Burgess Island Campground #1-5

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers dreaming of a truly unique and immersive outdoor experience, Burgess Island Campground on Lake George offers an unparalleled opportunity for island camping. Located in the picturesque Narrows region of Lake George, near Huletts Landing, this campground provides a distinctive escape that sets it apart from traditional drive-up sites. Burgess Island is one of the many state-owned islands on Lake George that are part of the Lake George Islands camping program, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

What makes Burgess Island, with its five distinct campsites (Burgess Island Campground #1-5), so special is its "boat-in" access. This means a sense of seclusion and adventure greets you from the moment you embark. Each site is equipped with essential amenities, allowing campers to truly disconnect and enjoy the pristine natural beauty of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondacks. It's an ideal choice for those who crave a peaceful, scenic, and adventurous camping trip, offering a chance to create unforgettable memories right on the water.

Location and Accessibility

Burgess Island Campground #1-5 is centrally located on Lake George at 1 Burgess Is, Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA. This places it within the "Narrow Island Group," often referred to as the "Mother Bunch" of islands, stretching from the base of Black Mountain to Mallory Island. For New York residents, reaching this unique destination involves a two-part journey: driving to a local marina and then taking a boat to your island campsite.

Huletts Landing Marina is the closest launch point to the Narrow Island Group, offering convenient boat launch services and car parking for the duration of your camping trip. While driving to Huletts Landing is accessible via scenic Adirondack routes, the true adventure begins when you set out across the waters of Lake George. It's crucial for campers to either own a boat or arrange for a rental from a local marina. This boat-in access is a defining characteristic, ensuring a secluded and authentic island camping experience. The island's location across from Sabbath Day Point also features well-known "jumping rocks" (use with caution, as cliff jumping can be dangerous and is not officially endorsed), adding an element of local lore and recreation. Its remote yet accessible nature makes it a perfect escape for New Yorkers looking for a genuine wilderness feel without being entirely cut off.

Services Offered

Burgess Island Campground, as part of the Lake George Islands camping system, offers fundamental amenities designed to provide a rustic yet comfortable island camping experience. It’s important to note that these are primitive sites accessible only by boat, meaning visitors should be prepared for a true outdoor adventure.

• Boat Access Only: All campsites on Burgess Island are accessible exclusively by boat. Campers must either own their vessel or rent one from a local marina.
• Individual Docks: Each campsite typically comes equipped with a dock for one boat, with water depths often up to 6 feet, accommodating various boat sizes.
• Picnic Tables: Every site includes at least one picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fireplace Grills / Fire Rings: Sites are furnished with a designated fireplace grill or fire ring, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires (subject to state regulations).
• Toilet Facilities: Each campsite on the island is equipped with at least one toilet facility, typically a pit toilet or outhouse.
• Tent Platforms (Select Sites): While not all sites have them, some campsites on Burgess Island feature tent platforms (e.g., 14' x 12'), providing a leveled and dry base for pitching tents.
• No Electric Hookups or Running Water: Campers should be aware that these are primitive sites. There are no electric hookups or running water directly at the campsites. All drinking water from natural sources should be treated or boiled.
• Carry-In, Carry-Out Waste Policy: Campers must be prepared to pack out all garbage and waste upon departure.

Features / Highlights

Burgess Island Campground offers a truly distinctive set of features that highlight its appeal for New Yorkers seeking a memorable outdoor experience:

• Unique Island Camping Experience: The paramount feature is the opportunity to camp directly on an island on Lake George. This provides an unparalleled sense of seclusion, privacy, and direct connection to the water, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Boat-In Accessibility: The necessity of boat access adds an adventurous element to the trip. It ensures a more exclusive experience, as only those with boating capabilities can reach the sites, contributing to the quiet ambiance.
• Proximity to Huletts Landing: Despite being an island, its location near Huletts Landing offers convenient access to a launch point and marina services for parking and boat rentals, streamlining the logistics of island camping.
• Diverse Campsite Characteristics: Burgess Island features 5 campsites (Burgess Island Campground #1-5), each with its own unique characteristics. For example, Site #1 is described as large and flat, while Site #5 is high up on cliffs and grassy, and Site #4 is on a hill. This variety allows campers to choose a site that best suits their preferences and needs.
• "Jumping Rocks" Access: The island is well-known for its "jumping rocks" (4-foot, 8-foot, and 15-foot spots) located across from Sabbath Day Point. While safety should always be a priority, this natural feature adds a unique recreational element for adventurous visitors.
• Direct Lake Access for Activities: With campsites right on the shoreline, guests have immediate access to Lake George for swimming, fishing (Lake George is known for lake trout, bass, and perch), and exploring by boat.
• Rustic and Natural Environment: The sites are well-forested and private, offering a genuine wilderness feel. The presence of fireplace grills and picnic tables enhances the outdoor living experience.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a state-owned campground (part of the NYS DEC Lake George Islands system), Burgess Island Campground typically operates under fixed pricing and reservation policies rather than offering frequent, publicly advertised "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, the value lies in its unique experience and accessibility.

• Standard Site Fees: The cost per campsite on the Lake George Islands, including Burgess Island, generally starts around $28 per night. These rates are set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
• Reservation System: Campsites can be reserved online through the New York State DEC website or the ReserveAmerica system. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months, as these unique island sites are very popular and can be booked up to nine months in advance.
• Day Use Options: For those not staying overnight, some Lake George Islands offer day-use areas. While Burgess Island is primarily an overnight camping island, the general Lake George Islands system includes day-use sites accessible by boat for a fee (e.g., $12 per day), with reservations available up to seven days in advance.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on site availability, current pricing, and specific reservation policies for Burgess Island Campground #1-5, New York locals should consult the official New York State DEC website or the ReserveAmerica booking platform directly.

Contact Information

To plan your unique island camping adventure at Burgess Island Campground #1-5, you will need to go through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) system, as these are state-owned sites. While there isn't a direct phone number for the island itself, here's how to get information and make reservations:

• Address: 1 Burgess Is, Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA (This is the physical location for the campsites).
• General Lake George Islands DEC Information: For general inquiries about the Lake George Islands camping, you can contact the DEC Regional Office: (518) 499-1288 (for the Narrow Island Group specifically, which includes Burgess Island).
• Reservations: All reservations for state campgrounds, including Burgess Island, are made through the ReserveAmerica system:
  • Online: Visit newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com
  • Phone: 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267)

Remember, you will also need to coordinate with a local marina in Huletts Landing (such as Huletts Landing Marina) for boat launch services and parking.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York locals, Burgess Island Campground #1-5 offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a truly authentic and adventurous side of the Adirondacks right in their backyard. This isn't just a campground; it's an immersive island escape on the "Queen of American Lakes," Lake George. The fact that it's boat-in only adds an exciting layer of adventure and ensures a level of seclusion rarely found in more accessible campsites. For those with a boat, or the willingness to rent one, it transforms a regular camping trip into a memorable nautical journey.

The distinct features of Burgess Island—from its unique campsites (like the flat #1 or the cliffside #5) to its famous "jumping rocks"—provide diverse options for relaxation and recreation. You can spend your days swimming in the clear lake waters, fishing for local species, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature from your private island oasis. While the amenities are rustic (pit toilets, no running water or electricity), this contributes to the authentic wilderness experience that many New Yorkers crave. It’s an ideal setting to truly disconnect, make campfires under the stars, and create lasting memories with family and friends. For locals seeking an adventurous, secluded, and quintessentially Adirondack camping trip that stands out from the rest, Burgess Island Campground on Lake George is an absolute must-do.

Burgess Island Campground #1-5

1 Burgess Is, Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA