Fork Island Campground, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking the most unique and unforgettable camping experience the Adirondack region has to offer,

Fork Island Campground

presents a distinctive adventure. Forget car-camping; this is authentic,

boat-in only

island camping on the famous

Lake George

, known affectionately as the "Queen of American Lakes." Fork Island is not a traditional mainland campground; it is one of the many state-owned islands that form the picturesque

Narrow Island Group

in the northern half of the lake, north of the renowned Narrows section. It is a true escape from the noise and distractions of the mainland, offering a peaceful, secluded setting where the only sounds are the lapping water and the calls of loons.

The island itself hosts a limited number of campsites—just 12—spread out along its shoreline, ensuring a high degree of privacy and a genuine feeling of having a piece of the Adirondack wilderness to yourself. For New Yorkers who consider Lake George their recreational haven, camping on Fork Island is widely regarded as the "best way to really soak up the beauty of the lake," as one long-time visitor put it. This is a camping experience defined by waking up surrounded by water, stunning mountain views, and a forced disconnection from modern life—no cell phones or TV, just you, the lake, and the mountains.

Location and Accessibility

Fork Island Campground is situated in one of the most desirable locations on Lake George: the

Fork In Narrows Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

. It is specifically located at the northeastern end of The Narrows, placing it in the quieter, central portion of the lake, roughly seven miles north of the busy hub of Bolton Landing. This geographic positioning is key to its appeal, as it provides a perfect mix of seclusion while still being relatively accessible for New York boaters.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that Fork Island is

accessible by boat only

. There are no bridges or ferries to the island; transportation requires a personal powerboat, sailboat, kayak, or canoe, or arranging a local water taxi service. Campers typically launch their vessels and leave their vehicles at one of the private marinas near Bolton Landing or Hulett's Landing, after which they must travel by water to the island. Registration for the Fork Island campsites, which are part of the Glen Island Group's administration, is required through the headquarters, usually located on Glen Island, before proceeding to your final campsite.

While the campground's official mailing address is in Bolton Landing, its true access point is a boat launch, which is part of the overall Lake George Island camping network administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This location in the Narrows provides stunning views and a calm environment, making it a spectacular, off-grid adventure for those in New York looking for a true wilderness retreat.

Services Offered

As a state-owned, boat-in island campground, Fork Island offers rustic, essential services designed to maintain a primitive, natural camping experience while providing basic necessities for safety and comfort. The entire setup is focused on self-sufficiency and water-based recreation.

Boat Docking: Every one of the 12 campsites is equipped with a dock suitable for mooring
one boat
. These docks are essential for access and for securing your vessel while camping overnight.
Toilet Facilities: Each campsite has a dedicated toilet facility, typically a pit privy (outhouse) or a Fiberglass pumper-style privy, ensuring basic sanitation is available on the secluded island.
Camping Furnishings: All sites come equipped with a
picnic table
and a
fireplace/fire pit
(often with a charcoal burner), which are the central points for cooking and evening social gatherings.
Tent Platforms: Recognizing the sometimes rocky and uneven terrain, some sites on Fork Island are furnished with wooden
tent platforms
(typically 12x14 or 12x16 feet) to provide a flat, dry surface for pitching a tent. Other sites are large, flat, and grassy enough not to require a platform.
Water Access: Though there are no water hookups, the sites are right on the shoreline, offering immediate access to the crystal-clear waters of Lake George for swimming and other water activities (drinking water must be brought in).

Features / Highlights

Fork Island Campground’s highlights center entirely on its unique, pristine island setting, which New Yorkers cherish for its tranquility and natural beauty.

Exclusive Boat-In Access: The necessity of a boat ensures a quieter, more private camping demographic, filtering out casual visitors and creating a genuine community of committed Adirondack boaters and paddlers.
Secluded Campsites: With only 12 sites on the entire island, each is well-forested and spread out, providing unparalleled privacy, especially for popular spots like Campsite #4, which sits on a near-peninsula with water on three sides.
Unrivaled Lake George Scenery: Campers are literally surrounded by the lake, providing continuous access to spectacular views, incredible sunrises and sunsets over the mountains, and the serene experience of hearing the lake lapping at the shore.
Deep Water Swimming and Docking: Certain sites offer deeper water right off the dock (up to 6 feet), making them "sailboat friendly" and ideal for swimming and diving directly into Lake George's famously clear water.
True Wilderness Immersion: The lack of conventional amenities like electricity and cell service allows for a forced, yet treasured, disconnection, letting campers fully immerse in nature and enjoy true silence—often with the unforgettable morning sound of loons calling.

Contact Information

Reservations and official information for Fork Island, which falls under the Narrow Island Group, are managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through the ReserveAmerica system and the local ranger station.

Address (Mailing/General Area):

Fork In Narrows Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Ranger Station Phone (Glen Island Group Headquarters):

(518) 623-1200

Mobile Phone (DEC General/Reservations Line):

+1 518-623-1200

Note: Reservations are mandatory and highly recommended well in advance.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Fork Island Campground offers New York residents a pinnacle Adirondack camping experience that is both intensely satisfying and deeply rooted in the state’s outdoor heritage. It is perfectly suited for locals because it demands and rewards a spirit of adventure and preparation—skills common among New Yorkers who regularly recreate in the state's vast parks. The boat-in only access provides a level of exclusivity and privacy that is impossible to find at mainland campgrounds, making it the ultimate weekend or week-long escape from the metropolitan grind. This is where New Yorkers go to truly disconnect; as one review suggests, there is "no better way to camp."

For dedicated Lake George enthusiasts, Fork Island serves as a magnificent base for all water activities, from sailing and water skiing to fishing and paddling. The feeling of going to sleep and waking up with the lake gently "lapping at your campsite, surrounded by water" is a priceless experience that transforms a simple camping trip into a cherished annual tradition. Fork Island is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity for New Yorkers to claim a small, private piece of the Queen of American Lakes and forge those quiet, natural memories that are a vital part of the Upstate lifestyle.