Gourd Island Campground #1

For those living in New York who crave the ultimate escape from the relentless pace of city or suburban life, Gourd Island Campground #1 represents the pinnacle of outdoor seclusion. Located in the heart of the "Queen of American Lakes," this campground is part of the prestigious Lake George Islands system, specifically within the Glen Island Group. Unlike traditional campgrounds where sites are packed side-by-side, Gourd Island offers a rare opportunity to occupy an entire island by yourself. This single-site island provides a sense of ownership and peace that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere in the Adirondack Park, making it a bucket-list destination for local adventurers.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Gourd Island is a testament to the state's commitment to preserving wild spaces while providing structured, sustainable recreation. The island is small, intimate, and designed for those who appreciate the simpler things: the sound of water lapping against the shore, the call of a loon at dusk, and a sky full of stars unobstructed by light pollution. As a single-campsite island, it is particularly popular with couples and small families who want a private sanctuary where the only neighbors are the fish in the water and the birds in the trees.

Location and accessibility are the defining traits of Gourd Island Campground #1. Situated at 42 Gourd Island in Bolton Landing, NY, this site is entirely inaccessible by land. To reach your private island, you must arrive by watercraft. Most local campers launch from one of the many public or private marinas in Bolton Landing, such as Norowal Marina, which serves as a common jumping-off point for the Glen Island Group. Once on the water, you will navigate through the scenic "Narrows," an area famous for its high concentration of islands and stunning mountain backdrops. The water depth around the island's dock is approximately four feet, which is ideal for most standard lake boats, pontoon boats, and small cruisers.

While the island feels worlds away from civilization, it is strategically located near the Glen Island administration building. This proximity is a major advantage for New York campers who want the feeling of isolation without sacrificing safety or basic needs. The administrative hub on Glen Island provides a ranger station and a small general store where you can replenish supplies, ensuring that your private island retreat is supported by local infrastructure when necessary.

The services offered at Gourd Island Campground #1 are designed to maintain the island's primitive charm while providing the essential infrastructure required for a safe stay. Because the state carefully manages these islands, you can expect a level of maintenance and oversight that protects both the camper and the environment. Despite the rugged setting, several key services are provided through the regional DEC office and the island headquarters.

• Access to a ranger station at nearby Glen Island for check-in and emergency assistance.
• Refuse management through the DEC boat-in program (covered by a small nightly surcharge).
• Access to the Glen Island General Store for purchasing ice, firewood, and basic snacks.
• State-maintained sanitation facilities, including a private privy on the island.
• Professional maintenance of the shoreline and campsite clearing.
• Permit-based camping that ensures your exclusive right to the island during your reservation.

The features and highlights of Gourd Island Campground #1 make it a standout choice even among the hundreds of other sites on Lake George. One of its most notable natural features is its exposure to the breeze; being a small island in a relatively open part of the channel, it often benefits from consistent winds. For New Yorkers familiar with the Adirondack "black fly" or mosquito seasons, this natural wind protection is a significant highlight, as it often keeps the bugs at bay better than more sheltered, mainland sites.

• A single-campsite island layout, ensuring 100% privacy for your group.
• A dedicated wooden tent platform that provides a level, dry surface for your sleeping quarters.
• A private shore dock for secure mooring of your boat throughout your stay.
• An on-site stone fireplace, perfect for cooking and evening campfires.
• A sturdy wooden picnic table for outdoor meals with a 360-degree lake view.
• Excellent "on-site" parking for your boat directly at the island's dock.
• Running water access available through nearby group facilities for basic cleaning and hydration.
• Extremely sunny exposure, making it a dream for sunbathers and those who love bright, open vistas.

Planning your trip to Gourd Island involves coordinating with the Warren County regional office and securing a reservation through the state's online portal. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, as single-site islands are the most competitive reservations in the Lake George region. For administrative questions or local guidance, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 42 Gourd Island, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA
• Regional Office Phone: (518) 623-1200
• Mobile/Secondary Phone: +1 518-623-1200

What is worth choosing about Gourd Island Campground #1? For the discerning New York camper, the primary draw is the rarity of the experience. Very few places in the United States allow you to rent an entire island for the price of a standard campsite. It is worth choosing specifically for those who value privacy above all else; there are no paths through your site used by other campers, and no shared amenities that require you to wait in line. It is also an excellent choice for families with children who are old enough to enjoy the water safely, as the island serves as a self-contained "fort" for young imaginations.

Additionally, Gourd Island is worth choosing for the quality of the "living room" it provides. The combination of a sunny site and a constant lake breeze creates a comfortable outdoor environment that is difficult to find in the dense woods of mainland Adirondack campgrounds. While reaching the island in a canoe or kayak requires a fair amount of effort and physical labor, the reward of sitting on your private dock with the "Queen of American Lakes" stretching out before you makes every stroke of the paddle worth it. Whether you are fishing for bass from the shore or simply watching the sunset over the Tongue Mountain Range, Gourd Island offers a quintessential New York experience that you will remember for a lifetime.