Gem Island Campground #1, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York State residents yearning for a truly exclusive and intimate Adirondack camping experience,

Gem Island Campground #1

offers a sanctuary unlike any traditional mainland site. Nestled in the famed "Narrows" section of Lake George—known for its pristine water quality and abundance of state-owned islands—Gem Island is, quite literally, a small, solitary island dedicated to a single campsite. This is the ultimate escape for those who value absolute privacy and a direct, uninterrupted connection with the natural beauty of the Queen of American Lakes.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the Lake George Islands Campsites, Gem Island is an exceptionally sought-after destination. It provides a flat, spacious camping area with a maximum occupancy of just four people, making it perfectly suited for a small family or a romantic retreat. Visitors consistently praise the island for its stunning scenic views of the surrounding mountains and its open location on the lake, which is noted for catching a good breeze—a natural defense against mosquitoes.

Camping on Gem Island is a premier New York outdoor adventure: it’s an immersive boat-in experience where your temporary 'home' is a small piece of land entirely surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Lake George. It's a true 'gem' for New Yorkers looking to disconnect from city life and enjoy the simple, profound pleasures of fishing, swimming, and lakeside relaxation.

Location and Accessibility

Gem Island is officially situated in The Narrows, a stunningly scenic and somewhat narrower section of Lake George, and is often associated with the larger

Glen Island Group

of campsites. The official address provided is

35 Gem In The Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

, positioning it in a highly desirable area just northeast of Phantom Island. Bolton Landing serves as a central hub for accessing these mid-lake islands.

The fundamental characteristic of this campground is its

boat-in only access

. There is no road or foot traffic, ensuring your stay is completely private. New York locals must either utilize their own watercraft—be it a powerboat, sailboat, canoe, or kayak—or arrange transportation via a local water taxi service from a mainland marina in the Bolton Landing region. Local marinas are essential for launching your boat and providing overnight parking for your vehicle and trailer during your camping trip.

Although secluded, the island's location is strategically convenient. It is not far from the

Glen Island Ranger Station

which is the administrative headquarters for this section of island camping. This proximity allows for easier check-in and provides access to a camp store for essential supplies—a perfect blend of rugged isolation and necessary support for a smooth, stress-free Adirondack getaway.

Services Offered

Gem Island Campground #1 provides all the basic, yet essential, amenities expected for state-managed, primitive island camping on Lake George. The facilities are designed to be functional, environmentally respectful, and exclusive to the campers on the island.

Private Boat Mooring: A designated, private
dock
(shore dock) is available for mooring the one boat permitted per campsite. The water depth around the dock is approximately
3.5 feet
, making it generally suitable for a variety of watercraft.
Sanitation Facility: The site includes a private
pit type privy
(toilet facility), ensuring cleanliness and compliance with DEC guidelines for waste management on the islands.
Cooking and Dining Area: Campers are provided with a dedicated
fireplace or fire pit
and a
picnic table
. This setup is perfect for enjoying traditional campfire meals while soaking in the beautiful lake and mountain views.
Tent Platform: A flat
tent platform
is available on the site, providing a level, dry, and stable base for setting up tents and equipment, especially valuable in the unpredictable Adirondack climate.
Waste Management: As with all Lake George island sites, the camping fee includes a
refuse surcharge
for the removal of non-recyclable waste, though campers are strongly encouraged to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles and pack out as much as possible.

Features / Highlights

The allure of Gem Island lies in its specific, desirable features that set it apart from larger, multi-site islands in the region, offering a truly unique camping proposition for New York residents.

Sole Occupancy Island: As a
single-campsite island
, it guarantees complete exclusivity and privacy, an unmatched feature for a truly restful and personal retreat on Lake George.
Maximum Group Intimacy: The small size of the island limits occupancy to a
maximum of 4 people
. This ensures a quiet, low-impact camping experience, preserving the natural tranquility of the site.
All-Day Sunshine and Bug Control: The campsite is noted for being
very open to the wind
, which naturally helps to
keep mosquitoes away
. It also features a platform that sits in the sun, ideal for sunbathing and drying gear, while still providing some shade.
Excellent Swimming for Families: The shallow water surrounding the island is particularly noted as being
ideal for little children
and swimming. Additionally, the option to swim across to nearby
Little Gem Island
adds an element of exploration to your stay.
Spectacular Vistas: Due to its open location, the island offers
beautiful, unobstructed views
of the lake and the surrounding Adirondack mountains, with guests frequently highlighting the incredible
sunsets
over the water.
Prime Fishing Location: The area around Gem Island is known to be a
great spot for fishing
, allowing anglers to cast a line directly from the island or their boat and enjoy the celebrated fishery of Lake George.

Contact Information

Gem Island Campground is part of the Lake George Islands system and is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The following contact information pertains to the Regional DEC Office, which handles administration and reservations for the island groups.

Address (General Area/Mailing):

35 Gem In The Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Regional DEC Office Phone (Reservations/General Information):

(518) 623-1200

Mobile Phone (DEC General/Reservations Line):

+1 518-623-1200

Note: All reservations are made through the official DEC booking system (ReserveAmerica) and should be secured far in advance due to the extreme popularity of the single-campsite islands.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Gem Island Campground is a quintessential New York State experience tailored for locals seeking both adventure and tranquility. For those accustomed to the hustle of the metropolitan area or the busy southern shores of Lake George, the opportunity to secure a private, single-campsite island is the ultimate restorative retreat. It demands a bit of planning—securing a boat and transporting gear—but the reward is the guaranteed luxury of total seclusion.

Its location in The Narrows, its natural defense against bugs due to the cooling lake breezes, and the safe, shallow swimming areas make it an ideal, self-contained getaway for a small family or a couple. Gem Island is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a temporary private paradise that allows New Yorkers to fully unplug, immerse themselves in the pristine Adirondack environment, and create an unforgettable camping memory that feels both exclusive and deeply connected to the natural heritage of the state. It is a true 'gem' and a highly recommended destination for a unique Lake George adventure.