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.