Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For residents of New York seeking a truly unique and immersive outdoor experience, few destinations rival the magic of island camping on Lake George, the “Queen of American Lakes.” Floating Battery Island Campgrounds, specifically site #12, is not your typical roadside camping spot—it represents the pinnacle of secluded, boat-access-only camping within the stunning Adirondack Park. Located in the Narrow Island Group near Bolton Landing, this site offers New Yorkers a chance to completely disconnect from the hustle of city and suburban life and anchor themselves in the pristine tranquility of the wilderness.

Floating Battery Island is part of a vast network of islands managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), ensuring a preserved and protected environment. Site #12, like its counterparts, provides a rustic yet equipped base camp for exploring the 32-mile-long lake. This is an experience defined by its exclusivity and natural beauty: imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of water, surrounded by crystal-clear lake views, with your boat tied to your own personal dock. It is the perfect blend of traditional tent camping and the freedom of boating, an ideal retreat for those from the NYC metro area, Albany, or any region of New York looking for an unforgettable family vacation or a peaceful individual adventure. The commitment here is to the preservation of the environment, offering a basic but beautiful experience that highlights the natural splendor of the Adirondacks.

The camping on Floating Battery Island is geared toward self-sufficiency and respecting the quiet solitude of the lake. It’s an authentic Adirondack experience, demanding a slight degree of preparation—namely, securing boat transportation—but rewarding campers with unmatched privacy and scenery that simply cannot be found at drive-up campgrounds. This is where New York locals go when they want a real escape, not just a change of scenery. The Narrow Island Group, in which Floating Battery Island resides, is generally regarded as the quietest and most private of the Lake George island camping areas, making it especially suitable for those seeking deep relaxation.

Location and Accessibility

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 is situated in the Narrow Island Group on Lake George, with the administrative address listed as 12 Floating Battery Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. The location is approximately seven miles north of the main hub of Bolton Landing. This is a crucial detail for local users: all campsites on Floating Battery Island are accessible by boat only. There are no roads leading directly to the campsite.

For New York residents driving up from downstate (such as the NYC, Long Island, or Hudson Valley regions), the primary route involves reaching the Adirondack Northway (I-87), taking an exit in the Lake George region, and then proceeding to a local marina in or near Bolton Landing, where you can park your vehicle, launch your own boat, or arrange a rental. This process adds an element of adventure, effectively leaving the modern world behind as you make the final trip across the water to your island site. The Narrow Island Group has its own headquarters to simplify site registration upon arrival. This commitment to water access ensures the islands remain pristine and the camping experience deeply tranquil, distinguishing it from mainland campgrounds and making it a sought-after destination for New York boaters and paddlers. While the isolation is a feature, the nearby town of Bolton Landing offers marinas, supplies, and dining options within a short boat ride, providing a comforting connection to civilization if needed.

Services Offered

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 is classified as a primitive, boat-in campsite, focusing on essential facilities to maintain the wilderness experience. The New York State DEC ensures that certain core amenities are available for all registered island campers:

Designated tent platform (typically 12'x14' at this site) to provide a level and dry base for one tent.
A pit-type privy (toilet facility) located at or near the campsite.
A fireplace or fire pit for cooking and warmth, with strict rules against cutting live wood.
A picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
A dedicated dock for one boat, which is often shared with one adjacent campsite (for example, Site #12 may share a dock with Site #13).
An established recycling station located at the Narrow Island Group Headquarters for waste disposal.

Features / Highlights

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds, and the Lake George Islands in general, are celebrated for their unique and appealing features, which draw New York State residents year after year:

Unmatched Seclusion: As a boat-in only site within the quiet Narrow Island Group, the campsite provides exceptional privacy away from vehicular traffic and mainland noise.
Superb Boating and Water Activities: Lake George is ideal for all types of watercraft, including canoeing, powerboating, and sailing, with deep, clear water perfect for swimming and water skiing.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake supports a two-story fishery, offering opportunities to catch landlocked salmon and lake trout in deep water, and bass and pike in shallower areas.
Proximity to Adirondack Hiking: While on an island, the campsite offers water access to mainland areas with over 50 miles of marked hiking trails leading to scenic mountain vistas and remote ponds.
Strict Occupancy Limits: Sites are limited to a maximum of six individuals and two tents, ensuring the peaceful, low-impact camping environment is maintained.
Close to Area Attractions: Despite the remote feel, a boat ride can take you to mainland attractions like Million Dollar Beach, Fort William Henry, and amusement parks like The Great Escape.

Contact Information

To make reservations for Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12, or any of the Lake George Islands campsites, please use the centralized New York State reservation system. Direct inquiries about the Narrow Island Group can be made to the managing agency:

Address: 12 Floating Battery Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (Island Location)

Official DEC Reservation System: 1-800-456-CAMP or visit the New York State Parks reservation website for booking.

Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in is generally from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Check-out is 11:00 AM.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 is uniquely suitable for New York locals because it offers an authentic, restorative wilderness experience within the boundaries of a world-renowned State Park, requiring minimal travel compared to similar remote experiences elsewhere in the country. For New Yorkers, the Adirondack region is their backyard, and this island camping spot is a hidden jewel within it. It provides the ultimate solution for escaping the summer heat and the relentless pace of metropolitan life.

The necessity of a boat ensures a self-selecting community of committed outdoor enthusiasts, guaranteeing quietude and a shared respect for the environment—qualities highly valued by New Yorkers seeking a true retreat. It’s an affordable and powerful way to spend quality time with family, teach children the value of self-sufficiency, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the Empire State's magnificent natural resources. By staying local at Floating Battery Island, New York residents gain more than just a campsite; they gain a cherished annual tradition, combining the joy of boating with the restorative peace of island life on America’s most beautiful lake.