Juanita Island Campground #3 (dock)

For New Yorkers who have experienced the standard mainland parks, island camping on the "Queen of American Lakes" represents the pinnacle of Adirondack adventure. Juanita Island Campground #3 is a specific, highly sought-after site within the Glen Island Group, located in the world-renowned "Narrows" of Lake George. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it is a semi-private wilderness experience where your only neighbors are the loons and the occasional passing sailboat. For residents of the Capital Region, the North Country, and even downstate New Yorkers looking for a true escape, Juanita Island offers a level of seclusion and natural beauty that is difficult to replicate anywhere else in the state.

Site #3 on Juanita Island is particularly famous among the local camping community for its unique positioning. Known affectionately by regulars as one of the most private spots in the Glen Island Group, it sits elevated above the waterline, offering commanding views of the surrounding peaks and the crystal-clear waters of the Narrows. Because the Lake George islands are managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the environment is preserved with a "carry-in, carry-out" philosophy that ensures the water remains pristine and the forest stays lush. Camping here allows you to disconnect from the digital world and synchronize your schedule with the sunrise over the mountains and the evening glow on the lake.

Location and accessibility are the most defining characteristics of Juanita Island Campground #3. Located at 22 Juanita In The Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, this site is accessible strictly by boat. For New York travelers, the journey typically begins in the village of Bolton Landing. From there, campers must launch their own vessel or secure a water taxi from one of the local marinas, such as Norowal Marina. The trip into the Narrows is a scenic voyage through some of the most beautiful stretches of Lake George, passing by historic estates and other emerald islands before arriving at your private dock.

While the island is remote, it is part of the Glen Island Group, meaning the headquarters at Glen Island is relatively close by boat for check-in and emergency needs. For those traveling from New York City or New Jersey, the drive up I-87 (the Northway) to Exit 24 or 25 is straightforward. However, campers must be prepared for the logistical challenge of transporting all gear via watercraft. On-site parking for your vehicle and trailer must be arranged at a mainland marina in Bolton Landing prior to your departure for the island. The site itself features a private dock specifically designated for site #3, allowing for safe mooring of a motorboat, canoe, or kayak during your stay.

The services offered at Juanita Island Campground #3 are intentionally minimal to preserve the wilderness character of the site, but they provide the essential infrastructure needed for a safe and legal stay on state-owned land. The DEC ensures that the following services and facilities are available to permit holders:

• A private, dedicated shore dock for parallel mooring, exclusive to the occupants of site #3.
• A designated tent platform (approximately 16 feet by 12 feet) to provide a level, dry surface for your sleeping quarters.
• Maintenance of a shared "clevis" toilet facility located centrally on the island, serving the six total sites on Juanita.
• Regular patrols by New York State Forest Rangers and island caretakers to ensure safety and compliance with lake regulations.
• Official registration and check-in services at the nearby Glen Island Ranger Station.
• Access to the Glen Island convenience store (via boat) for basic supplies like ice, firewood, and limited groceries.
• Standard state-managed reservation services through the ReserveAmerica system for guaranteed site placement.

The highlights of site #3 make it a standout choice even among the hundreds of island sites on Lake George. It is often described as a "romantic" or "private" site because of its elevation and foliage coverage. Key highlights include:

• Exceptional privacy: Site #3 sits higher on a small cliffside compared to other sites, providing a natural buffer from the sights and sounds of neighboring campers.
• Unrivaled views: The elevated vantage point offers a panoramic perspective of the Lake George Narrows, especially beautiful during the "golden hour" before sunset.
• Private Docking: Unlike many mainland campgrounds, your boat is parked right at your front door, allowing for immediate access to fishing, tubing, or exploring.
• Natural Bug Protection: The site’s location on the island often catches a lake breeze, which serves as a natural deterrent for Adirondack black flies and mosquitoes.
• Kid-Friendly Exploration: While the cliffside requires supervision, the island itself is a playground of discovery for children, featuring small coves and clear-bottom swimming areas.
• Excellent Swimming: The water depth around the island docks typically ranges from 4 to 6 feet with a sandy or rocky bottom, perfect for a refreshing dip directly from your site.
• Proximity to Bolton Landing: Only a short boat ride away from mainland dining and boutique shopping if you need a break from campfire cooking.

To secure a spot at Juanita Island, advance planning is mandatory as sites often book out months in advance through the state reservation system. For specific inquiries regarding current lake conditions or island regulations, you can contact the regional DEC offices or the Glen Island headquarters directly:

• Address: 22 Juanita In The Narrows Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA
• Phone: (518) 623-1200 (Regional Office)
• Island Group Phone (Glen Island): (518) 644-9696
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

What is worth choosing at Juanita Island Campground #3 is the rare opportunity for true solitude in one of the most popular tourist regions in the United States. While Lake George can be busy during the summer, the island sites provide a sanctuary where you can control your environment. Choosing site #3 specifically is a smart move for those who value quiet; its "parallel dock" and cliff-top setting mean you aren't sharing a shoreline directly with another party. It is an ideal choice for couples or small families who want the adventure of boat-in camping without the crowded feel of a large mainland RV park.

Furthermore, the experience of "living on the lake" for a few days provides a mental reset that few other vacations can offer. You become acutely aware of the weather, the water temperature, and the local wildlife. From watching the morning mist rise off the Narrows to falling asleep to the sound of water lapping against the rocks below your tent platform, the sensory experience is profound. For the local New Yorker looking to reclaim their connection to the Adirondack wilderness, Juanita Island #3 is a premier choice that proves the best things in life are often found just offshore.