How much does camping cost at Alger Island?

Camping fees at Alger Island range from $20-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Alger Island first-come first-served or reservation?

Alger Island accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Alger Island?

Alger Island is open July 1 through Labor Day noted for restricted stay limits; specific peak season pricing dates are unconfirmed.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Alger Island?

Alger Island does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Alger Island?

Fire policies at Alger Island: Fires are allowed in provided fireplaces using dead and down wood only; chainsaw use not permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Alger Island?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alger Island. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Alger Island?

Alger Island offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Alger Island?

Popular activities at Alger Island include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alger Island

4.18

34 reviews

303 PETRIE ROAD, OLD FORGE, New York, 13420, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New York

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,772 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season varies w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,772 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season varies w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Alger Island

$20.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range between $20 and $35 depending on site type and season; no additional details provided.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

3153693224

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

303 PETRIE ROAD, OLD FORGE, New York, 13420, United States

Alger Island

303 PETRIE ROAD, OLD FORGE, New York, 13420, United States

Nearby places

Old Forge (approx. 5 miles, 10-minute drive)

Inlet (approx. 1 mile, 5-minute drive).

Nearby supplies

Shopping, restaurants, groceries, and camping supplies available within 10 miles in Old Forge

boat rentals and launch sites nearby.

Driving directionsFrom NYS Thruway: Take Exit 31 at Utica. Take Route 12 North to Alder Creek. Follow Rte 28 to Old Forge. Turn right at the Post Office onto Gilbert St. Turn left onto Park Ave. Turn right onto South Shore Road, to Petrie Road. Drive 3/4 mile to the Fourth Lake Picnic Area. From Route 28, Inlet: Take South Shore Road to Petrie Road and drive one mile to the Fourth Lake Picnic Area.

Access via paved roads to the Fourth Lake Picnic Area but requires boat transport to Alger Island; road access quality is good with signage provided. Seasonal access details not mentioned.

Weather at Alger Island

Best Time to Camp at Alger Island

Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s and cool nights in the 50s. The water is warmest then, and boat access is reliable. This is peak season on the Fulton Chain, so expect more traffic on the lake, though the boat-only access keeps the island quieter than roadside campgrounds. Fall brings foliage but cooler water. Winter closes the island.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely quieter with good scenery; reviews indicate quieter experiences off-peak.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 through Labor Day noted for restricted stay limits; specific peak season pricing dates are unconfirmed.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season varies with no specific date ranges provided; accessibility may depend on weather and season.

About Alger Island

Alger Island sits in Fourth Lake, part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes near Old Forge. This boat-access-only campground has lean-to shelters scattered across the island, with fees from $20 to $35 per night. The setup is primitive: no potable water, minimal amenities, and a hiking trail that cuts through some campsites.

Alger Island provides lean-to and tent sites accessible only by boat. The lean-tos are equipped with fireplaces and hibachis, while the tent sites provide a basic camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s and cool nights in the 50s. The water is warmest then, and boat access is reliable. This is peak season on the Fulton Chain, so expect more traffic on the lake, though the boat-only access keeps the island quieter than roadside campgrounds. Fall brings foliage but cooler water. Winter closes the island.

ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of the Fulton Chain, Alger Island offers a unique perspective where mountain meets water. Though specific elevation data isn't documented, visitors will find themselves perfectly positioned within the Adirondack lake country, where gentle island terrain provides easy exploration and stunning vantage points.

Natural Features and SceneryBoat-access-only island campground on Fourth Lake, the fourth and largest lake in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, surrounded by forested terrain, shoreline hills, and distant mountains in the Adirondacks[1][2][5].

Geological RegionAlger Island sits within the ancient Adirondack Mountains, a geological wonderland shaped by glaciers over millennia. As part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes—a stunning string of interconnected waterways carved by massive ice sheets—the island showcases the raw power of geological forces. These glacier-sculpted lakes, dotted with forested islands like Alger, create a water wilderness unlike anywhere else in the Northeast. The exposed bedrock and glacial erratics scattered along the shoreline tell a story billions of years in the making.

Scenic ViewsLake views from all campsites; vistas of surrounding forest and Adirondack mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly lean-tos and tent sites are available; there is no mention of hotel-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

From 2 PM until 9 PM.

Check-out

10:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights
between July 1 and Labor Day, only cumulative 14 nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6individuals per site.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLean-tos are spread across the island, each holding up to two tents. A hiking trail runs through the campground, which means hikers sometimes walk past occupied sites. Privacy varies depending on how close you are to the trail.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the official website or by calling the ranger station.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are subject to re-rental if not registered by 9 PM on the first reservation night; walk-up availability not explicitly detailed.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must comply with the campground's rules, but specific deadlines and penalty fees are not detailed.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are limited to mobility-impaired individuals with appropriate permits.

Site SizeSites can accommodate up to two tents.

PrivacySome reviews highlight limited privacy due to the hiking trail passing through campsites.

Recommended SitesBring earplugs for sites facing noisy areas; consider privacy and proximity to trails when choosing a site.

Best Campsites15 lean-to sites equipped with fireplaces, hibachis, picnic tables, and pit privies; 2 tent sites with similar amenities; no specific site recommendations from campers[1][2][3].

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Amenities available

The Alger Island Campground is a boat-access-only facility offering lean-to and tent sites with fireplaces, hibachis, and picnic tables. It features pit toilets on the island but lacks potable water. A state-owned boat launch near the Fourth Lake Day-Use Area provides access to the island. The rustic setup is combined with proximity to Old Forge for additional shopping and sightseeing. The carry-in, carry-out garbage policy emphasizes environmental stewardship.

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Alger Island offers a range of water-based activities, including boating, canoeing, and fishing. A hiking trail encircles the island, and nearby state-maintained trails expand recreational options. Wildlife viewing is noted, and the fishing opportunities include lake trout, brook trout, and salmon.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include noise from nearby restaurants, trail interruptions by hikers, and non-potable water supply.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only pit toilets are provided on the island.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in provided fireplaces using dead and down wood only; chainsaw use not permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesMedical clinic within 10 miles in Old Forge; ranger station contact available at 3153693224.

Trash & RecyclingCarry-in, carry-out garbage policy applies. No designated trash or recycling facilities mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Fourth Lake; surrounded by water, with dock access for boats.

Cell CoverageVerizon good; AT&T, T-Mobile, WiFi unknown[5].

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

34 reviews

Satisfactory

Alger Island is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The reviews for Alger Island are mixed, with some praising the beauty and rustic charm of the island while others criticize the noise levels and lack of privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Unique island remoteness combined with proximity to activities; serene setting on large Adirondack lake[1][6].

Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from a nearby restaurant is a recurring issue, with one reviewer detailing live entertainment noise until 2 AM. The hiking trail passing through campsites is another common complaint, affecting...

Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviewers recommend avoiding campsites facing the restaurant across the water due to noise issues. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Register and obtain permits at Fourth Lake Day-Use Area (303 Petrie Road, Old Forge); boat access only, car-top boats at headquarters, larger boats launched from Route 28 in Inlet; bring your own...

Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees the highest activity, but campers note increased noise levels and crowded conditions during this period. Fall may offer quieter experiences.

Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The nice camping island. Just do not pick the couple of sites located against the restaurant on the coast across the water. It can be pretty noisy at night.' - Yuriy Bubnov 2. 'If you enjoy...

Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

At least one accessible campsite exists, but no reviews specifically address these features.

Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews elaborate on pet-related experiences.

Based on 34 reviews

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Go if

Paddlers and boaters who want a backcountry-style island stay without a long portage will get the best of it here. Lake trout, brook trout, and landlocked salmon in the Fulton Chain, lake views from every lean-to, and Old Forge just five miles away if you need to resupply.

Skip if

Sites facing the restaurant across the water get live music until 2 AM, well past quiet hours. Add no potable water, a hiking trail that walks strangers through your campsite, and the logistics of hauling all your own gear by boat, and this is a hard pass for anyone who values pr

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Limekiln Lake Campground sits at 2,011 feet in the heart of the Adirondacks, offering 275 campsites split between lakefront and forested settings. Sites cost $20 per night and accommodate tents, small RVs, and equipment up to 40 feet. There's no cell service. You'll need to drive 25 minutes to Inlet for reception.