Background: Lake George, nicknamed
the Queen of American Lakes, extends about 32
miles to the north and varies from 1 to 3 miles
in width. Lake George is known for its deep, crystal
clear water (which is used for drinking water).
Its depth reaches over 200 feet, and it covers
about 30,000 acres. Lake George has many islands
and coves, making it an ideal lake for recreational
boating.
All types of watercraft are allowed
on the lake, but a Lake George permit is required.
These can be obtained from any of the Lake
George Marinas orlocal businesses, and can
be purchased for the day, week, or season. The
only public boat launches are at Million Dollar
Beach (which is closed from memorial day to labor
day), Rogers Rock Campsites in Hague ($6/day),
Hague Town Beach ($10/day) or Mossy Point in Ticonderoga
(no fee). Boats can be launched at most of the
lake's private marinas
at various rates. Please check with the individual
marina for fees, hours of operation and rules.
Island Camping:
Lake George has over 150 islands, of which, forty-four
are owned by the state and have over 350 shoreline
campsites. Islands can contain as few as one or
two sites, while the larger islands can have as
many as fifteen or twenty sites. Sites have a
dock, picnic table, fireplace, and bathroom facilities.
There are also cruiser sites that are for people
who intend on staying on their boats instead of
a tent. Day passes can also be aquired for picnicing,
and a seasons pass allows use of the islands anytime
one is open, as well as reserving one for the
day. (With a seasons pass, you still need to make
reservations for overnights). View our listing
of Lake
George Islands.
Local Knowledge:
The lake can become rough at times, especially
when the wind is blowing from the North, causing
rollers, and the boat wakes going East-West, making
for some nice chop. The Narrows, which is located
about half way up the lake, has a lot of interesting
islands, swimming spots, and coves to anchor in.
If trailering your boat from the south, you can
launch from a marina on the southern end of the
lake and cruise up to the narrows, or drive up
to Bolton Landing and launch from one of the marinas
there, and you wont have to cruise up the southern
half of the lake. Favorite places to hang out
are Log Bay (location of the infamous Log Bay
Day party), Paradise Bay (although they don't
allow anchoring there anymore), and Sandy Bay,
which has a number of mooring balls. There are
many resorts, hotels, condos, private camps and
cottages that are available for rental, with most
providing boating accomodations. There are also
various camp grounds (including Roger's Rock,
HearthStone, and the Islands).
Local Laws and Regulations:
There is a variety of law enforcement on the lake,
including Lake George Park Commission, State Police
and County Sheriff. Here are special rules that
apply to Lake George. If you are visiting the
lake for the first time, I would look this list
over, as they are strictly enforced. This list
is taken directly off of the Lake
George Park Commission's Website:
Boat Permits:
All vessels 18 feet or longer, or any vessel mechanically
propelled by a motor 10 h.p. or greater, must
register with the Lake George Park Commission
and display a registration decal. http://www.lgpc.state.ny.us/Boat_Registration.html
Pollution Prevention
To keep Lake George water pure, dumping of sanitary
waste, garbage and debris is prohibited. Boats
are required to have sealed heads and holding
tanks for showers and sinks. Violators will be
fined and their boats removed from Lake George.
Noise Limits
Lake George is narrow and surrounded by steep
mountains amplifying noise levels. Do your part
to keep volume down. Present limits are 86 decibels
when measured not more than 50 feet from the vessel;
80 decibels from 100 feet or more.
Speed Limits
Near shore maximum is 5 mph within 100 feet of
shore, dock or stationary boats, rafts, floats,
etc. On the main lake: Daytime limit (6am-9pm)
is 45mph; Night limit (9pm-6am) is 25 mph. Remember:
Safe boaters travel at more conservative speeds.
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Personal watercraft may be operated between 8am
and 7pm(or until sunset)-whichever is earlier.
Speed must be limited to 5 mph within 500 feet
of shore except when proceeding directly to and
from shore.
Restricted Use Zones:
In order to prevent overcrowding and congestion,
reduce noise, protect the public health, safety
and welfare and preserve the resources of the
Park, the Lake George Park Commission may designate
restricted use zones on the Lake and adopt regulations
for the usage of such zones. Within any restricted
use zone, no person shall operate, anchor, moor,
recreate from or otherwise use a vessel, or undertake
any other activity, in violation of the regulations
established for such zone.
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