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Lake George on a Budget? Yup, It's Possible... And We'll Show You How!

On a budget, but want to go on an awesome vacation with your friends or family? Plan a budget-friendly vacation to Lake George and give yourself and your loved ones a vacation everyone will talk about for years to come.

With affordable places to stay, plenty of free activities, and - oh yeah - one of America's most beautiful lakes, Lake George is the perfect destination for a family vacation that won't break the bank.

Our Favorite Budget Motels In & Near Lake George

Unsung Hero Award: Nordick's Inn

Located at the northern end of the Village, Nordick's Inn has it all: ideal location, great service, and awesome amenities. Travelers who want a fun, no-frills vacation will adore Nordick's. Actually, travelers who want a fun, all-the-frills vacation would adore Nordick's.

With meticulously clean and refurbished rooms, beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and friendly service, we think this motel deserves five stars. Between their heated outdoor pool and on-site breakfast restaurant, you might not even want to leave the property to check out the fun in the Village (but if you do, Nordick's has a convenient trolley stop!).

Off the Beaten Path but Close to the Action: Studio Motel

Situated on the east side of Million Dollar Beach, Studio Motel is a superb place to stay if you're looking for a more quiet environment away from other motels and noisy traffic. However, you'll still be close to the activities, attractions, and dining - they're just a mile from downtown and a half mile from the beach.

Enjoy their comfortable suites that can include connecting rooms for families, an outdoor pool, playground, picnic areas, and more. They're also on the trolley route. Cozy and affordable rooms, great amenities, and an ideal location makes Studio Motel a perfect budget-friendly lodging option.

Most Memorable People: Luzerne Court Motel

Do you find that you remember people more than places? If so, the Luzerne Court Motel is the perfect choice for your trip to Lake George. The owners, Ryan and Jody, think of themselves more as hosts than landlords, and you will love their comfortable, clean rooms and friendly atmosphere.

You will spend evenings catching up over s'mores by the fire pit and days splashing in the swimming pool. This motel has pet-friendly rooms (so you can bring the whole family), and is right next door to mini-golf (one of our favorite low-budget activities in Lake George).

Superior Location: The Admiral Motel

Located at the northern end of the Village right next to Lake George High School, you cannot ask for a better location at a better price than The Admiral Motel. Park your car and walk everywhere, even to the beach (literally, the beach is just minutes away)!

We love their free WiFi and heated pool, the on-premise trolley stop, and their refrigerators and coffee makers in every room so you can save on coffee and bring back leftovers after dinner.

Find more budget-friendly lodging options »

Our Favorite Places for Cheap Eats

Pizza Jerks

With great pizza (and even gluten free options), Pizza Jerks is a favorite among locals and visitors to the Lake George area. Their menu variety and kid-friendly food make Pizza Jerks one of the best family- and budget-friendly restaurants in Lake George.

The Silo

A short drive away in Queensbury, The Silo is not only known as an inexpensive hotspot for a hearty breakfast or lunch -- it's also lauded as one of the best places to eat in Upstate NY. Choose from favorites like their pancakes, French toast, egg sandwiches, and signature omelets for breakfast, or salads, sandwiches, and burgers for lunch. Don't forget to grab a dozen cider donuts before you leave!

Prospect Mountain Diner

Located on Canada Street, the Prospect Mountain Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has something to appeal to the whole family!

This place is the down-home, American diner you've always loved (or wanted to try), with foods that will bring back treasured childhood memories (or create new ones) and - everybody's favorite! - breakfast allllllllllll day. Bonus: it's totally affordable and your kids will love it.

Martha's

Most people think of Martha's for ice cream (and you should definitely make sure you save room for dessert), but this famous spot has a great outdoor grill, too. Their menu isn't fancy, but it's good, American fare and you can't beat the prices!

Plus, a former local gal you may have heard of named Rachael Ray listed Martha's as one of her favorite spots in Lake George, so you know it's good.

Plan a trip to these nearby restaurants, pubs, and diners offering cheap eats »

Free (& It-Might-As-Well-Be-Free) Fun in Lake George

We're gonna leave the lake out of this one, because it's pretty obvious. What's not so obvious are all the other free (or so close to free you can totally justify it) things to do in Lake George.

View from the Top: Drive (or Hike) Prospect Mountain

This one's pretty cool because you can choose your own adventure. Prospect Mountain has great views of the lake and is a fun place to picnic. Only about three miles round trip, this hike is totally doable for everyone in your family, although keep in mind it can be steep at times.

Not feeling the walk? That's ok, too - you can drive (please note: there is a small fee per car to drive to the top).