East Dollar Island Campground #1 (dock), Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a truly unique and memorable outdoor adventure that combines the best of the Adirondacks with the unparalleled beauty of America's 'Queen' Lake, look no further than the Lake George Islands. Among these state-owned gems is East Dollar Island Campground #1, which offers an exclusive, boat-access-only camping experience. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a pristine, rustic escape that represents the pinnacle of island camping in New York State. Located in the Glen Island Group, East Dollar Island is small, featuring only three highly sought-after campsites, ensuring a level of privacy and immersion in nature that is hard to find anywhere else on the lake. Site #1, and the island as a whole, is known for its incredible views, tranquil atmosphere, and the required element of boating to even reach your destination, instantly adding an element of adventure to your New York vacation.

The experience here is focused on the essentials: crystal-clear water, rugged natural beauty, and the pure quiet of a remote island. Each campsite provides the basic but necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay—a dock, a fireplace, and a picnic table—all set within a well-forested, private area. This destination appeals directly to the adventurous New Yorker who owns a boat (or can rent one locally) and dreams of waking up to the sound of lapping water, surrounded entirely by the stunning vistas of the Adirondack Park. This island getaway, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the Glen Island Group, offers a rare opportunity to truly disconnect and experience the wilderness, right in your own backyard.

Location and Accessibility

East Dollar Island Campground #1 is situated on East Dollar Island within the Glen Island Group of the Lake George Islands, near the charming town of Bolton Landing, NY. The physical address, 60 E Dollar Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA, pinpoints the island's location on the lake. However, accessibility is the defining factor of this location: this is a boat-in only campground.

Campers must access their site by personal watercraft, which requires pre-arrangements for parking and launching at a private marina near the Glen Island Group headquarters. This boat-access requirement serves to protect the unique island environment and enhances the private, remote feel of the site. While you are fully immersed in nature, the location in the wider Bolton Landing area means you are never too far from mainland amenities and attractions. Nearby mainland marinas and the town itself offer opportunities to resupply, dine out at boat-up restaurants, and find recreational rentals. The central location in the Narrows of Lake George also places the island close to other recreational points of interest, including the famous jumping rocks on neighboring West Dollar Island, accessible only by boat.

Services Offered

Boat Docking: Each individual campsite, including East Dollar Island Campground #1, is equipped with a dock for at least one boat, which is essential for transporting gear and accessing the island.
Campsite Amenities: Every site includes a rustic fireplace for campfires, a picnic table for outdoor dining, and a toilet facility (typically a pit privy).
Tent Platforms: Campsite #1, being a boat-in island site, is confirmed to have a tent platform, providing a level and dry base for pitching a tent.
Safety and Information: The site is part of the Glen Island Group, which has a ranger headquarters nearby, offering assistance and monitoring the well-being of island campers, including weather-related communications.
Reservations System: Operated through the New York State DEC, reservations are mandatory and must be made in advance, often through the ReserveAmerica platform, given the extreme popularity of island sites.
Regulations Enforcement: Strict enforcement of quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and generator hours (limited times a day) ensures a peaceful experience for all campers.
Visitor Information: Nearby mainland marinas and the Bolton Landing area offer resources for boat permits, rentals, fishing licenses, and supplies, including the ability to gas up and purchase provisions.

Features / Highlights

Ultimate Island Seclusion: East Dollar Island is a tiny island with only three campsites total, offering a private, uncrowded, and highly desirable camping environment away from the busy mainland campgrounds.
Boating and Paddling Paradise: The entire experience is centered around Lake George. Campers enjoy easy access to the lake for all watercraft activities, from powerboating to kayaking and canoeing, with a depth of 3–4 feet near the dock.
Proximity to Jumping Rocks: The island is located adjacent to West Dollar Island, which is widely known for its excellent jumping rocks, providing an exciting recreational highlight for active campers.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake George is famous for its "two-story fishery," offering both warm-water species like bass and pike near the weed beds, and cold-water species such as landlocked salmon and lake trout in the deeper levels.
Scenic Adirondack Views: Waking up on the island offers 360-degree views of the clear lake waters and the surrounding, majestic Adirondack mountains and forests.
Hiking Access: While the island itself is small, the general area offers over 50 miles of marked hiking trails leading up mountains overlooking the lake, accessible via a short boat ride to nearby trailheads.
Rustic Charm: The focus is on traditional, tent-based camping with minimal, well-maintained facilities, appealing to those who prefer a genuine, less commercialized wilderness setting.

Contact Information

Address: 60 E Dollar Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (Part of the Glen Island Group)

DEC Regional Office Phone: (518) 623-1200

Ranger Station Phone (Glen Island Group): (518) 644-9696

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

East Dollar Island Campground #1 is tailor-made for the New York resident—particularly those in the greater Capital Region and beyond—who is ready to elevate their camping routine. This is not just camping; it is a truly iconic Adirondack experience that separates you from the mainland crowds. As a local, the convenience of being able to tow your boat a reasonable distance and then launch into the vast, beautiful waters of Lake George is a tremendous advantage. The unique boat-in access creates a natural barrier, ensuring that the environment remains pristine and the atmosphere is quiet and private, which is a highly valued commodity for those escaping the noise of city or suburban life.

The challenge of securing a reservation and preparing for a boat-only trip is a badge of honor for the dedicated local outdoor enthusiast. Once you are settled into your private site on East Dollar Island, you are at the center of Lake George’s recreational hub, with world-class boating, fishing, and hiking all within easy reach. This island campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to host a quintessential New York summer family trip, where the experience of sleeping on a tiny, private island under a brilliant starry sky becomes a cherished annual tradition, making the logistical effort entirely worthwhile.