Little Burgess Island Campground #1

bolton landing camping

For New Yorkers who truly yearn for an escape to nature's embrace, where the sounds of the city fade into the gentle lapping of waves and the night sky blazes with a million stars, the island campgrounds of Lake George offer an unparalleled experience. Among these coveted spots is Little Burgess Island Campground #1, a private slice of paradise that epitomizes the Adirondack island adventure. If you're a local seeking a truly secluded and authentic connection with one of our state's most pristine lakes, this boat-access-only campsite promises an unforgettable journey into tranquility.

Little Burgess Island Campground #1 is a singular, private campsite located on its own small island in the magnificent waters of Lake George, at 69 Little Burgess, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. This highly desirable New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) campsite offers an exclusive and immersive outdoor experience. Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Little Burgess Island #1 provides a primitive yet comfortable setting where the natural beauty of the Adirondacks takes center stage. It's known for getting "plenty of morning sun" and offers a "great flat spot perfect for your tent," making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate simplicity and direct communion with nature. As one of the many island sites on Lake George, it embodies the spirit of secluded adventure, offering campers a unique opportunity to wake up surrounded by clear water and towering trees, far from the crowds. This site is especially appealing to New Yorkers who appreciate the effort involved in reaching such a pristine location, knowing that the reward is a truly undisturbed wilderness experience.

The location of Little Burgess Island Campground #1 at 69 Little Burgess, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA, is a defining characteristic, as it is an island campsite on Lake George, accessible only by boat. This means that to experience this unique retreat, you will need to either bring your own boat, rent one from a local marina in nearby Bolton Landing, or arrange for a water taxi service. Little Burgess Island is situated in the "Narrows" section of Lake George, an area renowned for its serene beauty and relatively quieter waters compared to the busier southern end of the lake. Being in the Narrows, it offers a more secluded feel, enhancing the sense of a true wilderness escape. While the need for boat access adds a layer of planning, it is precisely this barrier that helps preserve the island's pristine environment and ensures a peaceful experience for campers. For New Yorkers, the drive to Bolton Landing is a picturesque journey into the Adirondack Park, and the subsequent boat ride across the clear waters of Lake George to your private island campsite truly kickstarts the adventure, making the destination feel even more rewarding.

Little Burgess Island Campground #1, as part of the NYSDEC Lake George Islands Campgrounds, provides essential services to facilitate a comfortable and self-sufficient primitive camping experience:

• Single Private Campsite: The island is home to just one designated campsite, ensuring maximum privacy and exclusivity for your group.
• Boat Dock: The campsite is equipped with a dock (approximately 24 feet in length), which is vital for boat access and mooring. This allows campers to bring their vessel directly to their site.
• Tent Platform: Site #1 on Little Burgess Island features a 12' x 14' tent platform, providing a level, dry, and protected base for pitching your tent, enhancing comfort and preventing wear on the natural ground.
• Fireplace/Fire Ring: A designated fireplace or fire ring is provided for campfires and outdoor cooking, a quintessential part of the camping experience. Campers are encouraged to purchase firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Picnic Tables: At least two picnic tables are available on the island, offering convenient surfaces for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Primitive Toilet Facility: A pit privy or outhouse is present on the island for sanitation needs, maintaining a rustic camping feel while providing necessary facilities.
• Trash and Recycling: While garbage service isn't typically provided directly at island sites, campers are required to pack out all trash and dispose of it at designated recycling and waste centers located at the main ranger stations (such as Glen Island).
• Water Access (Non-Potable): Guests have direct access to Lake George water for washing, though all drinking water must be brought in or treated/boiled from the lake.

Little Burgess Island Campground #1 boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for New Yorkers:

• Exclusive Private Island Experience: This is arguably the most significant highlight. Having an entire island (albeit a small one with just one site) to yourself offers unparalleled privacy and a feeling of genuine wilderness immersion that is rare to find.
• Direct Shorefront Camping: The campsite is located right on the shoreline of Lake George, providing breathtaking water views and the constant, soothing sound of waves. This intimate connection with the lake is a major draw.
• Abundant Morning Sun: The island's orientation ensures it "gets plenty of morning sun," making for bright, cheerful starts to your day and comfortable conditions in cooler weather.
• Excellent Flat Tent Spot: Reviews indicate a "great flat spot perfect for your tent," simplifying setup and ensuring a comfortable sleeping area. The presence of a tent platform further enhances this.
• Crystal-Clear Lake George Waters: The famed clarity and coolness of Lake George's waters are at your doorstep, perfect for swimming, fishing (known for trout, bass, and pike), kayaking, and paddleboarding directly from your private dock.
• Secluded "Narrows" Location: Being within the Narrows section means less boat traffic and a generally more tranquil atmosphere than other parts of the lake, enhancing the sense of escape.
• Ideal for Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night skies above Little Burgess Island offer incredible opportunities for stargazing, a truly magical experience.
• Dedicated Boat Dock: Having a private dock makes arriving, departing, and exploring the lake incredibly convenient, allowing campers to easily launch and retrieve their boats.

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) campground, Little Burgess Island Campground #1 operates on a standard fee structure and generally does not offer traditional promotional discounts or special packages. Reservations for popular island sites on Lake George, like Little Burgess, are highly sought after and often booked to capacity well in advance, especially for peak summer dates. Therefore, the most valuable "offer" for New Yorkers is the opportunity to secure a reservation for this unique and exclusive island camping experience.

• Advance Booking is Key: The primary strategy for securing a spot is to book as early as possible, typically up to nine months in advance, through the ReserveAmerica system. Due to high demand, popular dates for Little Burgess Island #1 fill up quickly.
• Mid-Week and Shoulder Season Availability: While not a discount, booking during mid-week periods or in the shoulder seasons (late spring/early summer or early fall) might offer better availability and a more peaceful experience, although daily rates generally remain consistent.

NYSDEC campgrounds prioritize accessibility and environmental preservation over commercial promotions. The value derived from camping at Little Burgess Island #1 comes from its pristine natural setting, the unparalleled privacy, and the unique opportunity to camp on a private island. For the most accurate and current information on fees and reservation windows, always refer to the official NYSDEC website or ReserveAmerica.

To inquire about availability or to make a reservation for Little Burgess Island Campground #1 and other Lake George Islands Campgrounds, please use the following contact information. Remember that reservations for state campgrounds are managed centrally:

• Address: 69 Little Burgess, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (This is the physical address of the island, but direct access is by boat only).
• Phone (General NYSDEC Campground Reservations via ReserveAmerica): 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267)
• Lake George Islands Ranger Station (for local inquiries once you've arrived or specific site questions): (518) 623-1200 or +1 518-623-1200

Online booking through ReserveAmerica.com is generally the most efficient method for securing a site. It's also recommended to consult the NYSDEC website for detailed regulations, safety guidelines, and local information regarding campfires and leave-no-trace principles, essential for preserving the beauty of these island treasures.

For New Yorkers, Little Burgess Island Campground #1 offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Adirondacks in its purest form, delivering a level of seclusion and natural beauty that is increasingly rare. This isn't just a campsite; it's a private island sanctuary on Lake George, providing an unparalleled escape from the demands of everyday life. The unique boat-access requirement, while adding a touch of adventure, ensures that your time on the island will be truly undisturbed, free from the crowds often found at more accessible locations. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the lake, stepping directly from your tent platform onto the shore, and gazing at a night sky ablaze with stars due to the lack of light pollution – experiences that truly define an Adirondack getaway. The amenities, though primitive, are perfectly suited for self-sufficient camping, including a private dock, fire pit, and picnic tables. For locals, this means a chance to reconnect deeply with New York's stunning natural landscape, to fish, swim, or paddle in crystal-clear waters, and to create unforgettable memories in a setting that feels miles away from everything, yet is still within our beloved state. Little Burgess Island Campground #1 is highly recommended for New Yorkers seeking a genuine, private, and restorative island camping adventure.

Little Burgess Island Campground #1

69 Little Burgess, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA