Lake George Island Camping

Island camping is just wonderful. This time of year you have most islands to yourself, save a raccoon or three. Preparation for unexpected weather is important. But we had a cozy cabin and just took a boat ride on a beautiful September day out to a day use picnic area on Black Mountain Point. After docking, we looked for outhouses and reminded each other to look before you leap. In the springtime, this year I hurried into a porta john at Sterling Forest Lake and cornered an aggressive or territorial snake that could have easily exited the drain hole it came in. Instead it thrashed and lashed with it's mouth wide open. Luckily for me it was just a little garter snake with a big lesson to teach me. Porta johns near wooded areas can be safe hiding places for snakes. So, back to Black Mountain

Great weekend get away. Spectacular views and hiking. It's laid out well so you have quite areas and seldom run into crowds. Everything is close so it's not too exhausting.. You can close to many small animals and birds. It's a great area for photography. The is the place if your looking to enjoy nature, serenity, easy trails, picturesque, photo moments, bird and nature watching.

After the speed boats go away for the night, the campground becomes peaceful. The views are spectacular. Access is only by boat, which enhances the remote camping experience. The campsites are rustic, but they also include docks and outhouses. When arriving, it is often necessary to ask boaters to leave your camp site's dock if it is in a location that is protected from wakes. The night sky is bright with stars, but the glow from the Town of Lake George obscures the stars that are south. It would be a motor boater's camping paradise if most of the docks for campsites were not so exposed to wakes. Overall, the camping experience is a real adventure especially when compared to drive-up tent sights.

Spectacular campsite to have in the summer time. Our family has managed to make reservations for 50 years straight and each year we have a blast. No issues getting our site, setting up, relaxing, packing up, and letting the ranger know when our time is up. The only unfortunately thing about this part is not being able to bring specific breeds of dogs which would love the fresh air and make an awesome camping companion.

Your mileage may vary depending on which island you visit. Be aware that there are rattlesnakes, raccoons, mice and countless critters normally found in the wild....most won't bother you. There are some great vistas but most campsites don't afford much privacy during the summer.