Fox Island Campground #1, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a truly distinctive and immersive outdoor experience that epitomizes the Adirondacks, look no further than the Lake George Islands. Fox Island Campground #1, situated on one of the 44 state-owned islands managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), offers a unique 'boat-in' camping experience that is unparalleled in the region. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, a stay at Fox Island Campground #1 is an adventure from the moment you launch your vessel, delivering a coveted blend of solitude, stunning natural beauty, and traditional camping amenities.

The Lake George Islands camping experience is divided into three main groups: Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island. Fox Island Campground #1 is part of the Narrow Island Group, characterized by its distribution across numerous smaller islands. This specific site is a private waterfront retreat, meaning the entire campsite is reserved exclusively for your party, complete with its own dedicated dock space. Campers here are treated to a spectacular 270-degree vista, encompassing the rugged Adirondack mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Lake George. It’s an ideal setting for those who prioritize a secluded, water-centric camping trip, where the clear lake water and the surrounding forested terrain become your backyard.

Location and Accessibility

Fox Island Campground #1 boasts a location that is both remote and accessible, a truly unique feat. It is physically located at 58 Fox Nr Paradise Bay Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. However, it is critical to understand that this is a boat-access-only destination. You cannot drive to the campsite.

The physical address corresponds to the general area of Bolton Landing on Lake George, which acts as the 'gateway' to this island group. New York residents traveling from downstate—from the New York City metropolitan area, Long Island, or the Hudson Valley—will find the drive up to the Lake George region manageable, often using the Northway (I-87) as the main route. Upon arrival in the Bolton Landing area, campers must arrange for boat access. This typically involves launching a personal boat or renting one from one of the many local marinas, such as those in Bolton Landing. For those without a boat, water taxis are available from local marinas for a fee, providing a convenient one-way trip for drop-off and pick-up. This boat-only access is precisely what guarantees the remote feel and privacy that island campers cherish, ensuring the site feels a world away from the hustle of mainland New York life.

Services Offered

As a NYSDEC island campsite, Fox Island Campground #1 focuses on providing essential, functional amenities that support a rustic, yet comfortable, camping experience.

Boat Dockage: Each campsite includes a dedicated dock that can accommodate one boat. This dock often provides decent protection from speedboat wakes and storms, a valuable feature on a large body of water like Lake George.
Campsite Structure: The site is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fireplace or fire pit for cooking and warmth.
Tent Platform: Most island campsites feature a tent platform to provide a level and dry base for pitching a tent.
Sanitation: At least one toilet facility, typically a pit privy, is available on the island to serve the campers.
Headquarters Access: Campers register and check-in at the appropriate ranger station for the Narrow Island Group. While on-site amenities are basic, the island group headquarters and nearby mainland marinas offer additional support.
Reservations: All campsites, especially popular island sites like this one, are highly desirable and should be reserved well in advance through the state’s reservation system, often available up to nine months ahead of the camping season (mid-May through Columbus Day).

Features / Highlights

The primary highlights of Fox Island Campground #1 are intrinsically tied to its location and the immersive experience of island life on Lake George.

Spectacular Views: The 270-degree panoramic view of the steep, forested Adirondack mountains and the adjacent Paradise Bay is truly spectacular. The vista also offers unique glimpses of the big lake tour boats as they navigate narrow channels between the islands and the shore.
Privacy and Seclusion: As a single-site island, Fox Island #1 provides a high level of privacy and intimacy that is nearly impossible to find at mainland campgrounds. You have the entire island and its shoreline to yourself.
Direct Water Access: The 'boat-in' nature means you have immediate, private access to the 'Queen of American Lakes.' The water is noted for being clean, clear, and excellent for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing right off the dock or shoreline.
Traditional Adirondack Camping: The campsite promotes a traditional, unplugged camping experience with the focus on campfires, nature, and water-based activities. It is a true escape from modern life; visitors should note that electric hookups are not available on the islands.
Recreational Opportunities: Boating, sailing, bird watching, and fishing for landlocked salmon, lake trout, bass, and pike are core activities. Nearby mainland areas and larger islands offer access to miles of marked hiking trails that overlook the lake.

Contact Information

For reservations, specific island group inquiries, or general information regarding the Lake George Islands camping experience, please use the following contact details.

Address (General Area): 58 Fox Nr Paradise Bay Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Regional Ranger Station Phone: (518) 623-1200

Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

Note: All reservations are handled centrally through the NYSDEC's partner reservation system, which is the best way to secure a stay.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of New York State, particularly those from the urban centers downstate, Fox Island Campground #1 on Lake George represents the pinnacle of an accessible yet utterly transformative natural getaway. It is a genuine Adirondack experience, managed by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring its wild beauty is preserved. This unique 'boat-in' concept strips away the distractions of daily life—no cars, no paved roads, and no electrical hookups—forcing a reconnection with nature and family. The spectacular mountain views and the pleasure of having a private island dock on a massive, pristine lake make the initial effort of arranging boat transport entirely worthwhile. It is a cherished tradition for many New York families, a place where lasting memories are forged around a campfire, away from the concrete jungle. For any New Yorker looking to truly unplug and fully immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of their state’s park system, this Lake George island campsite offers an unforgettable, authentic adventure that is deeply rooted in the history and landscape of the Empire State.