Alger Island Campground

For New Yorkers seeking a departure from the typical roadside camping experience, Alger Island Campground offers a truly unique escape into the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Located on Fourth Lake within the famous Fulton Chain of Lakes, this state-managed facility is not your average destination. Historically known as "Big Island" and later named after the Alger family who owned it for generations, the island was acquired by New York State in 1950. Today, it serves as a premier destination for those who want to blend the remoteness of island living with the vibrant recreational culture of the Old Forge region.

What sets Alger Island apart from other New York campgrounds is its commitment to a rustic, immersive experience. Because the island is entirely detached from the mainland, it offers a sense of seclusion that is increasingly rare in the busy Adirondack Park. While you are just a short distance from the amenities of Old Forge and Inlet, the water barrier provides a natural filter against the hustle and bustle of car traffic. It is a place where the morning mist over Fourth Lake and the call of loons serve as your alarm clock, making it a beloved annual tradition for local families and outdoor enthusiasts who value the "primitive" side of the Great North Woods.

Accessibility at Alger Island is one of its most defining characteristics: it is accessible by boat only. Located at 1885 S Shore Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420, the campground is headquartered at the Fourth Lake Day-Use Area. This is where campers must check in, obtain their permits, and launch their craft. For local residents coming from Central New York or the Mohawk Valley, the journey to Old Forge is a scenic drive through the mountains, leading to the launch point where the real adventure begins. Whether you are arriving in a motorboat, a rowboat, or a kayak, the trek across the water is the first step in leaving the mainland behind.

Once you arrive at the island, you will find that the terrain is beautifully forested and well-suited for exploration. While the island is remote, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has worked to ensure that essential facilities are maintained. The campground features on-site parking at the mainland headquarters for your vehicles and trailers. For those with specific needs, the DEC provides information regarding accessible sites, though it is important to note that the rugged island terrain and boat-only access require a certain level of preparation and mobility for all visitors.

The services at Alger Island are designed to support a self-sufficient and traditional camping lifestyle. This is not a "glamping" destination; rather, it is a place for those who enjoy the basics of outdoor living. The services offered include:

• Permit registration and park headquarters services at the nearby Fourth Lake Day-Use Area.
• Dedicated boat docking and landing areas for registered campers at each site.
• Maintenance of island lean-tos and tent sites to ensure a safe and clean environment.
• On-site pit toilets and restrooms located strategically throughout the island.
• Non-potable water spigots (campers are strongly encouraged to bring their own drinking water).
• Firewood availability and designated fire pits for safe cooking and campfires.
• Strict adherence to a carry-in, carry-out garbage policy to preserve the island's natural beauty.
• Patrols by Forest Rangers and DEC staff to ensure safety and quiet hours compliance.

The highlights of a stay on Alger Island revolve around the natural beauty of the Fulton Chain and the unique features of the island itself. Highlights include:

• A variety of waterfront campsites, including 15 classic Adirondack lean-tos and 2 designated tent sites.
• A scenic hiking trail that loops around the entire island, providing incredible views of Fourth Lake from every angle.
• Excellent fishing opportunities for lake trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked Atlantic salmon right from the shore or your boat.
• A family-friendly environment that is specifically rated as good for kids who enjoy exploring the woods and playing by the water.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow you to bring your dog along for the island adventure (leash laws and health certificates apply).
• Proximity to local Adirondack attractions, including the Enchanted Forest Water Safari and the Adirondack Scenic Railroad in Old Forge.
• Stunning sunset views over the water, especially for sites located on the west side of the island.

For those planning a visit to this Adirondack gem, it is recommended to book well in advance through the New York State reservation system, as island sites are in high demand during the summer months. You can contact the management through the following details:

• Address: 1885 S Shore Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420, USA
• Mainland Headquarters: Fourth Lake Day-Use Area, 303 Petrie Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420
• Phone: (315) 369-3224 (Reservations: 1-800-456-CAMP)

When deciding on an Adirondack camping destination, Alger Island is worth choosing if you crave a balance between social activity and wilderness solitude. One of the greatest advantages of this park is the "island effect"—the psychological shift that happens when you leave your car behind and navigate to your site. It forces a slower pace of life, encouraging campers to focus on the water, the woods, and their companions. For families, it is a fantastic way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature in a safe, contained environment where the "visitors" are often just the local ducks or fellow boaters passing by.

Additionally, the location is unbeatable for those who want the best of both worlds. During the day, you can paddle or motor into the village of Old Forge for lunch, shopping at the famous Old Forge Hardware, or a trip to the water park. In the evening, you return to the peace of your island lean-to. While the lake can be busy with boat traffic and the sounds of nearby lakeside entertainment may occasionally drift across the water, the charm of sleeping under the stars on an island in one of New York’s most historic lake chains is an experience that simply cannot be replicated at a standard mainland campground. Whether you are a seasoned Adirondack hiker or a family looking for a new summer tradition, Alger Island offers a scenic and memorable New York outdoor experience.