Sagamore Island Campgrounds #1-6, Bolton Landing, NY

For New York residents who dream of escaping the clamor of metropolitan life and truly disconnecting in the wilderness, the state-owned islands of Lake George represent the pinnacle of accessible adventure.

Sagamore Island Campgrounds #1-6

offers one of the most intimate and highly-sought-after ways to experience the Adirondack Park. Located in the picturesque

Narrow Island Group

, often locally referred to as the "Mother Bunch Islands," Sagamore Island provides a unique, rustic, and profoundly private camping experience that can only be reached by boat.

It is important for local users to know that this tranquil camping haven is distinctly separate from the luxurious Sagamore Resort, which is located on the mainland-connected Green Island. This Sagamore Island is a public, overnight camping island managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), dedicated to preserving a rustic, boat-in environment. With only six well-forested and private campsites, the island ensures a high degree of seclusion, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Lake George. From enjoying a spectacular sunrise on the east side to catching the famous Lake George sunsets on the west, Sagamore Island delivers a unique, natural waterfront retreat.

Location and Accessibility

Sagamore Island is situated in the northern part of Lake George, a short distance from the mainland community of Bolton Landing, NY. It is a core part of the Narrow Island Group, or "Mother Bunch," which is centrally located in the lake.

The official location reference is:

70 Sagamore Mother Bunch 4, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

The defining characteristic of this campground is its accessibility:

Boat-In Only: All six campsites are
exclusively accessible by boat
. Campers must bring their own watercraft—be it a powerboat, canoe, or kayak—or arrange for a water taxi. This requirement is key to maintaining the island's secluded atmosphere.
Registration Required: Visitors must check in at the Narrow Island Ranger Station, which controls the Mother Bunch Islands, before occupying their reserved site.
Water Travel: Due to the size and shape of Lake George, a sturdy boat is recommended for cross-lake travel, although canoes and kayaks are perfect for exploring the immediate shoreline and nearby islands.

This boat-in necessity means that New York campers must be prepared for a fully self-reliant camping trip, packing in all necessary food, water, and supplies, which enhances the feeling of true escape.

Services Offered

Sagamore Island is a DEC campsite designed for primitive, boat-access tent camping. Services are limited to the essential infrastructure needed to support a comfortable and environmentally responsible overnight stay. There are no modern amenities such as showers, flush toilets, or electrical hookups at the individual sites.

Dedicated Boat Dock: Each of the six campsites provides a dock for one boat, ensuring private, immediate access to the site. Some sites may share a dock with an adjacent site.
Tent Platform: Select campsites are equipped with a wooden tent platform, providing a level and dry base for setting up camp.
Cooking Facilities: Every site includes a fireplace or fire pit for safe, contained campfires and cooking.
Picnic Table: A picnic table is standard at each location for dining and gathering.
Toilet Facility: Campers are provided with a shared toilet facility, typically a pit privy, to ensure sanitation on the island.
Maximum Occupancy: Campsites typically have a maximum capacity of 6 people and allow up to two tents.

Features / Highlights

The small size and strategic placement of the Sagamore Island campsites are their main draw, offering specific scenic advantages and recreational opportunities that are highly valued by experienced New York campers.

High Privacy Levels: With only six campsites, the island is inherently quiet and peaceful. The sites are large and well-forested, creating excellent separation and a private feel for each reservation.
Sunrise and Sunset Views: Specific sites are prized for their orientation. West-side sites (like #1) are ideal for enjoying spectacular Lake George sunsets, while east-side sites (like #4) are perfect for early risers seeking an Adirondack sunrise over the mountains.
Excellent Water Access: Many sites are situated on flat rock ledges, making for great, easy entry into the clear lake water for swimming and cooling off. Site #4, in particular, has been noted for having a "natural slide" created by the rocks, which is fun for younger children.
Group Camping Potential: The largest sites, such as #1 and #2, are noted for pairing well together, allowing multiple families or large parties to camp adjacent to one another while retaining individual amenities.
Proximity to Day-Use Islands: Sagamore Island is located directly across a short channel from Picnic Island, a state-owned day-use island. This makes it convenient for campers to invite friends for a day visit or utilize the larger picnic areas.
Boating and Fishing: The island provides a perfect base for all forms of water recreation, including motorboating, canoeing, and fishing for Lake George’s famed lake trout, bass, and pike.

Contact Information

To secure one of the coveted sites on Sagamore Island, New York residents must use the centralized reservation system.

Address: 70 Sagamore Mother Bunch 4, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA
Narrow Island Ranger Station Phone: (518) 499-1288

Conclusion: Why Sagamore Island is Suitable for Locals

Sagamore Island Campgrounds offers New Yorkers a highly sought-after blend of rugged Adirondack camping and unmatched waterfront luxury—the luxury of space and privacy. It is an ideal destination for local users because it perfectly encapsulates the best of New York State’s public lands: pristine water quality, stunning mountain backdrops, and an exclusive feel achieved through the boat-in accessibility.

For those living in the densely populated regions of New York, the seclusion of Sagamore Island is a necessary antidote to daily stress. The necessity of a boat trip ensures that the campsite remains a quiet refuge, free from excessive vehicle traffic and noise. Whether you are an experienced boater or simply looking for a private spot to fish, swim, and watch the sun dip below the mountains, Sagamore Island offers a powerful, memory-rich connection to the wilderness. It represents a fantastic way to utilize the state's natural resources and is an essential item on any New York outdoor enthusiast's bucket list, promising an escape unlike any other.