Duran Island Campgrounds #1-8, Bolton Landing, NY

New York State is globally celebrated for its diverse and spectacular camping opportunities, but none capture the essence of the Adirondack wilderness quite like the island camping available on Lake George. Among these precious state-owned islands,

Duran Island Campgrounds #1-8

consistently stands out as a local favorite. Located within the highly desirable

Narrow Island Group

, Duran Island offers a collection of eight unique campsites that deliver an authentic, secluded, and boat-in shoreline experience that many New Yorkers consider the gold standard for outdoor retreats.

This is true Adirondack camping where the only access is by water, ensuring a quiet, private, and pristine environment. Customer sentiment regarding Duran Island is overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. As one camper emphatically stated,

"Duran Island is the best Island to camp on in Lake George! The island is perfect! By far the best!"

Another praised the visual experience:

"Great camping spot on LG!! Loved the view before the lake became active for the day!"

The island's distinctive shape, which includes numerous points and coves, allows for its eight sites to be spread out, enhancing privacy and maximizing the coveted shorefront exposure for every reservation. For New York residents, securing a spot on Duran Island means claiming a small piece of private paradise on the "Queen of American Lakes."

Location and Accessibility

Duran Island is geographically situated in the northern section of Lake George, within the administrative boundaries of the Narrow Island Group, near the quaint community of Bolton Landing, NY.

The official address associated with the campsites is:

Duran Is #1, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Accessibility is the defining feature of this location and requires specific planning:

Boat-In Only: All eight campsites on Duran Island are
accessible exclusively by boat
. Campers must either possess their own watercraft (powerboat, canoe, or kayak) or arrange for transportation from a mainland marina near Bolton Landing.
DEC Registration: Campers are required to register at the Narrow Island Group headquarters before proceeding to the island site.
Adirondack Proximity: While remote, the location allows for easy boating access to the rest of Lake George, including mainland attractions, supplies, and other recreational spots.

The boat-in requirement effectively filters out casual visitors, preserving the island's tranquility and ensuring that those who make the effort are rewarded with a secluded, authentic wilderness experience.

Services Offered

As a DEC-managed campsite within the Adirondack Forest Preserve, Duran Island provides essential, rustic services designed to support a traditional tent camping experience while adhering to wilderness preservation principles. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water.

Designated Boat Dock: Each of the 8 campsites comes with a dedicated dock (some are shared between two adjacent sites) for mooring one boat, providing immediate access to the lake.
Tent Platforms: Every campsite on Duran Island is equipped with a sturdy wooden tent platform (common sizes are 12’x14’ or 12’x16’), which provides a level surface for pitching a tent.
Campfire Ring: A metal fire pit/fireplace is provided at each site for cooking and campfires (following all DEC fire safety regulations and using only dead and down wood).
Picnic Table: A dedicated picnic table is available at every site for dining and gathering.
Toilet Facility: Each site is equipped with a private pit privy, maintaining sanitation while ensuring comfort and convenience.
Site Capacity: Each site accommodates a maximum of 6 people and allows up to two tents.

Features / Highlights

Duran Island's reputation as the "best island to camp on in Lake George" is built on its combination of natural beauty and superior site layout. The island's geographic features are utilized to enhance the camper experience.

Shoreline Camp Experience: The greatest highlight is the 100% shoreline access. The island’s odd shape creates many points and coves, ensuring nearly every site is situated on a point or a private shoreline cove.
Site Privacy: The campsites are thoughtfully spread out and often separated by forested areas, making them "fairly large and private."
Ideal Group Camping: Certain adjacent sites (like #1 and #2, or #7 and #8) pair "nicely together for larger groups," allowing friends and extended families to camp near each other while maintaining individual site amenities.
Excellent Sun and Breeze Exposure: Specific sites are noted for their exposure, such as #1, which is on a "nice and breezy point," and sites on the west side which get "lots of afternoon sun," which is perfect for cooling off and enjoying sunsets.
Lake Access for Swimming: Many sites feature low rock ledges or flat shorelines that offer easy access to the clear Lake George water for swimming and cooling off, with water depths often noted at the dock.
Water Recreation: Unlimited access to the lake provides unparalleled opportunities for boating, fishing (targeting lake trout, bass, and pike), paddling, and watersports.

Contact Information

Reservations for Duran Island (Narrow Island Group) are highly sought after and must be secured through the New York State Parks reservation system.

Address: Duran Is #1, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA
Narrow Island Group DEC Headquarters Phone: (518) 644-9696

Conclusion: Why Duran Island is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers, the search for the perfect, serene summer getaway often ends on the islands of Lake George, and Duran Island offers a superlative version of this experience. Its suitability for local users stems from its capacity to deliver maximum seclusion with minimal required travel effort within the state. Unlike a crowded mainland park, Duran Island guarantees a private, forested shoreline site that feels like a true retreat.

The unique design—with eight large, private sites—makes it an excellent choice for both small families and larger groups looking to link neighboring sites. The inherent beauty of waking up to a pristine lake view, the ability to dive into the clear water right off a rock ledge, and the necessity of using a boat to get supplies create an immersive, memory-making adventure. Duran Island is the perfect setting for New York residents seeking to disconnect from city life, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the pure, unadulterated beauty of the Adirondacks without ever having to leave their waterfront doorstep. It is, quite simply, the best of New York’s natural treasures packaged into one small, perfect island.