Tent campgrounds around Bolton Landing, New York feature several island camping opportunities in Lake George, providing a unique outdoor experience. Lake George Islands campsites—including Long Island Group, Glen Island Group, and Narrow Island Group—offer tent-specific sites accessible primarily by boat. These island campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through early September, with some extending to early October. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off provides a more secluded alternative for tent campers seeking primitive camping options within the Adirondack region.
Sites at Lake George Islands require boat transportation, making them distinct from typical walk-in tent sites found elsewhere in the Adirondacks. Most island campsites include a picnic table and fire ring, though amenities are minimal with no drinking water, showers, or flush toilets. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. The Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off area features more rugged terrain with basic fire rings and no facilities. A camper noted, "The site has its own private road. A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV." Access to water sources varies by location, with island sites surrounded by lake water requiring filtration, while others have nearby streams.
Tent camping in the Bolton Landing area provides scenic views and natural surroundings not available to other accommodation types. The Lake George island sites offer exceptional privacy and waterfront locations, though raccoons can be problematic. A visitor commented, "We had a great spot on Long Island! Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip." For backpacking enthusiasts, the surrounding Adirondack backcountry contains numerous tent campsites along hiking trails, though these require more planning and self-sufficiency. Weather conditions change rapidly in the Adirondack region, particularly on the islands where wind exposure can impact tent stability. Campers should secure tent sites thoroughly and prepare for temperature fluctuations, especially when tent camping in spring and fall seasons when nighttime temperatures can drop significantly.
$28 / night
$28 / night
"When camping on lake George, staying on an island to camp is a must-do. We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private."
$28 / night
"I have stayed on Nobles Island & Floating Battery Island in the Narrows of Lake George. You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle."
$189 / night
"This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended."
$22 / night
$22 / night
GuideStayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes. A dam with some additional sites on the other side. Town is about 20-30 minutes away. Several trails nearby. Would recommend.
Also would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites.
LegendNote: This is a hike in back country shelter with unreliable water and a pit bathroom.
I tented here on a section hike of the AT. The shelter was a fairly basic 8ish person shelter, but this stop stood out because of a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail (when heading northbound).
For camping, there were a few large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level.
The privvy looked brand new and was more spacious than most on the trail.
There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound. I only explored a bit offtrail down the brook but found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit.
There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound).
Although the shelter was fairly basic, I would keep this on my list as a go-to place to stop if I was planning to hike in the area.
LegendI tent camped here before doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and it was one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at before.
The sites have some privacy and woods in between, though the tent sites vs. shelters and cabins were mostly closer to the access road. All sites were super clean and had a picnic table and fire ring. Most sites had a built in cooking fire structure (vs. a fire ring) they looked great for camp cooking, though my site (T01) seemed to be the only without it.
The facilities were well-maintained, there were water spigots everywhere, and though I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, there were lots of activities right there (volleyball lawn, the AT running right through the campground, mountain bike trails).
I didn’t stay in them, but the cabins and lean-tos looked great for group or family options.
Kent Pond was also just across the road for water activities, and I saw at least one fly fisher out.
Killington was also right nearby for restaurants and other needs.
I will definitely be coming back to explore more!
GuideWe got rained out!! Our site did have good drainage and ample tree cover so that helped. Easy access to buy firewood on the road into the campground.
GuideTucked down a gravel road in the Green Mountain National Forest is this hidden treasure. Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others. You will pass several trailheads on your way up to the campground. Many of the sites are reservable, others are first come first serve. You will find a pay station as you enter the campsite. The camp host is at site 1. Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me. Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent. I didn’t experience many bugs, no mosquitoes, what I saw the most of were caterpillars. But If you needed bug spray or forgot anything back in town a few miles Ripton grocery has you covered.
LegendThe Golden Beach campground has two sections: one is the main campground, with the usual state forest amenities including bathrooms, showers and beach, shared with a couple hundred campsites along the east side of Racquette Lake. However, the campground also manages a string of more remotely placed campsites located along the shor of the south bay of Racquette Lake, removed from the main campground and its amenities but with much more space between sites and direct access to the lake. They also are clustered in small spurs directly accessible to Rt 28, which has pluses and minuses. For me, these quieter more rustic sites are preferable, especially with the easy access for canoeing right on the lake. Picnic table, tent site, parking spot and fire ring are all provided, right along the beautiful lake. The smallest spur has only 2 campsites, which is perfect when you want a quiet spot! Big trees, peace and quiet, beautiful Adirondack experience, also not too far from the main campground and many hiking trails in the area
LegendGreendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.
There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur. Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents. There is also a vault toilet.
The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams. This loop includes approximately 2 miles of walking along town maintained roads open to vehicular traffic.
This site is not maintained for winter use. Deep snow often covers amenities at this site December – mid April. The nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away and access is via skis or snowshoes. My wife and I car camped in July and there were very few campers. Many sites are beside Greendale Brook. The water is clean, refreshing and soothing. Especially soothing while sitting by the campfire.
LegendThere are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience. The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive.
There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.
This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!
This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF
LegendWhen camping on lake George, staying on an island to camp is a must-do. We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private. There are also other islands in the park - Glen and Long, etc, where there are more sites in a group setting, but nothing beats being alone and hearing only the tide crashing next to you all night. We went for July 4th and got front row seats for their fireworks over the lake from our private shore. It was beautiful. Spent the rest of our time kayaking, swimming, hiking in the mountains and eating at our favorite local joint, George's (we recommend the prime rib and salad bar with their carrot slaw - it's amazing.) Best kayak rentals at Bolton Landing a short drive down the coast!
Tent camping near Bolton Landing, New York offers a distinctive experience with both island and mainland options. The region sits within the Adirondack Park at approximately 1,000-1,300 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Lake George, a 32-mile long glacial lake, serves as the centerpiece for camping activities with water temperatures ranging from 40°F in early spring to 80°F during peak summer months.
Kayak rentals for island access: Visitors can rent kayaks from Bolton Landing to reach island campsites. "We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private," notes a camper at Glen Island Group — Lake George Islands.
River access for cooling off: At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, campers can reach the river down a short but steep bank. "There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night," explains a reviewer who camped during summer months.
Fishing in Lake George: Lake George offers excellent fishing opportunities during the camping season. A visitor to Glen Island Group — Lake George Islands shared, "Great fishing, lots of fun to be had on the water and quiet peaceful evening by the campfire."
Private island experiences: Some campers appreciate the exclusivity of having their own island. "We went for July 4th and got front row seats for their fireworks over the lake from our private shore," shared one camper about their experience at Glen Island Group.
The forced disconnection: The remote nature of island camping creates a unique experience. A Narrow Island Group — Lake George Islands camper explains, "Once there, settle in & relax, you aren't going anywhere. Nice for forced relaxation if you want to read, sleep, have limited interaction."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The region offers welcoming options for families. A visitor to Stony Creek Family Campground noted, "It's a nice family ran campground. We love it here and plan to come back!"
Boat requirements: Most island sites require appropriate watercraft. "Definitely need a decent sized boat with a gas outboard to get there, but wow. What an experience," explains a Glen Island Group visitor who stayed with family.
Limited amenities: Island camping means minimal facilities. A Long Island Group — Lake George Islands camper noted that despite amazing views, "The wooden porta pottys or whatever you call them were grotesque."
Raccoon challenges: Wildlife encounters are common. "We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night. It was bad," warns a Long Island Group camper who experienced persistent wildlife issues.
Booking timeline: Reservations require advance planning. "Book 9 months in advance & good luck. Last minute cancellations are a common occurrence though," advises a Narrow Island Group camper.
Bring activities for children: When camping on islands, pack games and activities as transportation limitations restrict impromptu trips. "Me the wife and our 3 children had an amazing time on our three night stay," shared a family who enjoyed Glen Island Group despite its remoteness.
Consider site levelness: Many sites have uneven ground that affects tent comfort. A Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off visitor noted, "ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not."
Pack extra supplies: Island camping requires self-sufficiency. "TAKE EVERYTHING you need including extra ice," recommends a Narrow Island Group camper who learned from experience.
Access limitations for large vehicles: Most dispersed and island sites cannot accommodate large RVs. A Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off camper advised, "The site has its own private road. A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV."
Consider weather impacts: Weather conditions affect RV access to remote sites. "Check the weather before your stay- you may be able to swap for a site on the opposite side of the island if you get an idea of where the winds will be coming from," suggests an experienced Narrow Island Group camper.
Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Bolton Landing lack traditional RV amenities. A Long Island Group camper commented that there are "no leveled space whatsoever," making traditional RV camping challenging at most island locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bolton Landing, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bolton Landing, NY is Long Island Group — Lake George Islands with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Bolton Landing, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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