Best Tent Camping near Queensbury, NY
Lake George Islands State Park provides the most distinctive tent camping experience near Queensbury, New York, featuring boat-access tent sites spread across several island groups. Long Island, Glen Island, and Narrow Island groups offer primitive tent camping with sites that require water transportation to reach. Sites typically include a tent platform, picnic table, and fire ring. The camping season generally runs from mid-May to early September for most islands, with some extending into October.
Most tent sites on Lake George islands have minimal amenities. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard, but potable water is not available on the islands. Campers must bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water. Sites are accessible only by watercraft, requiring either a personal boat or rental. A recent review noted, "You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle. TAKE EVERYTHING you need including extra ice." Pit toilets are present but described by visitors as basic. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, are common at island campsites.
For mainland tent camping options, Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off provides roadside dispersed camping with more primitive conditions. These sites feature fire rings but lack facilities like toilets or water sources. According to one camper, "There is a fire pit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not." Sites are relatively secluded despite proximity to roads. Additionally, the Ushers Road State Forest area south of Queensbury offers dispersed tent camping at least 150 feet from trails. Murphy Lake Leanto provides another primitive tent camping option with a shelter, requiring a challenging hike or bike ride to access. Most dispersed tent sites in the region permit stays up to 14 days and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.