April, and then gives way to the first warming breezes and eruptions of flowers.
Camping Lake George, NY: 5 Things to Know
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Bring Your Suit
If you visit in the summer, pack your bathing suit. Strict regulations govern the types of boats that enter Lake George. As a result, the water is fantastically clean and clear – perfect for a dip.
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Million Dollar Beach Is Free
As the name implies, the beach is beautiful. And it costs nothing to use. There is a fee for parking and use of the boat ramp.
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Don’t Forget Your Hiking Shoes
The area has plenty of trails for hikers of all abilities. Consider taking a trail to the top of an overlook, such as at Buck Mountain, for memorable views of the lake and mountains.
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Outdoors Meets Town Life
The southern portion of the lake is well-developed with plenty of restaurants and shops. The middle and northern areas are undeveloped, with much of the land protected as part of the Adirondack Park. As such, Lake George campers can enjoy the best of both worlds. So consider packing some non-camping clothes for your trip.
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Indoor Activities Galore
If the weather is not cooperating, there is plenty to do indoors. There are museums and galleries, including Fort William Henry and The Hyde Collection. You’ll be near family entertainment centers, such as trampoline parks, indoor climbing facilities, go-karts and arcades. There is also an outlet mall.
Family-Friendly Camping in Lake George, NY
For families looking for plenty of amenities and activities, Lake George Campsites are the place to stay. This pet- and family-friendly campground features 250 camping and RV sites and is located within walking distance of many popular Lake George attractions. On-site facilities at Lake George Campsites include a pool, playground, arcade, restrooms & showers, laundry, and a campground store.
The campground is also located just down the road from Six Flags Great Escape and is less than a 15-minute drive to Lake George Village. A short 10-minute drive gets you to Lake George’s free Million Dollar Beach, along with a host of other attractions located on the south end of the lake.
Island Campgrounds in Lake George NY
When it comes to camping, Lake George NY accommodations are largely centered around island campsites. There are a total of 387 Lake George campsites spread out across 44 state-owned islands, which are grouped into three campground clusters.
Each campground – Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island – has separate headquarters located about a dozen miles apart along the lakeshore. This allows for convenient check-in, and access to a private marina to park your vehicles and launch your boats. All sites boast privacy and serenity along the water and under the trees. Each features a dock for one boat, a fireplace, picnic table, and toilet facility.
Glen Island
With its headquarters in the central part of Lake George just off Bolton Landing, the Glen Island Group has the most inventory of the three campgrounds, with 170 sites and 42 cruiser sites. The cruiser sites are designed for large boats with sleeping quarters, and also provide a charcoal burner and an outhouse. Most sites are on smaller islands, and accommodate two, four or six campers – although there are 25 sites on the mainland that are strictly boat accessible.
Narrow Island
Located about a dozen miles north of Glen Island headquarters, the Narrow Island headquarters are the most remote and farthest from town. There are 81 Narrow Island campsites, many of which are situated near the base of Black Mountain. Since many of the Narrow Islands are small, campsites are restricted to two, four or sometimes six campers.
Long Island
At about 100 acres, Long Island is a larger island and rests in the southern portion of the lake near town. The island has 85 campsites and is a quick trip from the shore.
Island Campgrounds in Lake George NY
Lake George Camping at Its Best
If you’re looking to book at one of the best campgrounds in Lake George, island camping is the way to go for most boaters and outdoor enthusiasts. Let ReserveAmerica help you get ready for your Lake George camping adventure. We offer plenty of booking options and camping-related articles to make the most of your trip.