Lake George Narrows and Islands

Island campsites and mountain views in the Narrows.

In the middle of Lake George the water pinches between Tongue Mountain and Black Mountain and fills with small wooded islands, many of them state land. DEC runs 387 boat-access campsites on 44 islands, so a kayak or canoe from Bolton Landing can turn into a two- or three-night island hop. Summer weekends bring plenty of powerboat wake, so paddle early, hug the shore and check the wind before open crossings.

At a glance

Lake

32 miles long, 170+ islands

Island campsites

387 on 44 state-owned islands

Campsite fee

$28/night (+$5 out of state)

Access

Boat only; launch from Bolton Landing or a marina

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Paddle-in camping
• Multi-day trips
• Boat rentals
• Paddleboarding
• Swimming
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• Lake George Kayak Co.

  Lakeside boathouse in Bolton Landing with kayak, canoe and SUP rentals by the hour or day, lessons, a paddle shop and local route advice; boats launch right at the dock.

• Kayak Lake George

  Kayak and SUP rentals in Lake George village at the south end of the lake.

Where to stay

• hotelThe Sagamore

  Historic resort hotel on its own island off Bolton Landing, with a spa and docks.

  5 min drive
• hotelMelody Manor Resort

  Bolton Landing resort directly on the lake, with 300 feet of private lakefront.

  5 min drive

Nearby

• Lake George Steamboat Co. · 25 min drive

  Sightseeing cruises up the lake from Lake George village.

• Fort William Henry Museum · 25 min drive

  Reconstructed 1750s fort at the south end of the lake.

• Adirondack Pub & Brewery · 25 min drive

  Brewpub in Lake George village for a beer after a day on the water.

Getting there

• Albany International (ALB) · about 1 hr drive
• Verona, NY · about 2.5 hr
• Albany · about 1 hr
• New York City · about 4 hr

Directions in Google Maps