Little Gourd Island

picnic island lake george

For New Yorkers dreaming of an ultimate escape into nature, Little Gourd Island offers a truly distinctive camping experience on the pristine waters of Lake George. This isn't your typical drive-up campsite; Little Gourd Island is one of the exclusive island sites administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on the "Queen of American Lakes." Imagine having your own private island, surrounded by the clear, deep waters of Lake George, where the sounds of the waves and the rustling leaves are your only companions. This single-site island is a coveted spot for those seeking solitude, stunning views, and direct access to one of New York's most beloved natural treasures.

Little Gourd Island embodies the essence of wild yet accessible camping. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, with the convenience of a designated campsite. The island is known for being very sunny, offering abundant daylight for all your outdoor activities, and its open exposure to winds can be a welcome benefit for keeping bugs at bay. While it is limited to two people, making it perfect for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat for two friends, it promises an intimate connection with Lake George that few other spots can offer. If you're a local looking to truly unplug and experience the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of an island retreat on Lake George, Little Gourd Island beckons.

This destination emphasizes a minimalist, yet comfortable, camping style, where the focus is firmly on the breathtaking natural environment. It's a chance to wake up to glorious sunrises over the lake, spend your days exploring its vast waters, and unwind under a canopy of stars, all from your own secluded island sanctuary.

Location and Accessibility

Little Gourd Island is located at 1 Little Gourd Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. This address places it directly on Lake George, within the scenic region near Bolton Landing, a popular hub for visitors to the lake. As with all of the Lake George Islands campsites, Little Gourd Island is accessible by boat only. This characteristic is a significant part of its appeal, ensuring a tranquil and private experience away from mainland crowds.

To access Little Gourd Island, campers typically launch their boats from one of the many private marinas in the Bolton Landing area or other points around Lake George. The experience of boating across the lake to your own private island adds an adventurous element to your camping trip. While the island offers a deep sense of seclusion, it's not entirely isolated. Bolton Landing, with its various amenities, shops, and restaurants, is within a reasonable boating distance, allowing campers to resupply or enjoy a meal out if desired. For New York residents, the drive to Lake George is manageable from many parts of the state, making Little Gourd Island an accessible yet truly unique wilderness escape. The beauty of Lake George itself, nestled within the Adirondack Park, provides a stunning backdrop for your island adventure. The water depth around Little Gourd Island is noted as 4 feet, providing suitable conditions for docking your boat at the provided shore dock.

Services Offered

• Shore Dock: Little Gourd Island comes equipped with a shore dock, allowing for convenient boat mooring directly at your campsite.
• Picnic Table: Each site includes a picnic table, providing a dedicated area for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fireplace/Fire Ring: A designated fireplace or fire ring is provided for campfires, perfect for cooking or enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire under the stars.
• Tent Platform: Little Gourd Island features a tent platform, typically 12'x14', offering a level and dry base for your tent, enhancing comfort and protecting your gear.
• Toilet Facility (Privy/Outhouse): Basic toilet facilities, usually a privy or outhouse, are available on the island, maintaining essential amenities while preserving the rustic nature of the site.
• Access to Nearby Services (Boat-in): While Little Gourd Island is self-contained, campers can boat to nearby mainland facilities or other islands (like Glen Island) for additional services such as camp stores, and potentially waste disposal or fresh water, depending on their specific needs and the regulations of the Lake George Islands campgrounds.

Features / Highlights

• Private Single Campsite Island: Little Gourd Island is unique in that it offers a single campsite on its own island, ensuring unparalleled privacy and exclusivity for its occupants.
• Limited Occupancy: The island is limited to a maximum of two people, making it an ideal choice for a quiet, intimate getaway.
• Very Sunny Exposure: The island is described as "very sunny," providing ample natural light throughout the day, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
• No Wind Protection: While sunny, the island offers "no protection from winds of any direction," which can be a highlight for keeping bugs away, especially during warmer months.
• Direct Lake Access: Enjoy immediate access to Lake George for swimming, fishing, boating, and all types of water sports.
• Stunning 360-Degree Views: Being a small island, Little Gourd offers panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack mountains.
• Excellent Boating Opportunities: Lake George is renowned for its recreational boating, accommodating all types of watercraft. Little Gourd provides a perfect base for exploring the lake.
• Great Fishing: The deep, clear waters of Lake George offer excellent fishing for species like landlocked salmon, lake trout, bass, and pike.
• Hiking Trails Nearby (Boat Access): While on the island, hikers can boat to various trailheads along the Lake George shoreline, including those leading to mountains overlooking the lake.
• Unique Adirondack Experience: This island camping offers a quintessential Adirondack experience, blending rustic charm with the beauty of a vast freshwater lake.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, Little Gourd Island operates under a standard reservation and fee structure. It does not typically offer traditional promotional discounts or special seasonal offers in the commercial sense. The inherent "special offer" of Little Gourd Island lies in its unique and highly sought-after nature: the opportunity to exclusively occupy a private island campsite on Lake George. This level of seclusion and direct access to such a celebrated body of water is a premium experience that is in high demand, especially during peak camping seasons.

Given that Little Gourd Island is a single-site island, its availability is inherently limited, making securing a reservation a significant advantage in itself. While there might not be monetary discounts, the value is derived from the unparalleled privacy, the stunning natural setting, and the unique adventure of boat-in camping. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking, fees, and any potential availability, prospective campers should consult the New York State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica) or contact the Glen Island Group headquarters (which manages Little Gourd Island) directly. Early booking is strongly recommended due to the island's popularity and limited capacity, especially if you plan to visit during weekends or holidays.

Contact Information

Address: 1 Little Gourd Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (Note: This is a boat-access only site.)

Glen Island Headquarters Phone (for Lake George Islands Group): (518) 644-9696

Reservations (ReserveAmerica Call Center): 1-800-456-2267

For inquiries specific to Little Gourd Island, including availability and detailed site information, it is best to contact the Glen Island Headquarters, which oversees the Lake George Islands campgrounds. Reservations are managed through the ReserveAmerica system, and given the high demand for unique island sites like Little Gourd, booking well in advance is highly recommended. Remember that you will need to plan for boat transportation to reach the island. The staff can provide guidance on local marinas and any specific regulations for boating and camping on Lake George.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers, Little Gourd Island presents an unparalleled opportunity to experience the iconic beauty of Lake George in a uniquely intimate and private setting. Its suitability for locals lies in its combination of accessible wilderness and exclusive solitude. While located within a manageable drive for many across the state, the very nature of it being a boat-access-only private island campsite immediately elevates the experience beyond typical car camping, offering a true escape from urban and suburban life.

The distinct advantage of Little Gourd Island is its singular campsite, ensuring complete privacy for its two-person limit. This is ideal for couples or close friends seeking a quiet, romantic, or simply peaceful retreat where they can fully immerse themselves in nature without interruption. The island's "very sunny" disposition and natural wind protection (from bugs) are practical benefits that enhance the camping experience.

Beyond the site itself, the location on Lake George provides endless recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Locals can easily launch their own boats or rent one nearby to enjoy everything the "Queen of American Lakes" has to offer: world-class boating, excellent fishing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and kayaking to explore hidden coves. The accessibility to nearby Bolton Landing by boat means that while you enjoy wilderness, convenience is never too far away for resupplying or dining. For New Yorkers desiring a truly unique, memorable, and private outdoor adventure that feels both remote and connected to the heart of the Adirondacks, Little Gourd Island offers a perfect blend of rustic charm, natural beauty, and unmatched tranquility, making it an invaluable local gem.

Little Gourd Island

1 Little Gourd Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA