Lake George, which is nicknamed Queen of American Lakes, is located on the southeast base of the Adirondack Mountains in the state of New York. It drains to the north into Lake Champlain and eventually into the St. Lawrence River. The lake was formed at the end of the last ice age by glaciers that dammed up two rivers. Lake George is over thirty miles long and has 170 islands with camping on 44 of them. The west side of the lake is known as “millionaire’s row” because of the many mansions built there during the 1920s and 1930s by wealthy people as their summer homes.
Camping in Lake George offers a large variety of activities from fishing, hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, and scuba diving to name a few. The biggest attraction is the Adirondack Balloon Festival, with over 100 hot air balloons, which is held in mid-September. “Lake George Reflections: Island History and Lore” is an excellent book to read if you are considering camping Lake George. It is the definitive book on Lake George Island camping. It also discusses the history of the islands and even discusses environmental impacts on the area. You can find any kind of camping accommodations from a Lake George camping resort to Lake George island camping if camping Lake George is on your list of things to do.
Lake George Escape Camping Resort is the premiere in Lake George NY camping. It has over 575 camping and RV sites with full electric hook up for camping trailers, popups or family tents. They also have 50 log cabin rentals. This Lake George camping resort has everything including a lodge, 1 mile of waterfront, a stocked camping store, laundromat, modern bath facilities with camping shower and hot water, planned family activities, and even a shuttle to take campers to area attractions like Howe Caverns and Cooperstown. They have canoes, kayaks and boats for rent for campers looking to do some fishing or lounging on the lake. Camping Lake George at Lake George Escape Camping Resort is more like spending time at a luxury resort.
Lake George Island camping does not have the luxuries of the Lake George camping resort but it offers more of a back to nature experience for the camper looking to get away from civilization. There are three main island groups when camping in Lake George: Long Island group, Glen Island group and Narrow Island group. Some islands are large and can accommodate large groups of people interested in camping in Lake George while some are small with only two or three tent sites. All islands are state owned and have picnic tables and camping toilet facilities. If you’re looking for solitude and privacy you can try Hermit Island. Hermit Island is a one tent island with a dock for a boat. It is surrounded by trees but sunny enough to enjoy fishing and swimming. If you want to be around more people you can camp on Turtle Island which has 33 tent sites. There is no camping shower or water on the island so make sure to bring your own. The Coleman Water Carrier holds 5 gallons of water and is ideal for Lake George island camping.
Carry fresh water with you to any of the Lake George islands you plan on visiting.
Lake George NY camping is an adventure that could take years to accomplish with its variety of islands and activities. Whether you prefer Lake George island camping or a plush Lake George camping resort you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. Situated in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, camping in Lake George is an escape from hectic city living.
Photo Credit: By Jelson25 (Own work) , via Wikimedia Commons
