Best Tent Camping near Lake George, NY
Tent campsites dot the islands and shorelines of Lake George, offering secluded camping experiences across established and dispersed sites. The Lake George Islands, including Long Island Group and Glen Island Group, provide boat-in tent camping with waterfront access. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off represents one of the area's primitive camping options, located a short distance from the main roads with river access.
Most tent sites around Lake George feature basic amenities with fire rings and picnic tables at established campgrounds, while dispersed sites typically have only minimal facilities. The island campgrounds require boat transportation and reservations should be made 9 months in advance, with the season typically running from May through early September. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as many sites lack potable water. Sites on the islands have pit toilets, but campers at dispersed sites must follow proper backcountry waste disposal protocols. Weather conditions can change rapidly on the lake, requiring proper preparation for tent campers.
Areas farther from the main lake offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quieter experiences. The island campgrounds provide unique opportunities to enjoy lakefront tent camping with swimming and fishing directly from your site. Murphy Lake Leanto offers a more secluded backcountry option for tent campers willing to hike in, with a forest setting and lake access. Many tent sites throughout the region provide access to hiking trails and water activities. According to one visitor, "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." Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently visiting campsites on the islands, requiring proper food storage.
