Camping at Waltonian Island

Waltonian Island at Rogers Rock Campground

Location and Access

Waltonian Island is part of Lake George in the Adirondack Park region of New York State. Rogers Rock Campground, operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is located on the western shore of Lake George, not far from Waltonian Island. To access the island, campers generally need a boat, as it is an island within the lake.

Camping Information

Direct camping on Waltonian Island is not part of the services offered by Rogers Rock Campground. However, as an attendee at Rogers Rock, you may be interested in island camping opportunities on Lake George. Here’s what you should know:

• Boat Access Required: To camp on any of the islands on Lake George, you must have a boat to reach the islands as all are offshore and not connected to the mainland.
• Reserved Island Camping: The Lake George Islands campsites, managed by the DEC, allow you to camp on the islands. You have to reserve a campsite in advance through the DEC reservation system or ReserveAmerica.
• Amenities: Island campsites are primitive, generally including a tent platform, a fireplace or fire ring, a nearby pit toilet, and a picnic table. There are no showers or electricity on the islands.

Rules and Regulations

When camping on the islands or at Rogers Rock Campground, there are rules and regulations to keep in mind:

• Reservations: Site-specific reservations are often required, and can be made up to 9 months in advance.
• Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles, meaning pack out what you pack in, and be mindful of your impact on the environment.
• Permitted Camping Equipment: Only use tents or small trailers; large RVs are not suitable for island camping.
• Campfires: Only make fires in designated areas and adhere to any fire bans that may be in place due to dry conditions.

Safety Considerations

Be mindful of weather conditions and ensure you have the necessary safety gear for boating on Lake George. In addition, inform yourself about local wildlife and how to store food properly to avoid attracting bears and other animals.

Activities

• Boating: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and motor boating around the islands.
• Fishing: Lake George is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.
• Hiking: Rogers Rock Campground offers access to several hiking trails with scenic overlooks.
• Swimming: The campground has a swimming area, though there are no lifeguards.

Local Attractions

Apart from the immediate surroundings at Rogers Rock and the lake, there are other attractions in the Lake George area, such as historic Fort Ticonderoga, the Adirondack Mountains, and various tourist-friendly towns around the lake.

Reservations and Contact Information

To make a reservation or for more detailed information about camping at Rogers Rock Campground or island camping on Lake George, contact the DEC or go to the ReserveAmerica website:

• NYS DEC Camping Information: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/camping.html
• ReserveAmerica: http://www.reserveamerica.com

Before planning your trip, be sure to check the latest information as policies, prices, and available services may change over time.