Little Harbor Island Campground #9 (dock), Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York State outdoor enthusiasts, few experiences rival the prestige and serenity of island camping on Lake George, often called the 'Queen of American Lakes.' Little Harbor Island Campground #9 (dock) epitomizes this unique getaway. Part of the state-run Lake George Islands Campsites, managed by the DEC, this is not a traditional drive-up campsite; it is a specialized, boat-access only destination that promises unmatched privacy and a truly intimate connection with the Adirondack wilderness.

Little Harbor Island is a gem within the Glen Island Group of islands, situated near the charming town of Bolton Landing. The campsites here are famed for their exclusivity, with the island itself featuring a limited number of sites, typically less than a dozen. Campsite #9, specifically mentioned with a dock, indicates a designated space that is perfect for water-loving New Yorkers who bring their own boat. Customer feedback highlights the appeal of specific sites, noting that some, like the highly private #6, are located on the 'tip of the island,' suggesting that #9 also offers a secluded, premium experience. The island camping culture on Lake George is centered around pristine water recreation, peaceful evenings, and a unique sense of ownership over your small piece of the lake. Crucially, due to its island location and emphasis on quiet enjoyment, this destination strictly enforces rules designed to preserve the tranquility, including no pets allowed on the islands or docks.

Location and Accessibility

The location of Little Harbor Island is both remote and strategically convenient for New York campers. It is officially listed with the mailing address: Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA, placing it in the heart of the southern basin of Lake George, a region known for its clear waters and mountainous shoreline.

Accessibility Requirement: The most important point for New Yorkers to understand is that all Lake George Islands campsites, including Little Harbor Island, are accessible by boat only. Campers must either own a boat, rent one from a local marina (such as those in Bolton Landing), or arrange for a water taxi service to transport them and their gear.
Gateway Town: Bolton Landing serves as the main gateway to the Glen Island Group. This village is easily accessible from major upstate highways, making the drive from the Capital Region or even the NYC metro area straightforward, before the final, scenic boat journey.
Registration Hub: Upon arrival in the area, campers who have reserved their site (reservations are mandatory) must typically check in at the Glen Island Group Headquarters ranger station, which is located on a mainland area but is still accessible by boat only.
Parking and Launching: Campers must arrange to park their vehicles and launch their boats at a nearby private marina in the Bolton Landing area, which usually involves a separate fee for both parking and launching/docking.
Wilderness Proximity: The island setting provides direct access to Lake George’s 32 miles of water recreation, and it is a short boat ride to mainland areas that offer a network of hiking trails in the mountains overlooking the lake.

Services Offered

The services offered at Little Harbor Island are designed to support a primitive yet comfortable camping experience, providing necessary facilities while retaining the natural, secluded feel of island life.

Dedicated Dock: Every island campsite, including #9, features a private dock for at least one boat, a vital service that allows campers to secure their essential mode of transport and access point.
Basic Sanitary Facilities: Each campsite on the island is equipped with at least one toilet facility, typically a primitive pit privy, ensuring basic sanitation is available on site.
Essential Camp Amenities: The core camping experience is supported by a fireplaces or fire pit with a cooking grate, and a sturdy picnic table at every site, perfect for preparing meals and enjoying the stunning lake views.
Tent Platforms: Many sites, including those on Little Harbor Island, feature a tent platform, which provides a level, dry, and protected base for pitching a tent, a valuable amenity on uneven island terrain.
Refuse Collection: While island campers are responsible for maintaining a clean site, designated garbage collection centers (dumpsters) are provided at the larger island headquarters for disposal.
Ranger Presence: The DEC operates a Ranger Station for the Glen Island Group nearby, providing oversight, enforcement of quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m. are strictly enforced), and assistance when needed, which adds a layer of security and convenience.

Features / Highlights

The defining features of Little Harbor Island are its unparalleled privacy, its specific water-based recreation options, and the sheer beauty of its location in the Adirondacks.

Ultimate Privacy: The primary highlight is the seclusion. Since sites are spaced out on the island and only accessible by boat, campers feel they have a truly private, lakefront home base, far removed from the bustle of mainland campgrounds.
Designated Dock Access: The inclusion of a dock at site #9 specifically simplifies the logistical challenge of island camping, providing a secure place to moor your boat and easily load/unload gear.
Pristine Water Recreation: Lake George's incredibly clear water is a major draw. Campers can enjoy immediate access to swimming, paddling (canoeing/kayaking), and some of the best boating and sailing opportunities in the Northeast, all from their private dock.
Tent Platform Advantage: The presence of a dedicated tent platform ensures a dry and level area for sleeping, significantly improving comfort, especially during inclement weather.
Prime Location for Views: Campsites on Little Harbor Island often offer exceptional views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, providing spectacular sunrises or sunsets depending on the site's orientation, which truly enhances the overall Adirondack experience.

Contact Information

All island camping on Lake George is highly sought after and must be reserved well in advance.

Address (Mailing): Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (The physical location is on the island).

Regional Office Phone: (518) 623-1200 (DEC Regional Office)

Glen Island Ranger Station Phone: (518) 644-9696 (The local headquarters for the Little Harbor Island Group)

Reservations: Reservations for all Lake George Island sites are handled through the New York State Parks reservation system and are mandatory.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Little Harbor Island Campground #9 is ideal for New York State residents looking to elevate their outdoor recreation from simple camping to a unique Adirondack adventure. Its suitability stems from the fact that it is a protected DEC facility offering an unparalleled degree of privacy and exclusivity that is rarely found at mainland sites. For local New Yorkers who own a boat or are willing to utilize the readily available water taxi services from Bolton Landing, this campground offers a truly distinctive experience on the "Queen of American Lakes." It is a peaceful, well-regulated retreat where the sounds of the lake replace city noise, and the clear waters and mountain views offer a restorative, world-class vacation right in their own state. The experience of having a private dock and a secluded campsite on an island makes the necessary logistical efforts worthwhile, providing a high-quality, memorable escape that New Yorkers can be proud to claim as a local treasure.