Hatchet Island Campground #1-3, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers who equate a true escape with the tranquility of being surrounded by water, Hatchet Island Campground on Lake George provides one of the most coveted outdoor experiences in the Adirondacks. Hatchet Island is a small, enchanting landmass that is part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Narrow Island Group, located in the northern sector of Lake George, near the charming town of Bolton Landing. This is not a drive-in campground; it is a dedicated 'boat-in' destination, ensuring an immediate sense of adventure and seclusion from the moment you cast off from the mainland. The island hosts three individual campsites—Hatchet Island #1, #2, and #3—each designed to offer a rustic, private, and memorable experience for small groups or families.

Island camping on Lake George is a distinctly New York tradition, offering access to the famously clear, 32-mile-long 'Queen of American Lakes.' Hatchet Island itself is noted for getting plenty of sunshine and providing stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and the expansive lake. This destination is perfect for seasoned campers and adventurers who are equipped for self-sufficiency and who seek a vacation dominated by swimming, boating, and the simplicity of a campfire under the vast Adirondack sky.

Location and Accessibility

Hatchet Island is situated within the magnificent Lake George, near Bolton Landing, NY. The official area address, Hatchet Is #1, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA, signifies its proximity to the mainland access points in the region. However, accessibility to the island is strictly by boat.

New York residents traveling to this unique location will first drive to the Lake George area, with many utilizing I-87 (The Northway). Once near Bolton Landing or other launch points serving the Narrow Island Group, campers must secure their boat transport. This involves either bringing a personal boat, which requires a Lake George Park Commission permit and necessitates parking a car and trailer at a private marina for a fee, or arranging a rental boat or water taxi service. Marinas in the Bolton Landing area are typically the closest launching points. The boat-only access is a defining feature, deliberately maintaining the natural tranquility of the island environment. Campers should be mindful of the water depth around the island's docks, which typically ranges between 3 to 3.5 feet, suitable for most recreational watercraft.

Services Offered

The services provided at Hatchet Island’s three campsites are geared toward a foundational, rustic camping experience, emphasizing nature immersion over excessive modern convenience. Each of the three sites—#1, #2, and #3—comes equipped with necessary provisions for an overnight stay.

Boat Dockage: Each campsite is allocated dedicated dock space for at least one boat, a non-negotiable feature for this boat-in-only destination. Campsites #1 and #3 share a shallower dock, while Campsite #2 has its own shore dock that is noted for being deeper and potentially easier for docking.
Sanitation Facilities: The three campsites on Hatchet Island share a single clivus-type privy (a composting toilet facility), which is centrally located to serve all campers on the island.
Campsite Amenities: Every site includes a picnic table for preparing and enjoying meals, as well as a fireplace or fire pit for cooking and creating a traditional campfire ambiance. Campers are legally required to purchase firewood locally (within 50 miles) to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Tent Accommodation: Campsites #1 and #3 are equipped with a designated tent platform, providing a level, protective base for pitching tents. Campsite #2, while having a larger layout, does not feature a platform.
Capacity Limit: Each of the three campsites is limited to a maximum occupancy of six individuals and up to two tents, ensuring a less crowded and more private setting for all island users.

Features / Highlights

Hatchet Island’s allure is in its intimate size and the distinct experience each of its three sites offers, all within the framework of the spectacular Adirondack Park.

Three Unique Sites: The island offers variation, allowing campers to choose based on preference: Site #1, on the southern end, receives maximum sun exposure; Site #2, on the southwest, is known for its spacious layout and easier-to-access dock; and Site #3, on the north end and separated by the privy, is generally more secluded with a campfire spot overlooking the western mountains.
Sun and Scenery: The island is known for receiving ample sunlight across its campsites. The views are quintessential Lake George: rugged mountains meeting the pristine water, providing an idyllic backdrop for morning coffee or evening campfires.
Unplugged Adventure: Island camping is the ultimate digital detox. With no electricity provided at the sites, the focus shifts entirely to the natural world—paddling, swimming in the clear lake water, fishing, and simply relaxing away from city noise.
Water-Centric Recreation: The lake is the main attraction. Campers can spend their days boating, sailing, or paddling directly from their campsite dock. Fishing is excellent, with opportunities for two-story fishing targeting trout and salmon in deeper waters, and bass and pike closer to shore.
Proximity to Mainland Activities: Although remote, Hatchet Island is still accessible to the greater Lake George area. Campers can take their boat to the mainland to explore hiking trails, visit the historic Fort William Henry, or enjoy the family-friendly attractions and dining options in Lake George Village or Bolton Landing.

Contact Information

Hatchet Island Campground is managed under the Narrow Island Group of the Lake George Islands, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) property.

Address (Island Location): Hatchet Is #1, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Narrow Island Group Ranger Station Phone: 518-499-1288

Reservations/Booking Phone: 1-800-456-2267 (ReserveAmerica)

Note: Reservations for these extremely popular island campsites must be made well in advance through the state’s official booking system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Hatchet Island Campground provides New York residents with an authentic, state-run Adirondack experience that stands apart from standard camping. For city and suburban dwellers across the state, the trip to Lake George is a pilgrimage to the core of the Empire State’s natural beauty, and island camping is the prize jewel. The necessity of boat access, far from being a hindrance, is the very element that guarantees a unique level of tranquility and separation from the everyday grind. It transforms a simple camping trip into a mini-expedition, where the rewards are complete privacy, the unpolluted waters of Lake George right off your dock, and stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Since the island is limited to just three campsites, it offers an exclusive, low-impact way to enjoy a New York State Forest Preserve. Hatchet Island is more than a campground; it’s an accessible, yet wildly adventurous, retreat that reinforces the value of New York’s incredible natural resources for all its residents, making it the perfect choice for a deeply refreshing local getaway.