Phantom Island Campground #3 (dock)

- 33 Phantom In Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Introduction / Overview

For New York State residents seeking the quintessential Adirondack island camping experience without sacrificing convenience,

Phantom Island Campground #3

stands out as a highly desirable destination. Located on Phantom Island, this specific campsite is part of the Lake George Islands Campsites, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) within the sought-after Glen Island Group in "The Narrows."

Phantom Island is a modest-sized island featuring only a few campsites, giving it an intimate feel while still being strategically located. Site #3, in particular, has earned a reputation among seasoned campers for being an excellent spot. It strikes an ideal balance: it offers the solitude of island camping, yet it is situated just across the channel from the amenities and services available at the Glen Island Ranger Station and store. This unique combination makes it highly attractive for families and groups who want to feel disconnected from the mainland while still having quick access to supplies or assistance.

The experience here is entirely boat-in, providing a distinctive layer of privacy and adventure that is synonymous with the best of Lake George's natural offerings. For New Yorkers, this is not just camping—it is a private retreat into the heart of the "Queen of American Lakes," complete with a personal dock and stunning waterfront views.

Location and Accessibility

Phantom Island is located in the scenic

Narrows

of Lake George, a stunning mid-lake area known for its numerous small islands, clear waters, and spectacular mountain backdrops. The official address provided is

33 Phantom In Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

.

Accessibility is a key factor that defines the Lake George island experience. As a DEC island campsite,

Phantom Island Campground #3 (dock)

is

accessible by boat only

. This means all campers must arrange for a watercraft—be it a personal boat, a rental, or a water taxi—to reach the island and transport all necessary gear. Campers typically launch and park their vehicles/trailers at a private marina on the mainland in the nearby Bolton Landing area.

The prime location of Phantom Island offers a distinct advantage: its close proximity to

Glen Island

. Glen Island serves as the main headquarters for this group, meaning essential services like a convenience store, ranger station, and accessible facilities are just a short boat ride away. This level of accessibility to support services, while maintaining a boat-in campsite, is a major draw for local users.

Services Offered

Campsite #3 on Phantom Island provides the standard DEC amenities essential for a comfortable, self-sufficient island camping trip. All sites are designed for private use by the registered party (up to a maximum of 6 individuals and 2 tents), ensuring a high degree of exclusivity for your stay.

• Private Boat Mooring: The campsite is designated as a

  dock site

  , meaning it includes a private dock or shore dock capable of mooring the one boat permitted per site, providing secure and convenient waterfront access.

• Essential Furnishings: Campers are provided with a heavy-duty

  picnic table

  and a permanent

  fireplace or fire pit

  for cooking and enjoying a traditional campfire experience.

• Sanitation Facilities: The island features a

  toilet facility

  (typically a pit privy), and customer reviews specifically mention the quality of the on-island facilities, with one calling it the

  "Nicest bathroom on the islands"

  —a rare and highly valued compliment for island camping.

• Tent Platform: Campsite #3 is specifically noted to include a dedicated, level

  tent platform

  , which is a significant amenity for protecting tents and ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep, regardless of ground conditions.

• Proximity to Supplies: Although not directly on the island, the campground benefits from its location just a short paddle or boat ride from the

  Glen Island Ranger Station

  and its general store, where campers can stock up on essentials like ice and firewood.

Features / Highlights

Phantom Island Campground #3 is favored by those who know Lake George island camping well, due to several distinct characteristics that enhance the experience and make it one of the most highly-rated spots in The Narrows.

• Northern Point View: Site #3 is located on the

  northern point

  of Phantom Island. Critically, this orientation

  does not directly face Glen Island

  , offering a more private and natural view over the northern expanse of the lake while still keeping the amenities close.

• Superior Sanitation: As highlighted in customer feedback, the site has an outstanding reputation for having the

  "Nicest bathroom on the islands"

  , a significant comfort upgrade for rustic camping that sets it apart from many other DEC sites.

• Sandy, Shallow Beach Access: Phantom Island features a

  cute and very sandy, shallow beach

  area located between campsites 3 and 1, facing Gem Island. This makes the island

  ideal for little children

  and safe swimming, a massive plus for family campers.

• Activity and Scenery: The location is known for having a good amount of

  boat traffic

  in the channel nearby. While this means less absolute quiet than a truly remote island, it provides a lively and entertaining atmosphere, which many campers enjoy as

  "good for people watching"

  .

• Central Island Location: Phantom Island is ideally situated near other notable islands, including Gem Island and Uncas Island, making it an excellent base for

  paddling and exploring

  the most picturesque section of The Narrows on Lake George.

Contact Information

Phantom Island Campground is part of the Lake George Islands system, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). All official administrative and reservation inquiries are directed to the DEC Regional Office, which manages this entire group of islands.

Address (Island Location):

33 Phantom In Narrows Is, 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 prime site are highly competitive and must be made through the official New York State reservation system (ReserveAmerica) well in advance of the desired camping date.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Phantom Island Campground #3 offers a compelling mix of Adirondack wilderness adventure and necessary convenience that resonates perfectly with New York State residents. It’s an elite yet accessible version of island camping.

For local users, the ability to pack up, transport their gear by boat, and settle into a private island campsite—with a confirmed dock and the highest-rated toilet facility in the islands—provides a streamlined, high-quality outdoor experience. Its location in The Narrows, combined with the quick-trip access to the Glen Island store, ensures that even families with younger children or those new to island camping can manage their logistics smoothly. You get the desired solitude of an island escape, the joy of swimming at a sandy, shallow beach, and the comfort of better-than-average amenities, all while exploring one of New York's most treasured natural landscapes. Phantom Island #3 is often described as one of the

"favs"

by returning campers, making it an essential entry on any New Yorker's Adirondack bucket list.

Phantom Island Campground #3 (dock)

33 Phantom In Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA