Docking Large Boats & Sailboats at the Lake George Islands
What's your favorite way to navigate the waters of Lake George? Do you enjoy zooming across on your jet ski, or taking it easy on a fishing charter? For some, one of the best ways to experience the lake is by sailboat and allowing the winds to carry you up and down the vast body of water.
If you've ever wondered if you can take your sailboat to one of the popular Lake George Islands, then you'll be excited to know that it is possible. There are specific islands and docks that can accommodate sailboats and larger boats. From Long Island to West Dollar, check out these sailboat-friendly island sites!
Sailboat-Friendly Docks In & Around the Lake George Islands
Note: According to the Glen Island Ranger Station, most day-use islands are sailboat-friendly, but it's always best to ask when booking a picnic site.
1. Long Island
The most sailboat-friendly island on Lake George is the massive Long Island. Located east of Diamond Point in the middle of the lake, Long Island features over 80 campsites along its shores, which is the most among all the other islands.
According to the Long Island Ranger Station, there are multiple sailboat-friendly docks that are deeper at certain campsites, including: 1a, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 26, 27, 31, 37, 43, 58, 65, 66, 67, 76, 78, 81, and 87.
2. Speaker Heck Island
At the southern tip of Long Island is the day-use island named Speaker Heck. This island has three picnic pavilions and many docks along the shoreline. Picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis by visiting a Ranger Station and receiving a day-use permit.
On the east side of the island, docks 1 and 3 have three posts and are sailboat-friendly. On the west side, all of the docks have three posts, but docks at 31-36 are not as deep as the others.
3. Diamond Island
Situated to the southwest of Speaker Heck Island, Diamond Island is a smaller day-use island that is partially sailboat-friendly. In particular, docks 1 and 2 on the island are large enough for sailboats.
4. Fork Island
On Fork Island in the Glen Island Group, campsite 6 and its corresponding dock is sailboat-friendly.
5. West Dollar Island
This day-use island in the Glen Island Group is perfect for picnicking and is sailboat-friendly at the picnic dock for sites 5 and 6.
6. Log Bay Island
On Log Bay Island in the southeastern section of the Glen Island Group, docks at sites 7, 10, and 12 are the most sailboat-friendly.
7. Black Mountain Shore
While not an island, the Black Mountain Shore is part of the Glen Island Group and features multiple campsites and docks up and down the long shoreline. Most of the docks are recognized as sailboat-friendly.
Helpful Docking Tip
For additional help docking your sailboat, here's an expert tip! If your boat draws 5 feet, then you can dock it on most sites by throwing the anchor, backing in, and then tying the boat to the last dock post. This also makes it easier to get off the boat.