Mother Bunch Island Campgrounds #1-2, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents who dream of a true wilderness escape without giving up the comfort of a designated campsite, the Mother Bunch Island Campgrounds on Lake George offer an outstanding solution. These are not your typical, bustling mainland campgrounds; Mother Bunch Island hosts just two highly coveted campsites, #1 and #2, providing an intimate, shared-island experience in the heart of the Adirondack Park. Nestled within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Narrow Island Group, this destination is renowned for its tranquility and spectacular natural setting, giving it a reputation as one of the quietest and most private island locations on the entire lake.

The term "Mother Bunch" refers to the cluster of islands in this northern section of Lake George, and this particular island offers a unique, small-scale camping environment. As former campers have attested, the entire island is about the size of a small schoolyard, making it an exceptionally intimate space shared by just two parties. Access is strictly by boat, reinforcing the sense of adventure and seclusion that New York State campers cherish. Mother Bunch Island provides the essential, rustic amenities—a dock, picnic tables, and a fire pit—allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the pristine beauty of the lake and the surrounding Black Mountain shoreline.

Location and Accessibility

Mother Bunch Island Campgrounds are situated in the Narrow Island Group, located approximately seven miles north of the charming town of Bolton Landing, NY 12814. This places the island firmly in the quieter, more scenic northern part of Lake George, often praised for its calmer waters compared to the busier southern sections.

Accessibility is a key factor and a core part of the island camping experience: Mother Bunch Island is strictly boat-in only. Campers must secure their own watercraft—a motorized boat, canoe, or kayak—or arrange for a water taxi service from a mainland marina. The Narrow Island Group Ranger Station, which manages the area, is often located near Huletts Landing, which serves as a common launch point for this group of islands. Prior to setting out, campers must register and check in at the appropriate ranger station. Additionally, private boat owners must obtain the required user’s permit from the Lake George Park Commission and make arrangements for car and trailer parking at a commercial marina, as no parking facilities are available at the island itself. This deliberate barrier to entry ensures a peaceful environment and preserves the natural integrity of the island.

Services Offered

The New York State DEC campsites on Mother Bunch Island are designed for self-sufficient camping, providing the core necessities that facilitate a comfortable and classic Adirondack experience. The services are rustic but functional, tailored to the unique boat-in environment.

Shared Dockage: The island features a dedicated boat dock, which is shared by both Campsite #1 and Campsite #2. This dock accommodates one boat per campsite, ensuring that all campers have safe and immediate access to the water.
Sanitation Facilities: Campsites on Mother Bunch Island are equipped with a shared clivus-type privy (a composting toilet facility). Campsite #1, specifically, has its usage limited to four people due to the size and capacity of this shared system, a factor campers must consider when booking.
Campsite Furniture: Each campsite (#1 and #2) is furnished with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient, dedicated surface for food preparation, dining, and gathering.
Campfire Amenities: A fireplace or fire pit is included at each site, allowing campers to safely build and contain campfires for cooking and warmth. Campers must adhere to DEC regulations on fire safety and the prohibition on transporting untreated firewood into New York State.
Tent Platform (Varies by Site): Campsites in the Narrow Island Group often feature a wooden tent platform to help keep gear dry and level. For example, some sites in this group are known to have a 12'x14' tent platform, though availability may vary between Mother Bunch #1 and #2. Campers should verify site specifics during the reservation process.

Features / Highlights

Mother Bunch Island is a destination highly valued by local campers for its unique features that elevate a standard camping trip into a truly memorable aquatic adventure.

High Degree of Privacy and Calm: Located in the Narrow Island Group, Mother Bunch is part of the quietest section of Lake George. This location is shielded from the heavy traffic of the lower lake, resulting in calmer waters that are ideal for paddling, water skiing, and a more serene camping atmosphere.
Intimate Island Size: As a small, two-site island, Mother Bunch offers a semi-private feel. Campers share the small island but benefit from the reduced capacity, resulting in far less noise and intrusion than larger mainland or multi-site islands.
Excellent Water Access and Swimming: The island is known to offer good swimming access directly from the shore. The clear, pristine waters of Lake George are a major highlight, perfect for a refreshing dip directly adjacent to your campsite.
Proximity to Key Recreation: Campers are a short boat ride away from nearby highlights such as the popular jumping rocks and cliffs on Burgess and Agnes Islands. Additionally, the area offers access to over 50 miles of marked hiking trails on the surrounding mainland mountains.
Prime Fishing Location: Lake George is celebrated for its two-story fishery. From Mother Bunch Island, anglers can easily fish for bass and pike near the weed beds or venture out onto the deep, clear lake for lake trout and landlocked salmon.

Contact Information

Mother Bunch Island Campgrounds are part of the Narrow Island Group on Lake George. While there is no direct phone line to the island itself, inquiries and essential contact information relate to the NYSDEC's management of the Narrow Island Group.

Address (Island Location): Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (Boat Access Only)

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

NYSDEC Regional Office Phone (General Inquiries/Reservations Support): (518) 623-1200

Note: Reservations are mandatory for overnight stays and must be made well in advance, typically through the New York State Park Reservation system, as these sites are extremely popular.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Mother Bunch Island Campgrounds represent an ultimate, attainable dream for New York locals: a secluded island getaway without having to travel outside the state. For residents, this location offers a deep connection to the preserved wilderness of the Adirondack Park. The challenge of the boat-in access is a badge of honor, ensuring a crowd-free, high-quality outdoor experience that mainland sites simply cannot match. It’s an ideal setting for New Yorkers seeking genuine peace, whether through quiet early-morning paddling, serene fishing, or simply relaxing by the campfire, enveloped by the sights and sounds of the lake. Being part of the Narrow Island Group, it provides the added benefit of calmer waters for recreation and a greater sense of true escape. For those willing to prepare for the self-sufficiency required of island camping, Mother Bunch Island is a pristine, unparalleled corner of New York State that promises renewal and lasting memories.