Commission Island

For residents of New York State seeking an unparalleled camping experience, the Commission Island Campground on Lake George offers an extraordinary retreat. Located just south of Commission Point near Red Rock Bay, this destination is not a typical roadside park but a secluded island paradise. Commission Island is part of the extensive Lake George Islands Campground system managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), which is renowned for offering boat-access-only camping on one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Adirondack Park—the "Queen" of American Lakes.

Commission Island is specifically distinguished by its size and exclusivity. Unlike larger islands, it hosts only two premium campsites, making it an incredibly private and highly sought-after location for New Yorkers looking to truly disconnect. These campsites are generously sized and offer a wonderful blend of privacy, surrounded by trees, yet open and sunny areas perfect for enjoying the lake views. The entire experience revolves around the unique pleasure of island living: arriving by boat, mooring at your personal dock, and falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the water.

This style of camping requires thoughtful planning, as everything—from tents and food to fresh water—must be transported by boat. However, the reward is an unmatched sense of tranquility and a deep immersion in the Adirondack wilderness, a true privilege for any New Yorker. The popularity of island camping on Lake George is legendary, and securing a spot on Commission Island often requires booking through the state's reservation system well in advance.

The Lake George Islands are divided into three main camping groups: Glen, Long, and Narrow. Commission Island falls under one of these clusters (situated near the Glen Island Group) and perfectly embodies the rugged, natural beauty that has made Lake George a cherished New York State destination for generations.

Commission Island is located in the northern portion of Lake George, specifically in the vicinity of Bolton Landing, NY 12814. For New York residents traveling from downstate or other regions, access to the Lake George area is typically via the I-87 (Adirondack Northway), using exits between 21 and 25.

It is crucial to understand that **Commission Island is accessible by boat only**. There is no land access, which is a major part of its appeal, but requires pre-planning. Campers must secure a boat—either personal or rented—and arrange for car and trailer parking at a private marina on the mainland, often in Bolton Landing or the surrounding areas. These marinas usually charge a fee for launching and parking for the duration of your trip. The journey across the water to the island is part of the adventure, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains and the crystalline waters of Lake George.

The general mailing address associated with the Lake George Islands Group's operations headquarters (which services the Bolton Landing area islands) is:

PO Box 993, Bolton Landing, NY 12814-0993.

Visitors should also be aware that a separate user's permit may be required from the Lake George Park Commission, depending on boat size and length of stay, which can typically be secured at local marinas.

As a prime example of island camping managed by the NYSDEC, Commission Island's services focus on providing necessary infrastructure for a rustic but comfortable stay. The design of the campsites maximizes the natural environment while ensuring the protection of the lake.

• Limited Campsites: The island features only two individual campsites (Campsite #1 and Campsite #2), ensuring maximum privacy for the permitted occupants.
• Boat Dockage: Each reserved campsite comes with a designated dock space, allowing for the mooring of one boat for transportation and access throughout the stay.
• Campsite Furnishings: Every site is equipped with a picnic table for meals and a fireplace or fire pit, designated for safe campfires.
• Toilet Facility: All island campsites include a designated toilet facility, typically a pit privy, to ensure proper sanitation and environmental protection on the island.
• Tent Platforms: Campsite #1 is known to feature a tent platform, which provides a level and dry surface for setting up your sleeping area. Campsite #2 is generally a ground site.
• Occupancy Limits: Campsite occupancy is strictly limited to six individuals per site, with a maximum of two tents permitted, maintaining the tranquility and exclusivity of the island.
• Registration and Permits: Reservations are mandatory and must be made in advance. Campers must check in at one of the island group headquarters on the mainland upon arrival to complete registration and obtain their camping permit.

Choosing Commission Island for your New York camping trip provides features and highlights that are truly unique to the Lake George experience, promising memorable moments on the water and shore.

• Exceptional Privacy: With only two sites on the entire island, Commission Island offers one of the most private camping experiences available on Lake George, often described as incredibly secluded by those fortunate enough to reserve it.
• Stunning Lake George Views: Campsite #2 is particularly known for being perched high on the southern end of the island, providing gorgeous, panoramic views of the southern expanse of Lake George.
• Excellent Water Access: Campsite #1 is often noted for having a picnic table positioned lower near the water's edge, allowing easy and safe access for swimming and for children to play in the crystal-clear water.
• Adirondack Forest Setting: The island is largely well-forested, providing ample shade and the authentic feeling of camping deep within the Adirondack Park, surrounded by nature.
• Boating and Recreation Hub: Having your boat moored at the site means instant access to the entire lake for fishing, sightseeing, water sports, and exploring other points of interest around the Bolton Landing area.
• Strict Environmental Protection: The NYSDEC enforces a strict "carry-in, carry-out" policy for trash, and prohibits pets, unauthorized firewood from outside a 50-mile radius, and open campfires outside the provided facilities, ensuring the pristine quality of the lake and island ecosystem is preserved for all New Yorkers.

Reservations for Commission Island are managed through the New York State camping system, not the island itself. Direct contact is for the relevant operational group.

• Official Reservation Website: ReserveAmerica (The primary booking platform for NYSDEC campgrounds)
• Reservation Call Center: 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267)
• Glen Island Group Headquarters (Nearest Office for this area): (518) 644-9696
• Lake George Park Commission (for user permits): (518) 668-9347

For New York residents looking to experience the best of Adirondack camping, Commission Island offers a truly superior option. Its most compelling feature is its **unmatched seclusion and privacy**, being one of the rare islands on Lake George to host only two campsites. This guarantees an intimate and quiet camping experience that is simply unavailable at mainland or larger island campgrounds. You are not just renting a patch of dirt; you are securing a private escape where your family or small group can fully immerse itself in the natural splendor of the "Queen of American Lakes."

The logistics of boat-access camping elevate the trip from a simple holiday to a genuine adventure, creating deeper, more rewarding memories. Furthermore, its location near Bolton Landing provides convenient access to local mainland amenities while maintaining the feeling of being miles away from civilization. If you are a dedicated New York outdoor enthusiast who values privacy, pristine water, and the unique combination of boating and traditional tent camping, securing a reservation for Commission Island should be your ultimate goal. It is an iconic, bucket-list destination that epitomizes the exceptional natural beauty of the Adirondack Park.

Commission Island

Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA