Pine Island Campsite #1

- Bolton Landing, NY 12814

For seasoned New Yorkers who consider a true getaway to be one that’s completely off the grid and surrounded by water, Pine Island Campsite #1 on Lake George offers the ultimate prize: a private island experience. Located in the beautiful, clear waters of the "Queen of American Lakes," this isn't your typical roadside campground. Pine Island is a small, state-owned landmass that hosts only one designated campsite, providing an unmatched level of seclusion and exclusivity for a traditional tent camping adventure.

This single-site island is part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Lake George Islands Campsites, specifically belonging to the Glen Island Group. To secure this highly coveted spot, advance planning is not just recommended—it is essential, as the site is reservable and often booked months in advance. The allure lies in the absolute privacy; once you've boated in and secured your gear, the entire island, with its forested setting and shoreline dock, is yours to enjoy. It is the perfect setting for those seeking a rustic, self-reliant experience deep within the Adirondack wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of mainland life.

Pine Island is one of the smallest and most desirable islands in the Glen Island Group on Lake George, celebrated by local campers precisely because it features only one campsite. This solitary campsite, officially Pine Island Campsite #1, is reserved for a single party of up to six people, ensuring total privacy throughout your stay. The concept here is pure, traditional Adirondack island camping: a rustic, boat-in experience where you are the sole occupants of your little piece of paradise.

The campsite is known to be well-forested, providing a natural, shaded environment for pitching up to two tents. Like all DEC island sites, it is designed for simplicity and immersion in nature, meaning modern luxuries are purposefully absent. The isolation is the main draw, but it comes with the expectation of self-sufficiency. As one user review noted, you must be prepared for a truly rustic experience, embracing the lack of Wi-Fi and the basic nature of the facilities. This commitment to a primitive setting is what appeals to New Yorkers looking for a genuine escape from their connected daily lives.

Pine Island is geographically situated in the central-southern portion of Lake George, near the charming village of Bolton Landing, New York.

The administrative address for the entire Lake George Islands Campsites, which handles Pine Island, is:

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Accessibility to Pine Island Campsite #1 is strictly by watercraft. The island is not connected to the mainland by any bridge or ferry.

• Boat Access Only: Visitors must possess or rent a boat (motorboat, canoe, or kayak) to transport themselves and all gear to the island.
• Mainland Staging: The journey typically begins at a mainland marina or public launch site in the Bolton Landing area, where campers must arrange and pay for overnight vehicle and trailer parking.
• Check-In: Before heading to the island, all campers must check in at the Glen Island Group Ranger Station to register and receive their camping permit.
• Water Navigation: Campers should be prepared for navigating Lake George’s waters, which can be susceptible to hard winds and fast-developing storms, necessitating a stable vessel and awareness of weather conditions.

The boat ride itself offers stunning views of the surrounding Adirondack mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the lake, serving as a beautiful transition from civilization to wilderness.

As a DEC rustic island campsite, Pine Island Campsite #1 is equipped with the basic necessities for a comfortable, self-sufficient camping trip, maintaining the principle of keeping the land as wild forest.

• Shore Dock: The site includes a private dock that accommodates one boat for mooring, making loading and unloading gear straightforward.
• Toilet Facility: A basic toilet facility, typically a privy or composting toilet, is provided on the island. While one customer review mentioned cleanliness issues—which should always be reported to the Ranger Station—the DEC generally provides a facility at every island site.
• Fireplace/Fire Ring: A metal fireplace or stone fire ring is included for cooking and evening campfires, allowing for traditional outdoor meals.
• Picnic Table: A designated picnic table is provided for dining and meal preparation.
• Tent Platform (Likely): Although not explicitly confirmed for this site, many smaller island sites feature a tent platform to assist with level ground. The official description notes the site has a tent platform.
• Potable Water (No): The site does not have running potable water. All drinking and cooking water must be brought in by the camper or secured and treated from the lake.

Pine Island Campsite #1 is highly sought after due to its specific and compelling features, making it a unique gem on Lake George.

• The Private Island Experience: The biggest highlight is the fact that your group is the only one on the island. It offers unparalleled privacy and a feeling of owning a temporary slice of the Adirondacks.
• Unplugged Environment: There is no official Wi-Fi or electricity provided. This is a purposeful feature for many local users seeking a true digital detox and a quiet retreat from their high-tech lives.
• Stunning Waterfront Views: Being on a small island provides 360-degree access to the lake and incredible opportunities for viewing sunrises and sunsets over the water and the surrounding mountains.
• Excellent Location for Water Recreation: The site is an ideal base for activities like fishing, paddling (canoeing/kayaking), swimming, and boating on Lake George.
• Rustic and Traditional Camping: For experienced campers, the rustic nature of the site, which includes a basic toilet and no running water, provides an authentic and rewarding outdoor challenge.

Pine Island Campsite #1 is managed under the umbrella of the Lake George Islands Campsites by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The contact information provided refers to the Glen Island Group administrative office, which oversees this part of the lake.

Address (Administrative/Mailing): The official address refers to the general area and mailing location for the Islands Group.

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Phone (DEC Glen Island Ranger Station): (518) 623-1200

Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

For reservations, New York residents should use the official New York State camping reservation system, which manages bookings months in advance due to the high demand for this secluded site.

Pine Island Campsite #1 is perfectly suited for New York locals who are seeking a profound, restorative break from urban and suburban congestion. The unique "one campsite island" status elevates the experience from simple camping to a genuine, private wilderness retreat. It’s an accessible drive from major metropolitan areas, yet it feels worlds away, requiring a boat to fully detach from the mainland.

For the local adventurer, this spot is a highly desirable symbol of New York’s natural heritage—the perfect place to fish, swim, read, or simply sit by a campfire in complete solitude, a rarity in today’s busy world. While the rustic nature of the amenities (including the lack of modern safety equipment like guardrails, as one user pointed out, highlighting the true wilderness setting) requires campers to be mindful, this level of raw, untouched nature is exactly what many seek. It’s an opportunity to test self-sufficiency, create a truly unique family tradition, and experience Lake George in its most intimate and pristine form. Securing a spot on Pine Island isn't just booking a trip; it's claiming a temporary, secluded island home.

Pine Island Campsite #1

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA