Commission Island, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers dreaming of the perfect blend of pristine water, mountain views, and genuine wilderness solitude, the unique experience of island camping on Lake George is unparalleled. Commission Island, a beautiful, state-owned landmass near Commission Point in the Glen Island Group, represents one of the most sought-after and special places for this kind of Adirondack adventure. It is a true hidden gem managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is part of the extensive Lake George Islands campground system.

What makes Commission Island so desirable is its exceptional privacy. Unlike larger islands that host dozens of sites, Commission Island offers only two official, spacious campsites. This limited availability ensures a truly secluded and intimate camping experience, making it a highly prized destination for families, couples, and small groups from New York seeking to escape the mainland crowds. Camping here is a quintessential North Country tradition—an opportunity to wake up surrounded by the Queen of American Lakes, with a dock for your boat and the mountains rising steeply around you. It’s an immersion into nature where the only sounds are the lapping water and the forest breeze.

The island is managed under the umbrella of the Glen Island Group, the central cluster of the state-owned camping islands on Lake George, and requires all campers to arrive by boat. This boat-in access is integral to the experience, guaranteeing tranquility and providing a unique sense of being entirely disconnected from the fast pace of modern life.

Location and Accessibility

Commission Island is centrally located in the "Narrows" section of Lake George, within the boundaries of Bolton Landing, NY 12814. This places it ideally in the southern Adirondack region, making it accessible for New York residents traveling from the Capital Region, downstate areas, and points throughout Upstate New York.

The address provided, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA, serves as the local nexus for the island group. However, it is vital to understand that Commission Island is accessible by boat only. Visitors must first travel to a mainland marina in the Bolton Landing area, such as Norowal Marina or Beckley's Marina, where they can arrange to launch their personal boat, secure parking for their vehicle and trailer (often for a fee), or hire a boat or water taxi service. Once on the water, the island is easily navigated to, being situated just south of Commission Point near Red Rock Bay. This boat-in requirement is a crucial aspect of planning, ensuring that only prepared groups are able to enjoy this unique aquatic camping experience. Campers must check in at the Glen Island Group Ranger Station before proceeding to the island itself.

Services Offered

As a DEC-managed island campsite, Commission Island provides essential, rustic services designed to support a traditional tent camping experience while adhering to wilderness preservation principles.

Boat Docking: Each of the two campsites features a private dock, capable of mooring at least one boat, which is the sole means of access to the site.
Two Exclusive Campsites: The island is home to only Campsite #1 and Campsite #2, ensuring maximum privacy and space for the reserved party.
Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a large picnic table for dining and gathering.
Fireplace/Fire Ring: A designated fireplace or fire ring is available at each site, allowing for safe campfires and cooking, using only local, DEC-approved firewood.
Tent Platforms (Site-Specific): Campsite #1 is known to feature an elevated tent platform, providing a level and dry base for pitching a tent. Campsite #2 is a beautiful spot but does not have a platform.
Toilet Facilities: Each campsite has a dedicated, private toilet facility (usually a pit privy).
Garbage & Recycling: Campers are responsible for packing out all trash, with recycling stations located at the main ranger headquarters (Glen Island Group).

Features / Highlights

Commission Island's limited size and prime location endow it with features that make it a premier choice for island camping on Lake George.

Unrivaled Privacy: The island is one of the most private options in the DEC system, offering only two sites that are typically well-separated and surrounded by trees, creating a secluded retreat unlike a traditional packed campground.
Spectacular Views: Campsite #2, in particular, is perched high on the southern end of the island, affording campers with gorgeous, sweeping views of the southern stretch of Lake George.
Water-Level Access: Campsite #1 features a picnic table situated low near the water, allowing easy access for children and excellent opportunities for swimming and playing near the shoreline (water depth at the dock entrance is noted to be approximately 2.5 feet).
Unique Recreational Opportunities: The island serves as a perfect base for diverse Adirondack activities, including fishing for landlocked salmon, lake trout, and bass, bird watching, sailing, and general boating on the 32-mile-long lake.
Proximity to DEC Headquarters: Being part of the Glen Island Group, the island is relatively close to the main ranger station, which can be reached by boat for administrative needs or provisions.
Adirondack Preservation: The entire experience is rooted in the Forest Preserve’s commitment to natural conservation, ensuring the environment remains pristine for future generations of New Yorkers.

Contact Information

All camping reservations for Commission Island and the Lake George Islands are managed through the centralized New York State reservation system. Direct contact with the local Ranger Station is typically reserved for questions about island logistics once a reservation is confirmed.

Address (General Location): Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Reservations (Required): Campers must use the ReserveAmerica platform or phone number to book a site.

Phone (Reservations): 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267)

Ranger Station (Glen Island Group Headquarters): (518) 644-9696 (This number is best for on-site logistical questions and check-in assistance, not booking a reservation.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Commission Island is ideally suited for New York residents because it represents the pinnacle of accessible, yet remote, wilderness camping within the state's most iconic natural park, the Adirondacks. For locals accustomed to the crowds of major parks, the opportunity to secure one of only two private campsites on an island is a priceless opportunity for a tranquil escape. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to create a temporary, personal sanctuary on a pristine lake.

The highly competitive reservation system—allowing booking up to nine months in advance—favors New York residents who know the value of planning ahead for prime vacation spots. By experiencing Commission Island, New Yorkers connect with a long-held state tradition of island camping, enjoying the DEC-maintained facilities and the stunning natural beauty of Lake George. It requires a bit more effort (the boat-in access), but the reward—a private island point on a world-class lake—is unmatched, making it the ultimate local destination for a summer adventure.