Visitors headed to Lake George often wonder: “Is it safe to swim in the lake?”. The answer is a resounding, yes! Lake George is one of the cleanest, clearest, and most beautiful lakes in the country with 32 miles of wide bays, wooded islands, and quiet coves. Thousands of people spend entire summers swimming in the “Queen of American Lakes”.
Below are the five best spots on Lake George to go for a completely safe (and fun!) swim:
Beaches
Most people who swim in Lake George do so at the beach! There is a total of six beaches open to the public, including Shepard Park and Million Dollar Beach in the Lake George Village, or Usher Park along the eastern shore. Rogers Memorial Park and Veteran Memorial Park in Bolton Landing are conveniently located in the middle of the bustling town. And, Hague Town Beach Park is a more soothing location to swim or sunbathe with plenty of room to spread a towel.
Check out Lake George Beaches and Beyond to learn more about these sandy spots in the Lake George Area!
Pictured: Hague Town Beach Park
Island Campsites
Did you know you can rent an island campsite on Lake George? Dozens of day sites and overnight sites are available through Reserve America. Simply pick an island and a numbered campsite, book it online, and it's yours to enjoy. Every site has a boat dock that is often perfect for jumping into the lake, while some sites also have easy accessibility into the water directly from land. There’s no better place to dry off around a campfire and or during an afternoon picnic than at an island campsite! Note: You will need to rent or own a boat to access island campsites.
Want to know what it is like to island camp on Lake George before experiencing it yourself? Read up on our blog, Silent Solitude: Lake George Island Camping.
Northwest Bay
Northwest Bay has plenty of open space for swimming. Located off the shore of Bolton Lading, this bay is several miles long and up to two miles wide in some sections. Boaters often pick a spot near the shoreline of Tongue Mountain, or in the middle of the bay, and float the day away. Don’t forget to apply that sunscreen! Note: You will need to rent or own a boat to access Northwest Bay.
Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Paradise Bay
It's called Paradise Bay for a reason. And, you’ll understand why after cruising through the narrow entrance and emerging into the popular swimming hole, a favorite among boaters due to its stunning natural features. Tread water and wave to the passengers aboard the Lake George Steamboat Company’s ships that use Paradise Bay to turn around during their sightseeing cruises. Adventurous swimmers can jump from the 10-foot boulder on the shore at their own risk. Note: You will need to rent or own a boat to access Paradise Bay. Boats cannot anchor in Paradise Bay.
Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Log Bay
Log Bay has become a favorite place to swim for thousands of people every summer, with a shallow, sandy bottom that makes it perfect for kids and families to take a dip. Boaters anchor along the shoreline for care-free, all-day relaxation and games of water volleyball. Note: You will need to rent or own a boat to access Log Bay.
