Watch Island Campground #1, Bolton Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers who have experienced traditional mainland camping and are ready for a truly unique Adirondack adventure, Watch Island Campground #1 presents an unparalleled opportunity. This is not your typical state park campground; it is a private, one-campsite island located on the magnificent Lake George, often referred to as the "Queen of American Lakes." Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) as part of the Lake George Islands Campgrounds (specifically within the Glen Island Group near the Narrows area), Watch Island offers the ultimate secluded getaway.

The entire camping experience here is centered on exclusivity and immersion in nature. Unlike large, busy campgrounds, Watch Island is exactly what it sounds like: a whole island for your small group alone. The remote access—only by boat—ensures tranquility and a sense of true escape, making it a highly desirable reservation for local users. Reviews consistently highlight the serenity and spectacular views that this boat-access-only campsite provides, confirming its status as a premier rustic destination for those who want to disconnect and enjoy the pristine waters of Lake George.

Location and Accessibility

Watch Island Campground #1 is situated in a particularly scenic part of Lake George, near the Black Mountain Shore and within the famous Narrows section of the lake. The official location is 40 Watch In The Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. This location places it squarely in the heart of the Adirondack Park, easily reachable for New York residents traveling north via Interstate 87 (The Northway).

The crucial distinction of this campsite is its accessibility: Watch Island is strictly accessible by boat only. This means local users must either own a boat capable of navigating Lake George or arrange for a rental and launch from one of the private marinas in the area, such as those near Bolton Landing or Hulett's Landing. After registering at the appropriate group headquarters (often Glen Island Headquarters for this region), campers must navigate to their site. This essential step filters for those seeking a more adventurous and secluded experience, enhancing the privacy of the island. While the user review mentions shallow water when approaching, it underscores the need for careful navigation—a small price to pay for the island's isolation and beauty. The isolation is a primary draw for New Yorkers looking for a genuine break from crowded urban or suburban environments.

Services Offered

As a designated island campsite within the NYS DEC system, the services provided on Watch Island Campground #1 are deliberately rustic, focusing on essential facilities to support a wilderness-style tent camping experience.

Dedicated Dock Space: The site is equipped with a 24-foot dock for mooring your vessel, with a water depth of approximately 2.5 feet, facilitating easy boat access for a single party.
Toilet Facility: A holding tank type privy (outhouse) is provided on the island, maintaining basic sanitation in this remote setting.
Picnic and Cooking Facilities: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a ring fireplace, allowing for outdoor dining and campfires (using only dead and downed wood).
Shelter: The single site features a dedicated tent platform, often measuring 12 feet by 16 feet, providing a flat and dry base for your tent.
Campsite Capacity: The small, single-site island is limited to a maximum of two people, ensuring unparalleled privacy and tranquility.
Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and are handled through the ReserveAmerica system, which is essential to secure this highly coveted, exclusive site.

Features / Highlights

Watch Island Campground #1’s features are defined by its remarkable privacy and connection to the vast Lake George environment, offering a distinctive experience for the dedicated New York camper.

Ultimate Privacy: As a "one-campsite island," it guarantees complete exclusivity, allowing campers to enjoy the sounds of nature without the intrusion of neighboring sites or vehicle traffic.
Boat-In Only Access: The necessity of a boat elevates the experience, turning the journey into part of the adventure and fostering a community of dedicated boaters and water enthusiasts.
Excellent Swimming: The single site often features a good sand bottom near the dock area, making it an excellent and safe location for swimming directly off the island.
Stunning Vistas: Located in the Narrows, the island offers spectacular, 360-degree views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains and the famously clear waters of Lake George.
Fishing Opportunities: Lake George is renowned for its excellent freshwater fishing, with species like trout, bass, and pike, providing a perfect activity right off your private dock.
Rustic, Unspoiled Camping: The site is intentionally kept primitive—there are no hot showers, flush toilets, or electricity—appealing directly to New Yorkers who prefer a true, unvarnished wilderness camping experience.

Contact Information

While Watch Island Campground #1 is a remote island site, it falls under the management of the Lake George Islands Campgrounds system, overseen by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC).

Address: 40 Watch In The Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (Note: This is an approximate address for the island; all access is via boat.)

Central DEC Phone for Lake George Islands: (518) 623-1200

Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

Note: Reservations for this site must be made well in advance through the official New York State Parks reservation service (ReserveAmerica), as this unique single-site island is highly sought after.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, Watch Island Campground #1 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a vital mental and physical reset button. The intensity of life in New York State’s major population centers necessitates periodic, total disconnection, and this private island campsite delivers exactly that. The requirement to use a boat adds a layer of adventure and self-reliance, which many local outdoor enthusiasts crave.

The ultimate selling point for a New Yorker is the unparalleled solitude. Having an entire island—with its dedicated dock, fire ring, and waterfront—to oneself offers a level of privacy that simply cannot be found in a mainland campground. It transforms a simple weekend trip into a memorable, self-guided expedition. This unique, rustic, and boat-in-only experience on the crystal-clear waters of Lake George makes Watch Island Campground #1 the perfect escape for New York locals seeking genuine tranquility and an unforgettable, private slice of the Adirondacks.