Camping around Lake George can mean very different things depending on where you stay. You can park an RV at a developed campground, stay close to Lake George Village, or pack your gear into a boat for an island campsite. Cabins, family campgrounds, and glamping add even more choices.
The right option comes down to how you want to camp and which amenities matter for your trip. This guide breaks down the main Lake George camping styles and locations so you can narrow your choices, then use Campendium to compare camper reviews, amenities, and other practical information before choosing a campground.
TL;DR
- Lake George RV Park and Lake George Camping Village are strong options for RVers who want hookups, amenities, and easy access to area attractions.
- Hearthstone Point offers drive-in camping with direct lake access, while Lake George Battleground puts campers close to Lake George Village and the beach.
- For a true on-the-water experience, Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island offer boat-access campsites, but you’ll need to plan for transportation, gear, and changing lake conditions.
Where to Camp Around Lake George Based on Camping Style
Lake George has several distinct camping experiences, and the campground you choose can change the trip considerably. These options give you a quick starting point based on where and how you want to camp.
| Camping style | Campgrounds to consider | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| RV camping | Lake George RV Park, Lake George Camping Village | Hookups, larger RVs, and more campground amenities |
| Island camping | Lake George island campsites | Boat-access camping directly on Lake George |
| Family camping | Lake George RV Park, Lake George Camping Village | Pools, playgrounds, recreation, and easy access to area attractions |
| Near Lake George Village | Lake George Battleground Campground, Lake George Camping Village | Spending more time in town, at the beach, and around nearby attractions |
| Cabins and glamping | Lake George Camping Village | Less campsite setup and more built-in comfort |
Best Campgrounds Around Lake George
Camping around Lake George ranges from developed RV resorts to wooded state campgrounds and boat-access sites on the lake itself. These campgrounds represent some of the main choices to compare, with each fitting a somewhat different Lake George trip.
Lake George RV Park
Best for: Full-hookup RV camping and families
Lake George RV Park is a strong choice for RVers who want campground amenities to be part of the vacation. Full-hookup sites and pull-through options accommodate a range of RV setups, while pools, playgrounds, trails, sports facilities, and other recreation give families plenty to do between trips around Lake George. The park is south of Lake George Village rather than directly on the lake.
Lake George Camping Village
Best for: Wooded RV and tent camping near Lake George Village
About 1.7 miles from Lake George and Lake George Village, Lake George Camping Village combines a wooded campground setting with the conveniences of a private campground. Travelers can choose from full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, and cabins, with pools, showers, laundry, a playground, trails, and other facilities available on-site. It’s especially useful for groups mixing RV, tent, and cabin stays.
Hearthstone Point Campground
Best for: Traditional camping with direct Lake George access
Hearthstone Point is a New York State campground on the western shore of Lake George, a few miles north of the village. Its wooded tent and trailer sites provide a simpler camping experience than the area’s private resorts, while a beach and lake access put swimming, paddling, and fishing close to camp. Campers also have access to showers, restrooms, and a dump station.
Lake George Battleground Campground
Best for: Camping close to Lake George Village
Lake George Battleground is particularly useful for campers who want to stay close to the village, Lake George Beach, and nearby attractions. The state campground accommodates tents and trailers and provides showers, restrooms, and a dump station, but it does not offer the full hookups or extensive recreation found at private RV resorts. Its main advantage is location.
Note: Before choosing among them, compare Campendium listings for recent reviews, camper photos, amenities, RV details, and map location.
Camping on Lake George: Waterfront and Island Campsites
Camping on Lake George can mean two different things: taking a boat to an island campsite or choosing a drive-in campground with direct lake access. Both put the water close to camp, but the logistics are very different.
Lake George island camping
Yes, you can camp on islands in Lake George, but these sites require water access. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages three island camping areas: Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island. All campsites in these groups are accessible by boat only.
Most sites are wooded and relatively private, and each has a dock for at least one boat, a picnic table, fireplace, and toilet facility. Instead of parking beside your tent, you’ll launch from shore and transport your campers, food, water, and equipment to the site by boat.
The extra logistics are worth considering before reserving. Think through where you’ll launch and park, how you’ll transport your gear, how weather could affect travel on the lake, and what you’ll need once you’re away from your vehicle.
As of August 2026, DEC campground reservations can be made on the day of arrival until 5 p.m., subject to availability, and sites can generally be reserved up to nine months ahead. Walk-ins aren’t permitted for the island campgrounds. Lake George Park Commission boat permits are also required, with fees varying by the vessel.
Know before you go: Pets are prohibited at Lake George Islands campsites, including docks and vessels moored at the docks. Current rules, reservation requirements, and boating requirements should be checked with DEC and ReserveAmerica before your trip.
Waterfront camping without island access
You don’t have to load your camping gear into a boat to stay close to Lake George. Hearthstone Point Campground provides a drive-in alternative on the western shore, a few miles north of Lake George Village. Campers get a traditional state-campground setup while retaining direct access to the lake.
This distinction can save some confusion when comparing Lake George campgrounds:
| Experience | What it means |
|---|---|
| Island camping | Your campsite is reached by boat; Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island fall into this category |
| Drive-in camping with lake access | You drive to the campground and can access Lake George from the property |
| Camping near Lake George | You’re close to the lake, but the campground may not have direct shoreline access |
| Camping near Lake George Village | You’re positioned for easier access to town, beaches, restaurants, and attractions, but aren’t necessarily camping on the water |
For campers who want swimming, paddling, fishing, or time beside the lake without organizing boat transportation to their campsite, a drive-in campground such as Hearthstone Point is the simpler choice. Island camping makes more sense when getting there by water is part of the experience rather than an inconvenience to work around.
What to Know Before Camping at Lake George
A Lake George camping trip can involve more planning than choosing an open campsite. Reservations, operating seasons, and your campground’s location around the 32-mile-long lake can all affect what the trip looks like once you arrive.
- Reservations: Popular summer, waterfront, and island sites can fill early. DEC campground reservations are handled through ReserveAmerica, while private campgrounds use their own booking systems.
- Camping season: Most campgrounds operate from late spring into fall, but opening and closing dates vary. Check current dates for your specific campground.
- Island camping logistics: Boat-access sites require more planning for launching, parking, gear, food, water, and changing lake conditions.
- Pets: Rules vary by campground. Pets are prohibited at Lake George Islands campsites, while other DEC and private campgrounds have their own restrictions.
- Cell service and connectivity: Coverage varies with terrain, carrier, and campsite location. Check recent Campendium reviews and reported cell information before relying on service.
- Getting around: A Lake George address doesn’t necessarily mean you’re near Lake George Village or directly on the water. Check the map against the beaches, attractions, trails, and lake access you plan to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some campgrounds provide direct Lake George access, while the Lake George Islands offer campsites directly on the water that are reached by boat. Many campgrounds marketed as being in the Lake George area are inland, so check the location rather than assuming every campsite is waterfront.
Yes. Lake George has designated island campsites in the Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island camping areas. These offer a much different experience from drive-in camping because you reach your campsite by water.
Yes. Lake George island campsites are boat-access sites, so you’ll need to arrange water transportation for yourself and your camping gear. Factor in launching, parking, loading supplies, and weather conditions when planning the trip.
Plan early for summer trips, particularly if you want a popular waterfront or island campsite. New York State DEC campgrounds use ReserveAmerica, while private campgrounds have their own booking systems and policies. Check current reservation windows and availability before settling on your dates.
Find Your Lake George Campground on Campendium
Lake George gives campers plenty of ways to stay, from full-hookup RV parks and wooded tent campgrounds to family-friendly properties and boat-access island campsites. The right choice depends on how close you want to be to the water or Lake George Village, the amenities you need, and how much setup your trip involves.
Ready to narrow it down? Compare Lake George-area campgrounds on Campendium using camper reviews, photos, amenities, RV details, and map information, then save the places that fit your trip.
