Glen Island Ranger Station

- Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Introduction / Overview: The Gateway to Lake George Island Camping

For New York residents, a trip to Lake George, often hailed as the "Queen of the American Lakes," represents the ultimate Adirondack escape. At the heart of one of the most popular camping areas, The Narrows, lies the Glen Island Ranger Station. This location is not just an administrative building; it is the essential hub for hundreds of island campers in the Glen Island Group, providing registration, essential supplies, and operational oversight for this unique, boat-access-only wilderness experience.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) manages the Lake George Islands campsites, which are divided into three main groups: Long Island, Narrow Island, and the Glen Island Group. Glen Island serves as the headquarters for its group, offering centralized support for approximately 170 standard campsites and 42 cruiser sites spread across numerous picturesque islands. The campsites here are famed for their privacy, forested surroundings, and direct waterfront access.

The experience of camping on a Lake George island is entirely distinct. Since all sites are accessible only by boat, the Glen Island Ranger Station is the first critical stop. Campers with prior reservations for any island in the Glen Island Group must check in here. The island is also home to a fantastic convenience store, making it a vital resource for resupplying mid-trip—a convenience virtually unheard of in remote island camping.

Location and Accessibility

The Glen Island Ranger Station is centrally located in the "Narrows" section of Lake George, putting it between Bolton Landing and Fort Ann. Its address is officially tied to the Bolton Landing area:

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Accessibility: As part of the Lake George Islands camping experience, Glen Island is accessible by boat only. Visitors and campers must utilize their own watercraft, a rental from a local marina, or a water taxi service to reach the island. This boat-in requirement is what preserves the uniquely wild and secluded character of the island campsites.

For those coming from New York City or other downstate areas, the drive up the Northway (I-87) to the Bolton Landing area—typically using exits 22 through 24—is the first leg of the journey. The second, and most exciting, leg involves securing boat transport from one of the many mainland marinas, where you can also arrange for parking your vehicle and trailer during your stay. The check-in process for a reserved campsite is handled efficiently by the Ranger Station staff upon your arrival at the island.

Services Offered

The Glen Island Ranger Station and its facilities provide crucial services that enhance the island camping experience in the Narrows. While the individual campsites are rustic, Glen Island offers the following centralized services:

• Campsite Registration: The station serves as the official check-in point for all campers who have reserved one of the numerous boat-in campsites within the Glen Island Group.
• The Glen Island Store: A major highlight, this convenience store is operated by a local deli and offers essential supplies like ice, firewood, water, live bait for fishing, coffee, snacks, and popular treats like sandwiches and ice cream. Its presence significantly reduces the need to boat all the way back to the mainland for forgotten items.
• Ranger Assistance: DEC Rangers are stationed here to assist campers, provide information on lake rules and safety, and ensure compliance with campground regulations, which include strict quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and fire guidelines.
• Picnic Areas: Glen Island also has designated picnic areas, some of which feature picnic shelters large enough to hold up to 15 people, complete with tables and charcoal grills. Day-use docks are available by reservation.
• Toilet Facilities: Basic toilet facilities are provided throughout the islands, with an accessible privy located near the main facilities on Glen Island.
• Waste Management: A small refuse surcharge is included in the nightly fee to cover the operating costs of waste removal from the islands, maintaining their pristine environment.

Features / Highlights

Glen Island is the central pillar of the Glen Island Group, offering features that make it the most convenient of the three Lake George Islands camping areas:

• Central Operational Hub: As the headquarters, it provides the highest level of administrative support, making check-in, problem-solving, and general inquiries straightforward for all campers in its group.
• On-Site Resupply: The presence of the Glen Island Store is an unparalleled convenience, allowing campers to easily replenish perishable items like ice and food without having to dedicate half a day to a mainland run.
• Extensive Camping Options: The Glen Island Group boasts the largest number of sites, including dedicated cruiser sites for larger boats with sleeping quarters, ensuring a variety of options for different camping styles.
• Waterfront Recreation: The entire area is a paradise for water enthusiasts, offering world-class opportunities for fishing, sailing, power boating, and swimming in the remarkably clear waters of Lake George.
• Historic Setting: The islands are steeped in history, having been strategically important during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, adding a layer of historical significance to your natural escape.
• Accessibility: Two campsites (BM5 and BM6) within the Glen Island Group are specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible, with level trails and accessible privies, ensuring the beauty of the islands can be enjoyed by all.

Contact Information

The Glen Island Ranger Station is the primary contact for the Glen Island Group and its associated campsites.

Address:

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Ranger Station / Headquarters Phone:

(518) 644-9696

Mobile Phone (for convenience):

+1 518-644-9696

Reservations:

Campsite reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to nine months in advance through the New York State online reservation system or by calling the Reserve America Call Center at 1 (800) 456-2267. Same-day reservations are often available until the early evening.

Conclusion: Why Glen Island is Suitable for New York Locals

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine yet convenient wilderness experience, the Glen Island Ranger Station and its surrounding campsites in Lake George are perfectly suited. This is a local treasure that offers a complete break from urban life without entirely sacrificing convenience.

The core suitability lies in the boat-in exclusivity. This barrier to entry ensures a higher quality, more intimate, and more serene camping environment than is typically found at drive-up campgrounds. Furthermore, the presence of the Ranger Station and the General Store on Glen Island itself makes the logistics of an island trip surprisingly simple. Locals can feel confident knowing that if they forget ice, need more water, or run into a minor issue, support and supplies are just a short, scenic boat ride away.

While a previous customer review highlights a desire for dock time limits to be managed with greater flexibility, this oversight is generally indicative of the high demand for dock space at this popular hub, not a lack of quality. The general experience—access to a clean, private, waterfront campsite on the Queen of the Lakes, supported by a nearby administrative and supply center—remains an unbeatable Adirondack tradition. Glen Island is truly the logistical heart of a one-of-a-kind New York camping adventure.

Glen Island Ranger Station

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA