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Author Topic:   Need tips on Lake George,N.Y.

jamesmylesmcp posted 06-23-2009 03:28 PM ET (US)
My crew and I will be doing alittle island camping upon Lake George mid July. I am familiar with the area having lived in Brant Lake along time ago. Whats the dockage in town like ? Where's the best place to launch and leave the vehicle and trailer for 4 days ?(called the Whaler Dealer..no storage)
Any input would help. Thanks, Jim and the Crew
Marlin posted 06-23-2009 06:22 PM ET (US)
I lived in Ticonderoga for a couple years, though I did my boating on Champlain instead. Be SURE to get your Lake George Park Commission sticker -- as I recall, it's rigorously enforced, and it's a hefty fine.
Yiddil posted 06-23-2009 09:37 PM ET (US)
Was only up their once and I didn't boat at all..as I recal it can get windy so keep a good watch on the weather.
Its a beautiful plac eand kids will love the camping and lake) Sorry, not much more to tell:) Henry
Playing Hookey posted 06-24-2009 08:27 AM ET (US)
Hi Jim and crew,
I have been camping on Lake George islands since before I was born. Somewhere there is a picture of my mother climbing into a BW 13 in 1967 about to give birth to me. As the story goes, my dad had to have her brought in off the island in a hired launch because a south wind of about 30 knots had blew up and it was too rough to get her back to the mainland (bearing 195) when it was time to go home. Of course, my dad made it back in just fine with 14 days worth of camping gear and about 3 inches of freeboard.
Lake George is my favorite body of water on this planet.
Which island group are you camping on? If you're on Long Island, then the village is a good place to look for a marina. I am not familliar with any of them.
Personally, I vacation as far away from the village as I can. It's too overgrown and commercial for me down there on the south end. Plus, you'll be dodging the clueless rental boat "captains" that swarm like bees around the Million-dollar beach area wearing their boat cushions on their backs like parachutes.
If you are camping in the North basin (Narrows, Glen Island, Motherbunch, Waltonians), then I would recommend certain launches/marinas closer to your site.

Also, I plan to make several day trips up there in July and would be happy to show you around some nice swim-spots, cliff-jumps, and sweet fishing holes (for whaler owners only, of course).
Important: Please ensure you have taken all necessary measures to rid your rig of invasive species. We're having real troubles up there with zebra mussels and milfoil.
Let me know where you'll be and I can recommend a marina.
Steve
"Hookey"
jamesmylesmcp posted 06-24-2009 08:43 PM ET (US)
Steve, we'll be on Long Island from the 18th till the 22nd. I was late in booking and couldn't secure northern sites. The kids will enjoy the activity as then we're off to Moosehead in Maine should be alittle different there.
Playing Hookey posted 06-25-2009 08:05 AM ET (US)
Jim,
Have a great time up there. The village has some compelling diversions (not to mention the shopping).
If you don't mind the 15 minute boat cruize to Long Island, my favorite marina is Norowal in Bolton Landing. They have a great ramp, organized procedures, and secure parking. You probably want easier access to your vehicle for village activities. Norowal is only 5 minutes by boat farther north than Chick's, the Whaler dealer in Diamond Point.
http://www.boltonldc.com/norowal_marina.htm
I also missed getting a northern island this year for my August window. The good ones are booked for the season within 15 minutes after availability opens up.
Again, I wish you the best of time and weather on the "Queen of American Lakes".
...maybe we'll organize a Rendezvous on the lake for next year...I hear you're great at that.
Steve
Tohsgib posted 06-25-2009 11:40 AM ET (US)
Exceptional service and maybe some humor will yield the best tips. 15-20% is usually the norm. Good luck ;)
L H G posted 06-25-2009 04:02 PM ET (US)
Is Chic's still there in Bolton Landing? From 1968-1980 we used to launch there. Bought a Merc 50 from him in 1970 for our 1958 13' hull #11 (see 13' Reference section for photo). In those days, Dave Stuart's Pilot Knob Boat Shop was the Whaler Dealer on the Lake, but I had heard Chic picked it up later.
jamesmylesmcp posted 06-25-2009 04:43 PM ET (US)
Larry, Chic's is the Whaler dealer but no launch or storage facility.
tbirdsey posted 06-25-2009 05:51 PM ET (US)
I believe the only public ramp open during the summer is at the north end of the lake in Ticonderoga, but I'm not sure of the parking availability and that's a long (although very scenic) ride to Long Island. There is state ramp in the village, but they close it during the summer -- too much traffic. Beautiful spot, but watch out for the crazies on the southern part of the lake.
Yiddil posted 06-25-2009 10:10 PM ET (US)
Moosehead Lake? Why didn't you say so, Ill packa bag:) hehe one of my favorite places to see Moose in the wild..You taking the whaler with you? can you do that their? Henry
jamesmylesmcp posted 06-25-2009 10:48 PM ET (US)
Yes Henry the Whaler will be in Moosehead !
As the kids now say...he he :) wonder where they learned that?
KillerWhaler62 posted 06-25-2009 11:10 PM ET (US)
James
I'll have to go along with Steve. Norowall Marina is a winner. Hope you have deep pockets! There is a boat permit, launching fee, trailer storage fee, and in town they have parking meters at the town docks.
If you’re going to need a place to keep your boat in water Norowall’s was much less expensive then the Sagamore. Even when we stayed there was not much of a discount.
Up on the west shore in Hague I remember a town ramp. You may want to check into that area for trailer storage to. It should be less than in the Bolton Landing area.
If you belong to a yacht club you can look into the three clubs on Lake George. I'm sure they would welcome guest.
Have a great trip.
jamesmylesmcp posted 06-26-2009 06:03 AM ET (US)
Thanks Nick, get your mail yet ?
gorji posted 06-28-2009 08:01 PM ET (US)
I live in NY and have been to LG many times.
There is a state park where the boat ramp is available to the public for a modest fee (around $8). The park is called Rogers Rock State Park.
Further north S of Ticonderoga you have a free boat launch. Its beautiful facility but because its about 30 miles N of Lake George Village, its used by locals mostly and not tourist.
Norwal is nice but some attendants have an attitude problem; example, once launched they only want you to come back to their dock when you are ready to take the boat out. I got yelled at once when I was trying to come back to shore and get some supplies.
Hope this helps.
Len R posted 07-01-2009 10:04 AM ET (US)
Having camped on LK. George islands for almost 40 yrs., I agree that Norwall is your best bet...Its a very short run to the ranger station on Glen Is. and the narrows....It is a bit pricy however they also have a laundry and shower facility for your use along with most supply's should you run low and is a very secure facility...Also a few hundred yd. walk to Ann's bait and tackle if you are doing any fishing.
As someone else mentioned, It is one of the most beautiful places on the planet...Have a great trip!
jamesmylesmcp posted 07-20-2009 02:40 PM ET (US)
Thanks for all the info !
The Crew and I are on a three day break at home after camping on Lake George. The place is breathtaking !
We explored the Northern reaches and identified future campsites as we'll certainly return. We found the waters to be calm ,clean and not too cold to swim. Suprised as to the light boat traffic and available dockage anywhere we went.
Alittle slow this year but the GPS cracked the 1000 mile mark Saturday.
Here's the view from my campsite.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc91/71outrage/lakegeorge09003.jpg
Off to Moosehead midweek.
Swellmonster posted 07-21-2009 10:03 PM ET (US)
Rented a chalet up there, had a a few cocktails, took a rowboat out there. Beautiful place, water was damn cold!!!
The place is beautiful!!
Had a "Swell-time"
gorji posted 07-24-2009 07:23 PM ET (US)
I went to Lake George twice this year. Both times I found boat traffic to be very very low. I've been to this lake every year for the past 10 years and cannot recall it being so low in boat density as this year. It must be the recession.
Yiddil posted 07-27-2009 07:48 PM ET (US)
More Pics James...Say Hi to Erin for me:)))does she rememember the Yiddil still:)?
When are you coming to the Potomac?
tombro posted 08-06-2009 12:12 PM ET (US)
Can't believe I missed this thread, but in retrospect am glad you had a good time up there.
We've made about 20 week-long pilgramages up there over the years, and I think I've cast to that dock in the pic and caught a smallmouth or two there in the past. I have been to numerous lakes in Maine and Ontario, but there is something special about Lake George.
Since my daughter outgrew the place when she entered High School, we have not been there since 2004--and miss it madly.
My office has several favorite framed photo memories, such as our rental Montauk from Chic's, moored at Picnic Island, plus a few shots of favorite boathouses I would fish near.
Gotta get back there. I would love to get our Ventura up there, but without a good tow vehicle (she's marina-kept), there's no way I'm getting that beast up those mountains! Just have to rent another Montauk...
jamesmylesmcp posted 08-06-2009 05:28 PM ET (US)
Well, completed another trip to the Islands ! Man oh man when it rains in the mountians it rains ! The Lake has been placed on our annual todo list.
Went for three nights this time, day one just picture perfect.Day two we awoke to torential rain and a fox in camp, the kids we're thrilled as they tossed marshmellows and attracted the whole family. We raised the rags on the old Outrage and went to town. There we found indoor activities till late afternoon then the clouds broke and we found an empty lake smooth as glass all to ourselves !
Here's a picture of our 'Classic dock'. Fisher could have used this one in 1970.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc91/71outrage/lakegeorge2010.jpg
jamesmylesmcp posted 11-09-2009 04:42 PM ET (US)
I just checked out the sites for 2010,man they go quick !
Got lucky as we were able to book what we needed for next summer. One week in the Narrows and another at Glen.
RevengeFamily posted 11-09-2009 10:18 PM ET (US)
Jim,
How did you locate your vaca spot? Is there an Agent you would recommend?
We are considering a week on Lake George with the Revenge next summer. It almost sounds like we may be to late.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Norm & Janet
jamesmylesmcp posted 11-09-2009 11:02 PM ET (US)
Norm, there is still availability scroll to the bottom of this page and check out the sites.
http://www.lakegeorge-vacations.com/lake_george_island_camping.htm
RevengeFamily posted 11-10-2009 10:10 AM ET (US)
Jim,
Thanks very much...
Is it just me or was everyone a bit confused when they first read that web page?
Norm

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Author	Topic: Need tips on Lake George,N.Y.
jamesmylesmcp	posted 06-23-2009 03:28 PM ET (US) My crew and I will be doing alittle island camping upon Lake George mid July. I am familiar with the area having lived in Brant Lake along time ago. Whats the dockage in town like ? Where's the best place to launch and leave the vehicle and trailer for 4 days ?(called the Whaler Dealer..no storage) Any input would help. Thanks, Jim and the Crew
Marlin	posted 06-23-2009 06:22 PM ET (US) I lived in Ticonderoga for a couple years, though I did my boating on Champlain instead. Be SURE to get your Lake George Park Commission sticker -- as I recall, it's rigorously enforced, and it's a hefty fine.
Yiddil	posted 06-23-2009 09:37 PM ET (US) Was only up their once and I didn't boat at all..as I recal it can get windy so keep a good watch on the weather. Its a beautiful plac eand kids will love the camping and lake) Sorry, not much more to tell:) Henry
Playing Hookey	posted 06-24-2009 08:27 AM ET (US) Hi Jim and crew, I have been camping on Lake George islands since before I was born. Somewhere there is a picture of my mother climbing into a BW 13 in 1967 about to give birth to me. As the story goes, my dad had to have her brought in off the island in a hired launch because a south wind of about 30 knots had blew up and it was too rough to get her back to the mainland (bearing 195) when it was time to go home. Of course, my dad made it back in just fine with 14 days worth of camping gear and about 3 inches of freeboard. Lake George is my favorite body of water on this planet. Which island group are you camping on? If you're on Long Island, then the village is a good place to look for a marina. I am not familliar with any of them. Personally, I vacation as far away from the village as I can. It's too overgrown and commercial for me down there on the south end. Plus, you'll be dodging the clueless rental boat "captains" that swarm like bees around the Million-dollar beach area wearing their boat cushions on their backs like parachutes. If you are camping in the North basin (Narrows, Glen Island, Motherbunch, Waltonians), then I would recommend certain launches/marinas closer to your site. Also, I plan to make several day trips up there in July and would be happy to show you around some nice swim-spots, cliff-jumps, and sweet fishing holes (for whaler owners only, of course). Important: Please ensure you have taken all necessary measures to rid your rig of invasive species. We're having real troubles up there with zebra mussels and milfoil. Let me know where you'll be and I can recommend a marina. Steve "Hookey"
jamesmylesmcp	posted 06-24-2009 08:43 PM ET (US) Steve, we'll be on Long Island from the 18th till the 22nd. I was late in booking and couldn't secure northern sites. The kids will enjoy the activity as then we're off to Moosehead in Maine should be alittle different there.
Playing Hookey	posted 06-25-2009 08:05 AM ET (US) Jim, Have a great time up there. The village has some compelling diversions (not to mention the shopping). If you don't mind the 15 minute boat cruize to Long Island, my favorite marina is Norowal in Bolton Landing. They have a great ramp, organized procedures, and secure parking. You probably want easier access to your vehicle for village activities. Norowal is only 5 minutes by boat farther north than Chick's, the Whaler dealer in Diamond Point. http://www.boltonldc.com/norowal_marina.htm I also missed getting a northern island this year for my August window. The good ones are booked for the season within 15 minutes after availability opens up. Again, I wish you the best of time and weather on the "Queen of American Lakes". ...maybe we'll organize a Rendezvous on the lake for next year...I hear you're great at that. Steve
Tohsgib	posted 06-25-2009 11:40 AM ET (US) Exceptional service and maybe some humor will yield the best tips. 15-20% is usually the norm. Good luck ;)
L H G	posted 06-25-2009 04:02 PM ET (US) Is Chic's still there in Bolton Landing? From 1968-1980 we used to launch there. Bought a Merc 50 from him in 1970 for our 1958 13' hull #11 (see 13' Reference section for photo). In those days, Dave Stuart's Pilot Knob Boat Shop was the Whaler Dealer on the Lake, but I had heard Chic picked it up later.
jamesmylesmcp	posted 06-25-2009 04:43 PM ET (US) Larry, Chic's is the Whaler dealer but no launch or storage facility.
tbirdsey	posted 06-25-2009 05:51 PM ET (US) I believe the only public ramp open during the summer is at the north end of the lake in Ticonderoga, but I'm not sure of the parking availability and that's a long (although very scenic) ride to Long Island. There is state ramp in the village, but they close it during the summer -- too much traffic. Beautiful spot, but watch out for the crazies on the southern part of the lake.
Yiddil	posted 06-25-2009 10:10 PM ET (US) Moosehead Lake? Why didn't you say so, Ill packa bag:) hehe one of my favorite places to see Moose in the wild..You taking the whaler with you? can you do that their? Henry
jamesmylesmcp	posted 06-25-2009 10:48 PM ET (US) Yes Henry the Whaler will be in Moosehead ! As the kids now say...he he :) wonder where they learned that?
KillerWhaler62	posted 06-25-2009 11:10 PM ET (US) James I'll have to go along with Steve. Norowall Marina is a winner. Hope you have deep pockets! There is a boat permit, launching fee, trailer storage fee, and in town they have parking meters at the town docks. If you’re going to need a place to keep your boat in water Norowall’s was much less expensive then the Sagamore. Even when we stayed there was not much of a discount. Up on the west shore in Hague I remember a town ramp. You may want to check into that area for trailer storage to. It should be less than in the Bolton Landing area. If you belong to a yacht club you can look into the three clubs on Lake George. I'm sure they would welcome guest. Have a great trip.
jamesmylesmcp	posted 06-26-2009 06:03 AM ET (US) Thanks Nick, get your mail yet ?
gorji	posted 06-28-2009 08:01 PM ET (US) I live in NY and have been to LG many times. There is a state park where the boat ramp is available to the public for a modest fee (around $8). The park is called Rogers Rock State Park. Further north S of Ticonderoga you have a free boat launch. Its beautiful facility but because its about 30 miles N of Lake George Village, its used by locals mostly and not tourist. Norwal is nice but some attendants have an attitude problem; example, once launched they only want you to come back to their dock when you are ready to take the boat out. I got yelled at once when I was trying to come back to shore and get some supplies. Hope this helps.
Len R	posted 07-01-2009 10:04 AM ET (US) Having camped on LK. George islands for almost 40 yrs., I agree that Norwall is your best bet...Its a very short run to the ranger station on Glen Is. and the narrows....It is a bit pricy however they also have a laundry and shower facility for your use along with most supply's should you run low and is a very secure facility...Also a few hundred yd. walk to Ann's bait and tackle if you are doing any fishing. As someone else mentioned, It is one of the most beautiful places on the planet...Have a great trip!
jamesmylesmcp	posted 07-20-2009 02:40 PM ET (US) Thanks for all the info ! The Crew and I are on a three day break at home after camping on Lake George. The place is breathtaking ! We explored the Northern reaches and identified future campsites as we'll certainly return. We found the waters to be calm ,clean and not too cold to swim. Suprised as to the light boat traffic and available dockage anywhere we went. Alittle slow this year but the GPS cracked the 1000 mile mark Saturday. Here's the view from my campsite. http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc91/71outrage/lakegeorge09003.jpg Off to Moosehead midweek.
Swellmonster	posted 07-21-2009 10:03 PM ET (US) Rented a chalet up there, had a a few cocktails, took a rowboat out there. Beautiful place, water was damn cold!!! The place is beautiful!! Had a "Swell-time"
gorji	posted 07-24-2009 07:23 PM ET (US) I went to Lake George twice this year. Both times I found boat traffic to be very very low. I've been to this lake every year for the past 10 years and cannot recall it being so low in boat density as this year. It must be the recession.
Yiddil	posted 07-27-2009 07:48 PM ET (US) More Pics James...Say Hi to Erin for me:)))does she rememember the Yiddil still:)? When are you coming to the Potomac?
tombro	posted 08-06-2009 12:12 PM ET (US) Can't believe I missed this thread, but in retrospect am glad you had a good time up there. We've made about 20 week-long pilgramages up there over the years, and I think I've cast to that dock in the pic and caught a smallmouth or two there in the past. I have been to numerous lakes in Maine and Ontario, but there is something special about Lake George. Since my daughter outgrew the place when she entered High School, we have not been there since 2004--and miss it madly. My office has several favorite framed photo memories, such as our rental Montauk from Chic's, moored at Picnic Island, plus a few shots of favorite boathouses I would fish near. Gotta get back there. I would love to get our Ventura up there, but without a good tow vehicle (she's marina-kept), there's no way I'm getting that beast up those mountains! Just have to rent another Montauk...
jamesmylesmcp	posted 08-06-2009 05:28 PM ET (US) Well, completed another trip to the Islands ! Man oh man when it rains in the mountians it rains ! The Lake has been placed on our annual todo list. Went for three nights this time, day one just picture perfect.Day two we awoke to torential rain and a fox in camp, the kids we're thrilled as they tossed marshmellows and attracted the whole family. We raised the rags on the old Outrage and went to town. There we found indoor activities till late afternoon then the clouds broke and we found an empty lake smooth as glass all to ourselves ! Here's a picture of our 'Classic dock'. Fisher could have used this one in 1970. http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc91/71outrage/lakegeorge2010.jpg
jamesmylesmcp	posted 11-09-2009 04:42 PM ET (US) I just checked out the sites for 2010,man they go quick ! Got lucky as we were able to book what we needed for next summer. One week in the Narrows and another at Glen.
RevengeFamily	posted 11-09-2009 10:18 PM ET (US) Jim, How did you locate your vaca spot? Is there an Agent you would recommend? We are considering a week on Lake George with the Revenge next summer. It almost sounds like we may be to late. Any advice would be appreciated. Norm & Janet
jamesmylesmcp	posted 11-09-2009 11:02 PM ET (US) Norm, there is still availability scroll to the bottom of this page and check out the sites. http://www.lakegeorge-vacations.com/lake_george_island_camping.htm
RevengeFamily	posted 11-10-2009 10:10 AM ET (US) Jim, Thanks very much... Is it just me or was everyone a bit confused when they first read that web page? Norm