Hermit Island Campground, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents who covet true privacy and a singular connection with the Adirondack wilderness,

Hermit Island Campground

on Lake George represents a premier destination. Unlike large, crowded campgrounds, Hermit Island is a unique, state-owned island offering a rare experience: it hosts only

one exclusive campsite

. This distinction immediately elevates it to the top tier of secluded retreats in the Empire State, providing an unparalleled sense of solitude and ownership for the duration of your stay.

Hermit Island is part of the famous

Glen Island Group

of campsites, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on the majestic Lake George. Named perhaps after J. Henry Hill, a former resident of nearby Phantom Island, the island lives up to its name, promising a quiet, 'hermit-like' sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. It is ideally suited for small groups or a single family looking to immerse themselves in the "Queen of American Lakes" with no adjacent neighbors, giving campers the feeling of having their own private island getaway.

Crucially, Hermit Island is not only boat-in accessible but is conveniently located a

short distance paddle

from the

Glen Island Ranger Station & Camp Store

. This provides an exceptional balance of complete isolation at your campsite with the easy ability to reach supplies and administrative services when necessary. It is the perfect choice for New Yorkers seeking a genuine wilderness experience without being completely disconnected from support.

Location and Accessibility

Hermit Island is officially listed within the Glen Island Group of Lake George Islands Campsites. Its mailing address is located in the beautiful town of

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

, which serves as the primary gateway for boat access to this central section of Lake George. The island is situated in The Narrows, near Gravelly Island and Phantom Island, and close to Red Rock Bay.

As with all Lake George island camping, Hermit Island is

accessible by boat only

. Campers from New York must bring their own vessel (power boat, canoe, kayak, or sailboat) or arrange a water taxi service from one of the private marinas in the Bolton Landing area. Private marinas typically offer boat launch facilities and parking for vehicles and trailers, which is necessary as mainland parking near the island groups is restricted.

A key geographical advantage, as noted by local visitors, is its proximity to the administrative hub. While being a private island experience, the short paddle distance to the Glen Island Ranger Station provides easy access for check-in and for utilizing the camp store for essentials like ice, firewood, and unexpected needs. This location allows New Yorkers to enjoy the seclusion of an island campsite without the logistical challenge of being too far from services.

Services Offered

Hermit Island is a DEC-managed, primitive campsite that focuses on providing the basic, high-quality amenities necessary for comfortable tent camping on an island while preserving the natural environment. The single campsite is fully equipped to be self-sufficient.

Private Boat Dock: The site includes a
24-foot dock
for mooring a single boat. With a water depth of approximately 3.5 feet, it is perfectly suited for most recreational boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Sanitation: A dedicated
holding tank privy
(toilet facility) is provided for the exclusive use of the campers on the island, ensuring cleanliness and compliance with DEC regulations.
Cooking and Dining: The campsite is furnished with a sturdy
picnic table
and a
fireplace or fire pit
(charcoal burner may also be provided) for outdoor cooking and traditional campfires. Campers must adhere to regulations regarding collecting dead and down wood.
Sleeping Platform: The terrain on the island is mostly flat, shady, and offers a comfortable camping area. For tent stability, the site is equipped with a wooden
tent platform
(typically 12' x 16'), providing a level and dry base for your tent.
Refuse Management: Lake George Island campsites operate with a
refuse surcharge
to cover the costs of removing garbage from the islands, though campers are encouraged to carry out what they can.

Features / Highlights

The primary selling points for Hermit Island are tied directly to its isolation, its compact size, and its ideal location within the Glen Island Group, making it a highly sought-after reservation for New York State campers.

Absolute Seclusion: As a
one-campsite island
, Hermit Island guarantees total privacy. You will not have to share the island, the dock, or the amenities with any other camping party, allowing for an unrivaled tranquil escape.
Ideal Capacity: The site is perfectly configured and limited to a
maximum of 4 people
and
up to 2 tents
. This makes it ideal for a small family or a couple seeking a romantic, undisturbed wilderness setting.
Proximity to Ranger Station: A significant convenience is the island’s location next to Phantom and Gravelly Islands, and a short distance paddle to the
Glen Island Group Headquarters
. This is essential for registration, quick resupply at the camp store, or in the event of an emergency.
Excellent Swimming Access: The site is noted for having a
good sand bottom by the dock
for swimming, providing easy entry into Lake George's refreshing waters, a feature highly valued by summer campers.
Protected Environment: The island is flat and well-protected by trees, offering ample
shady areas
which are particularly pleasant during hot New York summer days. Being surrounded by water also often means a gentle breeze, providing some natural protection from insects.

Contact Information

Hermit Island Campground is managed under the Glen Island Group of the Lake George Islands Campsites, administered by the NYS DEC.

Address (Mailing/General Area):

39 Hermit, 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: Reservations for this single-campsite island are extremely popular and should be booked through ReserveAmerica or the DEC well in advance.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Hermit Island Campground is perfectly suited for New York locals—particularly boaters, kayakers, and canoeists—looking for the pinnacle of tranquil camping. This is a bucket-list destination that offers an authentic, off-grid Adirondack experience without the crowds typical of popular mainland parks. The nature of the island, being a single, private campsite, fulfills the local desire for deep connection with nature and complete, undisturbed relaxation.

For New Yorkers, who often spend their summers navigating the busy recreational waters of Lake George, Hermit Island provides a quiet haven. The convenience of having the Glen Island Ranger Station a short paddle away means the challenges of wilderness camping are balanced with easy access to necessities, making the logistics of island life manageable for a multi-day trip. It requires commitment and self-sufficiency, rewarding the effort with a truly memorable stay. When planning your next upstate adventure, securing the one and only spot on Hermit Island guarantees a level of peace and privacy that is simply unmatched, transforming a simple camping trip into your own personal retreat on the Queen of American Lakes.