Bass Island Campsite 1

- 37 Bass Nr Tongue Mtn, Bolton Landing, NY 12814

For lifelong New Yorkers who believe they have seen it all, Bass Island Campsite 1 on Lake George represents one of the most unique and cherished Adirondack camping experiences available. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a true, boat-in island escape, offering a singular blend of rugged isolation and breathtaking natural beauty on the "Queen of American Lakes." Bass Island is renowned in the Lake George region for being one of the few state-owned islands featuring just a single campsite. This exclusivity guarantees an unparalleled level of privacy and solitude, allowing local users to fully disconnect from the city's hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the pristine waters and forested mountains of the Adirondack Park.

The experience of rowing or boating to your own private island for a few nights defines the perfect Adirondack adventure. Campers set up their tents with water views, enjoy meals cooked over an open fire, and wake up to the sounds of the lake. It is a highly sought-after destination for those who value peace and a truly scenic "good scene," as one previous camper described it. As part of the larger Lake George Islands Campsites system managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Bass Island provides the essential, rustic amenities needed for comfortable, traditional camping, all while being a short boat ride from the conveniences of the mainland in Bolton Landing. This is island camping at its finest, offering New Yorkers an unforgettable wilderness retreat.

Bass Island Campsite 1 is a distinctive state-owned camping location situated in the Glen Island Group, one of the three major island camping groups on Lake George, New York. Its main claim to fame is its status as a single-campsite island, meaning that when you reserve this spot, you reserve the entire island for your party’s exclusive use. The island is partially shaded and offers stunning panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding Tongue Mountain Range.

This is a primitive, tent-only camping experience, perfectly suited for the experienced New York camper looking for maximum privacy. It caters to a small group size, typically accommodating a maximum of four people, ensuring a peaceful and low-impact stay. Unlike mainland campgrounds, the environment here is focused solely on the essentials: the water, the trees, and the solitude. The operation of the island campsites is managed by the DEC, ensuring the preservation of the lake’s legendary clear waters and the ecological integrity of the Adirondack Park. The camping season generally runs from mid-May through early October, making it a perfect summer and fall destination.

The location of Bass Island Campsite 1 is inherently unique as it is a remote, boat-access-only destination on Lake George.

The official address provided references its location within the administrative area:

37 Bass Nr Tongue Mtn, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

However, it is crucial for New York users to understand the access requirements. Bass Island is located in a section of Lake George known as "The Narrows," situated on the west side of the lake, east of Bolton Landing and near the dramatic Tongue Mountain Range.

Accessibility is strictly by boat. Campers must arrange for their own watercraft—whether a canoe, kayak, or motorboat—to reach the island.

Steps for Access:

• Travel to the Mainland: Campers drive to a nearby private marina or one of the public boat launches in the Bolton Landing area.
• Parking and Launching: Overnight parking for vehicles and boat trailers must be secured at a private marina, as this is typically not available at the state-owned launch sites for island campers.
• Boat Journey: The island is then reached via a short but necessary boat trip from the mainland. Some local businesses also offer water taxi services for those who do not own a boat.
• Check-In: Campers generally check in at the Glen Island Ranger Station or the DEC's Norowal Marina office in Bolton Landing before proceeding to the island.

The nearest major highway access for New York residents arriving from the south is Interstate 87 (the Adirondack Northway), typically using exits in the Lake George or Bolton Landing area before navigating to the marina.

As a designated primitive island campsite, the services provided focus on the core necessities for a rustic experience while maintaining environmental stewardship.

• Campsite Dock: Each reservation includes exclusive use of a private shore dock for mooring at least one boat, which is essential for access.
• Tent Platform: A provided wooden tent platform (approx. 12'x14') offers a level, clean surface for pitching a tent. Campers should be prepared with their own tent and gear.
• Picnic Table: A dedicated picnic table is available on the island for meal preparation and dining with scenic lake views.
• Metal Fireplace: A metal fire pit or fireplace is provided for safe, contained campfires and cooking.
• Toilet Facility: A primitive toilet facility (typically a privy or vault toilet) is available for sanitation on the island.
• Registration: Check-in and registration are handled at the mainland ranger station or DEC office, not on the island itself.

The unique features of Bass Island Campsite 1 are defined by its size, exclusivity, and location on the magnificent Lake George.

• Exclusive Private Island Camping: The number one highlight is the fact that reserving Campsite 1 gives you the whole island, guaranteeing solitude and a completely private waterfront camping experience, a rarity in the Northeast.
• Direct Water Access: The island offers immediate, unimpeded access to Lake George for swimming, fishing (known for bass), and paddling right from the shore dock.
• Stunning Adirondack Vistas: Campers are treated to incredible views of the Adirondack mountains, particularly the striking Tongue Mountain Range, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the lake.
• Proximity to Hiking: The location in The Narrows area provides convenient boat access to the mainland where numerous hiking trails, including the popular trails on Tongue Mountain, can be reached.
• Rustic and Traditional Atmosphere: The campsite maintains a primitive, traditional feel with essential furnishings, appealing to New Yorkers seeking an authentic, back-to-nature retreat.

For all administrative, reservation, and operational inquiries regarding Bass Island Campsite 1, contact the managing office for the Lake George Islands Campsites.

Address (Administrative/Check-in Area): Glen Island Group - PO Box 993, Bolton Landing, NY 12814-0993 (The actual campsite address is an internal marker).

Phone (DEC Regional Office): (518) 623-1200

Phone (Glen Island Campground Office): (518) 644-9696

Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

All reservations must be made in advance, typically through the New York State camping reservation system. It is highly advised to book well in advance due to the high demand for this specific, exclusive island site.

Bass Island Campsite 1 is perfectly suitable for New York locals who seek an extraordinary and memorable outdoor experience. For residents of the state, particularly those accustomed to crowded public spaces, the opportunity to rent an entire private island is a rare and coveted luxury. It offers a total change of scenery and pace, shifting from the state’s urban density to the ultimate in natural solitude.

The logistical challenge of boat access adds to the adventure, making the trip feel earned and the privacy absolute. It serves as an exceptional base for exploring the best of the southern Adirondacks—from paddling the crystal-clear waters of Lake George to conquering the scenic trails of Tongue Mountain. It provides an authentic, unplugged, tent-camping experience with the dramatic, world-class backdrop of Lake George. For New Yorkers looking for a genuinely unique, private, and stunning lakeside camping adventure that will be talked about for years, Bass Island Campsite 1 is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Adirondack boat-in camping.

Bass Island Campsite 1

37 Bass Nr Tongue Mtn, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA