Uncas Island Campground, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking an authentic, yet highly convenient, island camping experience in the spectacular Adirondacks,

Uncas Island Campground

presents an ideal solution. Located in the coveted "The Narrows" section of Lake George—widely considered the most scenic stretch of the 'Queen of American Lakes'—Uncas Island offers the remote feel of island life with the peace of mind of nearby support. As one of the many state-owned islands managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) under the Glen Island Group, Uncas Island is a popular destination for those who own or rent a boat, canoe, or kayak.

Uncas Island is specifically noted for its secluded and natural setting, providing a true escape from mainland life. It maintains the rustic charm characteristic of DEC campsites while remaining highly accessible to the primary administrative hub. Its location near Glen Island, where the Ranger Station and General Store are situated, makes it a favored spot for paddlers and smaller boat owners who value a quick trip for necessities like ice and supplies. This unique blend of immersion in nature and logistical ease makes Uncas Island a premier choice for local New Yorkers looking for a memorable summer retreat.

Location and Accessibility

Uncas Island is nestled within the beautiful chain of islands that form The Narrows, slightly to the east of the mainland near Bolton Landing. The official address provided is

30 Uncas, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

Accessibility to Uncas Island, like all Lake George Islands campsites, is strictly

by boat only

. This is the defining feature of the camping experience here, guaranteeing a serene and boat-centric vacation. Campers must arrange for their own transportation—whether a motorboat or a non-motorized vessel like a canoe or kayak—to transport all people and gear to the island.

A crucial element of Uncas Island's appeal is its highly strategic position. It is situated

near the Ranger Station to check-in

on the larger Glen Island. This proximity is a significant convenience. Campers must first register at the Glen Island Headquarters upon arrival to finalize their permit before proceeding to their specific site on Uncas Island. This central hub is also the location of the

General Store

, providing an invaluable resource for campers throughout their stay. The journey from the mainland launching point in the Bolton Landing area involves a short but beautiful boat ride to the Glen Island Headquarters first, and then a final, short leg to Uncas Island itself.

Services Offered

As a New York State DEC island campground, Uncas Island sites are built to provide essential, rustic amenities that support an outdoor lifestyle. Each site is designed for privacy and self-sufficiency, accommodating up to 6 individuals and 2 tents maximum. The standard services provided across the island's various individual campsites include:

Boat Docking: Every campsite on Uncas Island is equipped with a designated
dock for at least one boat
. This is an essential feature for a boat-in-only experience, offering secure mooring for your vessel and a convenient entry point to the campsite.
Cooking and Dining Facilities: Each site is furnished with a sturdy
picnic table
and a permanent
fireplace or fire pit
, allowing for traditional campfire cooking and open-air dining.
Sanitation: The island is outfitted with dedicated
toilet facilities
(typically pit privies) shared among the campsites, ensuring a basic level of sanitation for all guests.
Tent Platforms (Site Dependent): Many sites on Uncas Island feature a leveled
tent platform
—an amenity highly valued by tent campers as it keeps sleeping areas off the ground and level. It is important to check the specific site details at the time of reservation, as some sites may not include a platform.
Access to General Store: While there is no store directly on Uncas Island, its location allows for fast access to the
General Store
located on the nearby Glen Island, where campers can purchase ice, firewood, and other essential provisions.

Features / Highlights

Uncas Island's distinct features are particularly appealing to New Yorkers looking for a blend of natural beauty and an active outdoor vacation, with a specific draw for those using smaller watercraft.

Paddler-Friendly Accessibility: The campground is a
Great site if you canoe in
, as noted by a customer. While caution must be exercised due to potential
choppy water
from wind and boat traffic, the proximity to the Glen Island check-in makes it a logical and manageable paddle for those using canoes or kayaks.
Proximity to Ranger Station: Being
near the ranger station to check-in
and the General Store provides a major highlight. This logistical advantage minimizes the time spent fetching supplies and ensures quick access to assistance or information, enhancing the overall safety and convenience of the trip.
Scenic Location in The Narrows: Camping on Uncas Island places you directly in the middle of Lake George's
most stunning region
. The surrounding views of the lake's pristine waters and the towering Adirondack Mountains offer unparalleled photographic and scenic opportunities.
Variety of Campsite Experiences: Reviews suggest that sites on Uncas Island vary, ranging from
very large, flat sites
ideal for families to smaller, cliff-perched spots with
spectacular morning sun
. Campers can select a site that best fits their preference for sun, shade, size, and view, with options like open, sunny sites or those more surrounded by
oak trees
.
Recreational Opportunities: As part of the Lake George Islands, visitors can enjoy a wealth of water activities including swimming, fishing for bass and pike, and exploring the dozens of surrounding islands. On the nearby mainland (accessible via boat/car from a local marina), there are
over 50 miles of hiking trails
leading to panoramic vistas overlooking the lake.

Contact Information

The Uncas Island Campground is a part of the Lake George Islands Campsites, overseen by the New York State DEC, which manages all reservations and general inquiries for this island group.

Address (Island Location):

30 Uncas, 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 high-demand island camping system must be made through the official New York State reservation service, and advanced booking is highly recommended, especially for peak season travel.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Uncas Island Campground offers an exceptional Adirondack adventure that is perfectly tailored to the desires of New York residents. It delivers the genuine, back-to-nature island camping experience that the region is famous for, while mitigating the complexity often associated with remote travel. The boat-in access creates a definitive break from the daily grind, transporting you to a private forested shoreline instantly.

Crucially, the easy paddle or boat ride to the Glen Island Ranger Station and store removes the potential stress of a truly remote trip—you are never too far from help or a resupply run for a bag of ice or extra firewood. For the local paddling community, it is one of the best spots to launch a canoe or kayak and experience Lake George up close, despite the warning about occasional

choppy water

from the busy boat traffic. Uncas Island’s combination of rustic, dedicated amenities (private dock, fireplace, picnic table) and its central, scenic location in The Narrows ensures an unforgettable, accessible, and wholly New York State outdoor vacation. It is a premier location for New Yorkers to reconnect with the natural heritage of the Adirondacks.