Turtle Island Campground, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York State outdoor enthusiasts seeking the purest form of Adirondack adventure, Turtle Island Campground offers a truly unique destination. Located on one of the many state-owned islands in Lake George, often called the "Queen of American Lakes," Turtle Island is part of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) extensive Lake George Islands Campground system. Specifically, it falls within the Glen Island Group, a cluster of islands situated in the scenic area known as "The Narrows."

Turtle Island is one of the larger camping islands, featuring 33 individual, boat-access campsites. This unique setup ensures a genuine wilderness experience, away from the traffic and noise of the mainland. Campers must arrive by boat, prepared to be self-sufficient, yet they are rewarded with the stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters that Lake George is famous for. Reviews from local campers consistently praise the island's well-maintained sites, abundant shade, and the overall peaceful, restorative atmosphere. This destination is highly sought after, providing an authentic, rustic escape that New Yorkers treasure.

Location and Accessibility

Turtle Island Campground is situated close to the western shores of Lake George, near the Point of Tongue Mountain. The physical location is 3 Turtle Isle, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. This area places it conveniently in the central section of Lake George, making it highly accessible from the mainland town of Bolton Landing. The broader Lake George region is typically reached via the Adirondack Northway (I-87), using local exits that lead to Routes 9 or 9N.

Crucially, Turtle Island is a boat-access only facility. There are no roads, and all campers must arrange for boat transportation. For New York locals driving in, this means securing parking and a launch spot at a private marina in the Bolton Landing area, such as Norowal Marina. Boat rentals and water taxi services are also viable options for those without their own vessel. The island's location is strategically convenient; it’s close enough to the Glen Island Ranger Station and store for supplies, yet removed enough to feel completely secluded. A key highlight, noted by previous guests, is that certain docks on Turtle Island are situated in a "no wake zone," which provides an added layer of safety and protection for moored boats and a quieter experience at the campsite’s edge.

Services Offered

As a DEC island campground, Turtle Island provides fundamental, rustic services designed to support a traditional tent-camping experience while prioritizing environmental preservation. Campers should expect primitive facilities and are required to bring all necessary supplies.

Dedicated Docking: Every campsite on Turtle Island is equipped with a dock for at least one boat, allowing campers direct water access and mooring capability.
Toilet Facilities: Each site has access to a shared toilet facility, typically a pit privy or outhouse, which is maintained by the DEC staff. Some sites may have a private facility.
Essential Site Amenities: All of the 33 campsites include a fireplace (or a fire pit/funky stove, depending on the site) for cooking and campfires, along with a picnic table.
Tent Platforms: Many of the sites on Turtle Island feature a wooden tent platform, which provides a level, dry surface for pitching a tent and helps protect the island’s delicate forest floor.
Refuse Management: Campers are required to carry out much of their waste, but a mandatory nightly refuse surcharge on permits covers the specialized removal costs, with recycling facilities available at the main Glen Island Ranger Station.
Proximity to Glen Island Store: The main Glen Island Ranger Station, located nearby, offers a convenience store for last-minute supplies or ice.

Features / Highlights

Turtle Island stands out among the Lake George islands for several reasons, offering a diverse array of campsites that cater to different preferences, from sun-drenched points to deeply shaded spots.

Large Number of Sites: With 33 campsites, Turtle Island is one of the larger options in the Glen Island Group, offering a variety of topographical features, including sites on hillsides, sunny points, and shaded coves.
Favorable "No Wake Zone" Docking: As confirmed by local reviews, the presence of a "no wake zone" around certain docking areas is a significant benefit, reducing boat traffic turbulence and providing a safer, more stable dockside environment.
Diverse Site Choices: The island features sites ideal for different needs, such as those on a peninsula at the south end (praised in reviews) for great views, sunny sites like #25 on a point, and more secluded, shady spots great for groups, like #6.
Enhanced Airflow: Certain sites, such as the sunny #3, benefit from being on a narrow part of the island, allowing a breeze to pass through—a natural, welcome defense against insects.
Excellent Water Access: The island is surrounded by the famously beautiful, clear water of Lake George, perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking right from the dock.

Contact Information

Turtle Island is managed by the New York State DEC as part of the Glen Island Group. Reservations are essential and must be secured in advance, especially during the peak summer season.

Address: 3 Turtle Isle, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Glen Island Ranger Station Phone: (518) 644-9696

Mobile Phone: +1 518-644-9696

Note: The given phone numbers are for the Glen Island Ranger Station, the primary contact point for the islands in this area. Reservations are handled through the New York State Parks online system or a central call line.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Turtle Island Campground offers New York residents a quintessential Adirondack experience that perfectly blends convenience with true rustic isolation. For locals willing to make the boat trip—a rite of passage for Lake George campers—Turtle Island delivers on the promise of a peaceful, nature-focused vacation. The fact that the island is well-forested and praised for its clear, beautiful water makes it a superb choice for families, friends, or solo adventurers who seek an authentic outdoor experience away from the crowded mainland sites. The positive feedback, exemplified by a local saying, "This was awesome, going back next year," highlights the deeply satisfying and memorable nature of camping here. From the safety of the no-wake zone docking to the solitude of the wooded campsites, Turtle Island stands out as a prime, boat-access escape that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding for New York’s camping community.