Alger Island Campground, Old Forge, NY

For New York residents looking to elevate their traditional camping experience from a wooded lakeshore to a secluded island retreat, Alger Island Campground presents a truly unique Adirondack opportunity. Situated entirely on an island in the beautiful Fourth Lake—part of the famed Fulton Chain of Lakes—this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) facility provides an authentic, boat-access-only camping adventure. It is a destination that combines a sense of splendid isolation with the vibrant, resort-like atmosphere of the popular Old Forge area.

Alger Island is not your typical drive-up campground. The necessity of accessing the island by watercraft immediately establishes a distinct, rustic, and adventurous tone, making it a favorite for seasoned campers and paddlers who appreciate a quieter, more remote setting. The campground is smaller and more intimate than many of its mainland counterparts, offering only 17 sites, the majority of which are traditional Adirondack lean-tos. This limited capacity and unique setup contribute to a strong sense of community among those who visit year after year, with many declaring, "We absolutely love Alger Island. We go every year!"

While offering a rugged feel, the island location places you directly on Fourth Lake, opening up the entire Fulton Chain for exploration via motorboat, canoe, or kayak. You are immersed in a true Adirondack ecosystem, yet the amenities and attractions of Old Forge are just a short boat ride and drive away. Alger Island provides a perfect solution for the local New Yorker who wants to escape the mainland noise and experience island camping at its finest, all while staying within the boundaries of a well-maintained state facility.

Location and Accessibility

Alger Island Campground is strategically located within Fourth Lake, the fourth lake in the picturesque Fulton Chain of Lakes.

The official mailing and headquarters address is: 1885 S Shore Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420, USA, with the primary registration and boat access point for the island being the Fourth Lake Day Use Area (headquarters is often cited at 303 Petrie Rd).

Accessibility is defined by one crucial factor: it is a boat-access-only campground.

Boat Access Required: Campers must travel to the island via their own motorboat, canoe, or kayak. This commitment to water access is what gives the campground its remote and adventurous character.
Fourth Lake Day-Use Area: This mainland location, located near the intersection of South Shore Road and Petrie Road, serves as the headquarters where campers register and secure permits for the island. It also offers a car-top boat launch and parking for those paddling across.
Proximity to Local Hubs: Despite its island setting, Alger Island is just a few miles from the hamlet of Old Forge, a major Adirondack tourist center. This means that after launching your boat, a quick trip can get you to dining, shopping, major attractions like the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, and medical clinics.
Motorized Boating: Fourth Lake allows motorboats, a significant benefit for campers who wish to explore the entire 8-lake Fulton Chain. However, visitors should be prepared for the lake to be "very crowded" at times, especially during peak summer and holiday weekends, which can lead to choppy water from boat wakes.

Services Offered

The services at Alger Island Campground are intentionally rustic, reflecting its island wilderness setting, yet provide the necessary components for an extended stay.

Campsite Structure: Offers a limited number of 17 sites total, consisting mainly of 15 Lean-to Sites and 2 Tent Sites. Lean-tos are a beloved Adirondack tradition, offering a three-sided shelter for a more protected experience.
Rustic Facilities: Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fireplace, and a hibachi-style grill for cooking. Sanitation is provided via pit toilets (outhouses).
Campground Headquarters: Registration and permits are handled on the mainland at the adjacent Fourth Lake Day-Use Area, which is also where firewood is typically available for sale.
Water and Garbage: The water supply on the island is designated as Non-Potable, meaning all campers must bring their own bottled water for drinking and cooking. Additionally, the campground enforces a strict Carry-In, Carry-Out policy for all garbage, ensuring the island remains pristine.
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed in the campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and must have proof of current rabies vaccination. Note that dogs are prohibited in the picnic area.

Features / Highlights

Alger Island’s greatest appeal lies in its distinct island setting, which creates a memorable and engaging camping environment on one of the Adirondacks’ busiest and most beautiful lake chains.

The Island Hike: A well-maintained short hiking trail circles the island, allowing campers to easily stretch their legs and explore the entirety of their temporary home. Guests should note that this trail walks through the campsites, so a level of respectful interaction with fellow campers is expected.
Unparalleled Water Recreation: Being on Fourth Lake grants access to the entire Fulton Chain for boating, canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and water-skiing. This is a massive, diverse waterway to explore, offering endless days of on-the-water fun.
Prime Fishing: Anglers enjoy the deep waters of Fourth Lake, which are known to hold a variety of popular game fish, including Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Landlocked Atlantic Salmon.
Adirondack Lean-to Experience: The predominance of lean-to sites offers a classic, semi-rustic form of camping that is a hallmark of the region, providing more shelter than a tent while still being open to the elements.
Day-Use Area Amenities (Mainland): The Fourth Lake Day-Use Area (registration headquarters) offers picnic tables, charcoal grills, and water spigots for day visitors and serves as a convenient staging area for island campers.

Contact Information

For reservations, which are highly recommended due to the limited number of sites, and for current information on operations, boat launch access, and amenities, please use the primary contact for the headquarters facility.

Address: 1885 S Shore Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420, USA (General Area/Mailing)

Campground Phone: (315) 369-3224

Note: Online reservations for all NYSDEC facilities are typically handled through the ReserveAmerica system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, Alger Island Campground is far more than a simple campsite—it is a unique bucket-list experience that celebrates the adventurous spirit of the Adirondacks. It is specifically suitable for locals who:

Own a Boat or Canoe/Kayak: The boat-access-only nature provides a built-in filter, minimizing road noise and isolating you from the main tourist crowds.
Seek Rustic Authenticity: This is a step up from typical drive-up camping, offering lean-tos and requiring a 'pack-in, pack-out' mindset and self-sufficiency (bringing drinking water). It appeals to those who genuinely value rugged simplicity.
Desire a Water-Centric Vacation: The unparalleled access to Fourth Lake and the entire Fulton Chain makes it a premier spot for fishing, paddling, and watersports, all directly from your island doorstep.
Appreciate the Old Forge Vibe: You get the seclusion of an island but remain within a brief boat ride of the shopping, dining, and attractions of Old Forge, offering the best of both worlds—wilderness at night, convenience by day.

Alger Island Campground promises a rewarding and memorable break from city life and ordinary camping, ensuring that a trip to this Adirondack island becomes a cherished annual tradition for those who embrace the paddle and the quiet beauty of the lake.