Commission Island Campground #1 & 2 (dock), Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking a truly unique and immersive wilderness experience, Commission Island Campground #1 & 2 on Lake George offers an unparalleled opportunity. Located within the scenic expanse of the Lake George Islands, this destination is not a typical drive-up campground. It is a boat-access-only campsite, providing a level of privacy and connection with nature that is highly coveted by outdoor enthusiasts across the Empire State. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) as part of the Glen Island Group, Commission Island is a small, exclusive haven situated in "The Narrows," renowned for its breathtaking beauty and stunning vistas of the surrounding Adirondack mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Lake George.

Commission Island is a two-campsite island, meaning that only a handful of New Yorkers at any one time get to enjoy its seclusion. This setting ensures a remarkably quiet and peaceful stay. Visitors consistently praise the "great views of the narrows," confirming its status as a premier location for island camping. Ideal for those who own a boat or are willing to rent one, this campground allows New York locals to escape the crowded mainland and experience one of the state's most pristine waterways in a deeply personal and unforgettable way.

Location and Accessibility

Commission Island Campground #1 & 2 (dock) is officially located near 51 Commission, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. However, it is critical for New York users to understand the unique accessibility requirements of this location.

This is a boat-access-only destination. The physical address provided is essentially the vicinity or the corresponding mainland access point (likely Glen Island Group Headquarters), but the campsites themselves are on the island. To reach the island, campers must launch their boat from a private marina in the Bolton Landing area, or from a public launch site on the lake. Bolton Landing, known as the "Gateway to Island Camping," is easily reached via Route 9N from the Northway (I-87), making the starting point accessible to residents traveling from the Capital Region, downstate New York, and other parts of the Adirondacks.

Once on the lake, the island itself is strategically located, offering magnificent views of "The Narrows," a spectacularly scenic section of Lake George. Campers must secure a dock space for their vessel, which is provided at the campsite, and are required to obtain the necessary Lake George boat permits, if applicable, prior to arrival. This setup, while requiring extra planning, ensures that the island remains pristine and offers a truly secluded Adirondack experience.

Services Offered

As a State-managed island campground, Commission Island provides essential, rustic services designed to support a traditional tent camping experience while adhering to the highest standards of environmental preservation. These services focus on convenience and safety without sacrificing the natural environment.

Dedicated Boat Docking: Each of the two campsites on Commission Island comes equipped with its own private dock, allowing for the mooring of at least one boat (up to 20 feet in length, as is typical for most island sites).
Sanitation Facilities: All campsites on the Lake George Islands, including Commission Island, feature a shared toilet facility, typically a pit privy, to maintain environmental cleanliness.
Water and Waste Management: Potable water is generally not available on the island and must be brought by the camper, though recycling stations may be available at the main Ranger Station (Glen Island Headquarters). Campers are expected to follow strict 'pack it in, pack it out' policies for trash.
Reservation System: The sites are managed via the New York State reservation system (ReserveAmerica), allowing New York residents to book their unique camping spot up to nine months in advance, which is essential given the popularity of island sites.
Ranger Station Support: Campers register at the Glen Island Group Ranger Station, which provides oversight, emergency contact, and administrative support for all sites in that group.

Features / Highlights

Commission Island is distinguished by its unique geography and commitment to a high-quality, private camping adventure. Its two-site layout is its most defining characteristic, offering a unique opportunity for New York campers.

Exceptional Privacy and Seclusion: As a small island featuring only two large, well-separated campsites (#1 and #2), Commission Island offers a uniquely quiet and private experience. One campsite is described as open and sunny, while the other is perched high with "gorgeous views of the south."
Spectacular Views of The Narrows: Situated in the most picturesque part of Lake George, the island provides panoramic, world-class views of the surrounding mountains and the dramatic, narrow section of the lake.
Exclusive Docking Capability: The ability to dock your own boat directly at your campsite is a massive highlight, providing unparalleled convenience for boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Classic Adirondack Amenities: Each site is equipped with essential rustic features, including a picnic table, a fireplace or fire pit for cooking and warmth, and in some cases, a tent platform for a level sleeping surface.
Access to Water Recreation: Being on the water means direct access to premier fishing (known for lake trout, landlocked salmon, and bass), swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating on Lake George.

Contact Information

For bookings and specific operational questions related to the island, New York residents should use the following contact information. Note that reservations must be made through the New York State reservation system, ReserveAmerica.

Address: 51 Commission, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (Mailing Address/Ranger Station Vicinity)

Phone: (518) 644-9696 (This is the Ranger Station phone number for the Glen Island Group, which manages Commission Island)

Mobile Phone: +1 518-644-9696 (Alternate contact for the Glen Island Group Ranger Station)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Commission Island Campground is exceptionally suitable for New York locals because it offers an accessible, yet deeply authentic, slice of the Adirondack wilderness that is entirely unique to the state. For New Yorkers who are passionate about boating, fishing, and escaping the urban or suburban grind, this is the ultimate destination. It provides a level of peace and privacy—a true 'own island' feeling—that cannot be found at mainland drive-up campgrounds.

The entire experience, from launching a boat in Bolton Landing to navigating The Narrows and setting up camp with a private dock, connects New Yorkers directly with the state’s natural heritage. It's an affordable and necessary retreat, offering an unrivaled opportunity to disconnect, enjoy world-class scenery, and partake in waterfront activities. Commission Island is more than just a campsite; it is a highly-prized, secluded getaway that represents the very best of New York State's magnificent Lake George region.