Island Paradise: Commission Island Campground on Lake George, NY

Commission Island Campground #1 & 2 (dock) Introduce

lake george glen island

### Island Paradise: Commission Island Campground on Lake George, NY

For New York residents dreaming of an unparalleled camping adventure, Commission Island Campground #1 & 2 on Lake George offers a truly spectacular experience. This isn't your typical roadside campground; instead, it's a unique opportunity to camp on a state-owned island in the famed "Queen of American Lakes," accessible only by boat. Commission Island, a "fabulous two campsite island," provides campers with unparalleled privacy and breathtaking "great views of the narrows," a renowned scenic section of Lake George.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as part of the broader Lake George Islands Campgrounds, Commission Island (located within the Glen Island Group, also known as "The Narrows") allows New Yorkers to fully immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the Adirondack Park. It's a place where the sounds of nature replace city noise, and the tranquil waters of Lake George become your backyard. For those who cherish privacy, stunning vistas, and the unique thrill of island living, Commission Island offers an unforgettable and truly local New York outdoor experience.

### Location and Accessibility

Commission Island Campground #1 & 2 is located in the vicinity of 51 Commission, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. More precisely, this camping destination is an island situated in the famed "Narrows" section of Lake George, near Bolton Landing. It's crucial to understand that, like all sites within the Lake George Islands Campgrounds, Commission Island is accessible by boat only.

To reach Commission Island, campers will typically launch their own boat or rent one from numerous marinas around Lake George, particularly in Bolton Landing or the Village of Lake George. The Glen Island Ranger Station, which oversees Commission Island, is conveniently located near Bolton Landing, serving as a primary check-in point. For New York residents, traveling to Bolton Landing is generally straightforward via major state routes, making the initial journey to the lake accessible. Once on Lake George, navigating to Commission Island, especially within "The Narrows" where it offers such spectacular views, is part of the adventure. This boat-only access ensures a level of seclusion and an authentic island camping experience that sets it apart from traditional drive-up campgrounds.

### Services Offered

Boat-Access-Only Campsites: Both Campsite #1 and #2 on Commission Island are exclusively accessible by boat, offering a unique and private island camping experience.
Private Docks: Each campsite (including cruiser sites across the Lake George Islands) comes with a dedicated dock for one boat, providing convenient mooring for your vessel.
Individual Site Amenities: Every site is equipped with essential outdoor living amenities, including a picnic table for dining and a fireplace or fire ring for campfires and cooking. Cruiser sites also include a charcoal burner.
Primitive Toilet Facilities (Privy): For sanitation, each site has its own primitive toilet facility (outhouse/privy), ensuring basic conveniences in a wilderness setting.
Well-Forested and Private Sites: The sites are described as "large and well forested," ensuring privacy from neighboring campers and an immersive natural environment.
Nearby Ranger Station Access: While Commission Island itself is remote, the Glen Island Ranger Station (part of the Glen Island Group headquarters) is relatively close by, providing support and oversight.
No Electric Hookups: It's important to note that these are primitive island campsites, and they do not offer electric hookups, promoting an "off the grid" experience.
Water: While individual sites do not have potable water, centralized locations on Glen Island often have shared access to potable water. Campers should be prepared to bring their own water or purify lake water.

### Features / Highlights

Unbeatable "Narrows" Views: A standout feature highlighted by campers is the "great views of the narrows." Commission Island's location provides stunning panoramic vistas of this picturesque and historically significant section of Lake George.
Exceptional Privacy on an Island: As a two-campsite island, Commission Island offers a high degree of seclusion. Both sites are "very private, surrounded by trees, yet incredibly open and sunny where you want it to be," which is a significant draw for campers seeking solitude.
Direct Lake Access and Boating Opportunities: With a dedicated dock at each site, campers have immediate access to Lake George, perfect for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming right from their doorstep.
Crystal Clear Lake George Waters: Lake George is renowned for its exceptional water quality, often considered one of the clearest large lakes in the country, providing an inviting environment for all water-based activities.
Fantastic Fishing: Lake George is a prime fishing destination, offering opportunities to catch landlocked salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, among other species.
Unique Island Camping Experience: This is a distinctive style of camping not widely available, offering a true sense of adventure and disconnection from everyday life.
Proximity to Bolton Landing Amenities: Despite its remote island feel, Commission Island is relatively close to Bolton Landing, allowing easy boat access to marinas, restaurants, and supplies on the mainland.
Diverse Recreational Activities: Beyond camping, the broader Lake George Islands offer opportunities for hiking on nearby mainland trails (like Black Mountain), exploring other islands, and enjoying all the recreational offerings of the lake.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Commission Island Campground, being part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Lake George Islands Campgrounds, operates under a state park system. As such, it does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense of discounts or bundled packages.

The "special offer" of Commission Island lies in its inherent value: a highly coveted, private island campsite on Lake George at state-regulated rates. Due to their immense popularity, particularly sites with exceptional views like those on Commission Island, securing a reservation is considered the primary "achievement" for campers. Reservations are highly competitive and can usually be made up to nine months in advance through the Reserve America platform. For New York locals, the key is to book well in advance for desired dates, especially during peak summer season, as these unique sites are often fully booked long beforehand.

### Contact Information

For reservations and information regarding Commission Island Campground (specifically Campsite #1 & 2) within the Lake George Islands Campgrounds, as it is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the primary method of contact is through their central reservation system and the local Ranger Station.

Commission Island Campground (Glen Island Group) Phone: (518) 644-9696

Primary Reservation System: New York State Parks Reserve America

Reserve America Call Center: 1-800-456-2267

Physical Address (General Area for Registration, not direct site access): 51 Commission, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA

For general inquiries about Lake George Islands Campgrounds, you can also refer to the official NYSDEC website for comprehensive rules, regulations, and facility details.

### Conclusion: Why Commission Island Campground is Suitable for Locals

For New York residents, Commission Island Campground on Lake George represents an exceptional and perfectly suited opportunity for an unforgettable outdoor escape. Its defining characteristic—being a boat-access-only island campsite—offers a level of privacy, seclusion, and genuine wilderness immersion that is a rare commodity within the state. This means locals can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle, and embrace the tranquil beauty of Lake George in a profoundly personal way.

The appeal for New Yorkers is multifaceted. Firstly, the "great views of the narrows" from Commission Island are simply breathtaking, providing a picturesque backdrop for every moment of your stay. Secondly, the intrinsic privacy of being on a two-campsite island, with each site being "large and well forested," allows for intimate family time or a peaceful retreat. Thirdly, the direct lake access via a dedicated dock at each site means immediate enjoyment of Lake George's crystal-clear waters for swimming, fishing, and all forms of boating. This combines the adventure of island living with the recreational abundance of one of New York's most iconic lakes.

Commission Island offers an experience that feels truly special and unique to New York State. While it requires the logistical step of boat access, the reward is an unparalleled sense of freedom, natural beauty, and a chance to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime, all within a reasonable distance for many New York families. It's more than just a campsite; it's your private Adirondack oasis.