ADK: Where to Go Island Camping

Some of the wildest adventures in New York State await in the Adirondack Mountains, less than two hours from these Albany homes for sale. Adirondack Park spans more than 9,000 square miles, including hundreds of lakes, thousands of miles of hiking trails, and campsites beyond counting. 

It's not every day that you get a chance to camp on your own private island, but in the ADK, you can do just that. Our real estate agents are excited to share these amazing island camping opportunities in the Adirondacks!

• Lake Champlain Island Camping - Plattsburgh, NY 12901
  A spectacular natural lake spanning 490 square miles, Lake Champlain is a vast, watery playground for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The lake straddles the line between New York and Vermont, and the Champlain Islands Complex offers amazing camping opportunities on the NY side. The largest of these islands is 968-acre Valcour Island, with 29 designated primitive tent sites on its shores. These sites are accessible only by boat, and although they're managed by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), they are available on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. 
  
  
• Saranac Lake Island Camping - Saranac Lake, NY 12983
  The Saranac Chain of Lakes, consisting of Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lake along with a scattering of connected lakes and ponds, is known for being among the most beautiful in the Adirondacks. The Saranac Lake Islands Campground offers a unique way to enjoy the lakes, featuring 87 campsites scattered across several islands on Middle and Lower Saranac Lake. Reservations are available through ReserveAmerica. The Saranac chain is also renowned for its fishing, so pack a rod and reel!
  
  
• Blue Mountain Lake Island Camping - Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
  Blue Mountain Lake is the centerpiece of Blue Mountain Wild Forest, a wilderness area that spans 37,800 acres within the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Remote, backcountry campsites are scattered all along the hiking trails that crisscross the forest, but none are wilder or remote than the six island campsites out on the lake itself. Accessible only by boat, the island campsites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. A boat launch is located on Route 28, and while motorboats are allowed, canoes and kayaks are more suitable for this quiet lake.
  
  
• Lake George Island Camping - Lake George, NY 12845
  Located within a few short miles of numerous Lake George homes for sale, Lake George offers the greatest abundance of island camping options in the Adirondacks. All told, 387 shoreline campsites are scattered across 44 state-owned islands on this massive lake, which has been called the "Queen of American Lakes." The Lake George Islands Campground includes several island clusters in various parts of the lake. The largest, most easily accessible is the group of 90 campsites on Long Island, a large island in the southern part of the lake near Lake George Village. Most sites can be reserved in advance.

Know Before You Go

Island Camping is different from camping in a traditional campground and requires careful planning. It's important to understand that you're in for a rustic experience, far from modern amenities. 

Most island campsites in the Adirondacks have a designated campfire ring and access to a privy but don't expect any other amenities. Cell phone service is likely to be spotty at best, and running water will not be available. Plan on bringing everything you need, including food and potable water (or a way of purifying lake water to make it safe for consumption). 

Contact us today to learn more about outdoor adventures in the Adirondacks and talk with our real estate agents about finding your dream home in the heart of New York's wildest region!