Author
Michael Charboneau
Lake George is one of the oldest vacation destinations in the country—the lake and its namesake town have been hosting visitors from East Coast cities for well over a century. Nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes” for its crystal-clear water, beautiful Lake George offers 109 miles of shoreline and is located roughly midway between New York City and Montreal. (It’s about a four-hour drive from New York or Boston.) It’s nestled among the ridges and peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, and whether you like to hike, bike, boat, or swim, the area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Lake George is both a destination itself and a gateway to all kinds of nearby attractions for outdoorists. First, you’ll definitely want to get on and in the water. Lake George is ringed with public and private beaches for swimming (many of the cabins below offer convenient beach access), and you can rent a boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at various outfitters—a great way to explore the lake’s 44 state-owned islands. Need a little more excitement? Try whitewater rafting on the Hudson and Sacandaga rivers or go scuba diving to discover Lake George’s shipwrecks and aquatic ecosystems.
Its location within the vast Adirondack Park means Lake George is also a great launchpad for exploring New York’s famed Adirondack Mountains, a hiker’s paradise. Nearby hikes include a mellow jaunt to Shelving Rock Falls and the trail up Prospect Mountain, which offers excellent lake views. There are also opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, and more. For some history, check out the lake's colonial-era forts: Fort William Henry to the south and Fort Ticonderoga in the north. Summer is the high season and the best time for most of these activities, but fall is also beautiful and offers excellent leaf peeping.
Every entry on our list of Lake George cabins—which spans from cozy retreats to beautiful homes right on the water—will make a great home base to experience it all. Some of them might lean a little kitschy, but when you’re up at the lake, you’ve gotta lean into it. Pack your swimsuit and get ready for a relaxing stay by the water.
The 11 Best Cabin Rentals in Lake George, NY
Adirondack Earth Home - Lake George, NY
Vibe: Modern Hobbit Home
It doesn’t have the chicest interior, but this cozy cabin earns major points for architectural originality: It’s built into the side of a hill. There’s a kitchenette, a full bathroom and a king-size bed, and the house also comes with a firepit and wood-burning hot tub for outdoor relaxing. Plus, it’s just minutes away from the town of Lake George aka Lake George Village and attractions like Six Flags Great Escape.
Rate: $253/night
Waterside Log Cabin - Lake George, NY
Vibe: Lakeside Rustic
With its exposed log construction, this cabin is definitely rustic—an example of classic Lake George lodging—but you’ll hardly notice because it commands incredible views of the lake, especially from the spacious deck, which includes a picnic table and bbq grill. There’s a full kitchen and two bedrooms, and the cabin includes direct access to the lake, so it’s a great pick if you want to spend lots of time on the water.
Rate: $711/night
North Treehouse Retreat - Lake George, NY
Vibe: Elevated Lakeside Living
The North Treehouse Retreat comprises three separate structures connected by hanging rope bridges. One structure contains the kitchen and bathroom along with a loft and a spacious deck for chilling among the trees. Stroll across the bridge to find the bedroom area, or use another bridge to access the outdoor showers. You’ll also get a private firepit and a charcoal grill, and you’ll have access to a shared pool on the property, too.
Rate: $449/night
Cozy Cub Cabin - Hague, NY
Vibe: Knotty Pine Paradise
This cheerful cottage is a great pick for a couples’ romantic getaway or a family trip—as long as you don’t mind some hokey Adirondack decor. There are two bedrooms (with enough beds to sleep eight people), a bright living room, and a full kitchen, and the wraparound deck is perfect for al fresco dining. After dinner, toast s’mores by the firepit or sip whiskey under the stars as you soak in the hot tub. The shores of Lake George are only a few minutes away from this forest retreat.
Rate: $244/night
Summer View Lake House - Ticonderoga, NY
Vibe: Sunset Shoreline
It’s hard to beat the location of this spacious vacation rental home: It’s located right on the water at the northern end of Lake George, and it has a patio and firepit next to the shore—the perfect spot for catching a sunset after a long day on the lake. It’s also just a five-minute walk from a public beach, and the three-bedroom, two-bath setup makes it an ideal rental for groups. There is air conditioning, but you probably won't need it on those cool northern nights.
Rate: $528/night
Modern Lakeside Cabin - Bolton Landing, NY
Vibe: Clean and Bright
The owners describe it as “not your grandma’s cabin,” and this chic cottage rental is definitely a standout compared to the kitschier classic Adirondack cabin rentals available around Lake George. Inside, the tall ceilings and white walls give the place an airy feel, and it features a renovated kitchen and bathroom. The cabin itself is tucked away in the trees—the shaded patio should be a welcome refuge on hot afternoons—but the included kayaks and SUPs make it easy to get out on the water from the private beach. For a day jaunt, stroll the grounds of the historic Sagamore hotel nearby, or take a cruise up Lake Shore Drive, which winds its way up the western shoreline.
Rate: $433/night
Private Chalet - Bolton Landing, NY
Vibe: Bring Your Boat
This expansive home has everything you need for a family weekend: A full kitchen, a living/dining area with views of the lake, sleeping space for six, and an outdoor deck. Better yet, you can bring your own boat and tie it up at the house’s dock. Bunk beds and board games make it a great option for families, and it's pet-friendly so bring the dog.
Rate: $431/night
Northern Lake George Lakefront - North Lake George, NY
Vibe: Classic Cottage
The cozy interior of this spacious three-bedroom cottage rental gives way to a generous front porch, and across the road, you’ll have access to 600 feet of lakefront and a large dock. It’s a great pick for group trips: The property also hosts a renovated barn with two more bedrooms. (The rental has room for eight guests total.) There’s a public beach nearby, or you can stick closer to home—crack a cold one at the bar area down by the dock and watch the boats pass by.
Rate: $429/night
Modern ADK Cabin - Bolton Landing, NY
Vibe: Bright, Tidy Cabin
Nestled into a two-acre wooded property, this renovated cabin is a real gem of a Lake George vacation rental. It boasts tall ceilings and a full kitchen with modern appliances, plus plenty of outdoor space, including an outdoor dining table. Grab one of the included kayaks for an afternoon of paddling, and then unwind by a roaring fire at the house’s firepit.
Rate: $449/night
Cozy Wooded Waterfront Cabin - Pilot Knob, NY
Vibe: Views for Days
Make sure you bring your camera if you book a weekend here. This cabin sits on the eastern shore of Lake George and faces west, which means you’ll get dramatic sunsets over the lake every evening. They’re best viewed from the house’s deck, which was built around two massive oak trees. The interior gives off cozy farmhouse vibes and has room for six, while the dock and a nearby sandy beach make it easy to enjoy the water.
Rate: $743/night
New Farmhouse - Huletts Landing, NY
Vibe: The Gang Goes to Lake George
Weekend getaways don’t get much more charming than this. This freshly built home (constructed in 2018) has a tasteful modern look, offers room for groups, and is within walking distance of the lake. Once you’ve had your fun hiking or paddling, head home to play board games in the screened-in dining area, relax with a book on the front porch, or whip up a tasty meal in the propane pizza oven.
Rate: $543/night
Published 08-01-2022
