Huckleberry Island Campground

For New Yorkers dreaming of an escape to pristine waters and quiet natural beauty, Lake George, often hailed as "America's Queen Lake," offers a truly unique camping experience. Scattered across its sparkling expanse are numerous state-owned islands, each providing a secluded haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Among these coveted spots is Huckleberry Island Campground, a prime destination for those seeking an unforgettable island adventure right here in our own backyard.

Huckleberry Island Campground stands out for its exceptional blend of privacy and natural charm. Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, access to Huckleberry Island is exclusively by boat, adding an exciting layer of adventure to your trip. This characteristic not only contributes to its serene atmosphere but also helps maintain the island's untouched beauty, ensuring a peaceful and uncrowded environment. Whether you're navigating your own canoe, kayak, or a rented powerboat, the journey across the clear waters of Lake George to your island campsite is an integral part of the experience.

As part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Lake George Islands camping system, Huckleberry Island benefits from dedicated management and preservation efforts. This commitment ensures that campers can enjoy well-maintained sites and facilities while being immersed in the stunning Adirondack wilderness. It’s an ideal setting for New Yorkers to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Huckleberry Island Campground is situated at 16 Huckle Berry Near Log Bay Is, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA. This places it within a particularly scenic area of Lake George, specifically near Log Bay. The precise location offers campers a vantage point to appreciate the natural beauty of the lake, with its surrounding forests and the expansive water. While the address indicates Fort Ann, the island is very much a part of the Lake George island chain, making it accessible from various points around the lake, including Bolton Landing, which is home to the Glen Island Ranger Station.

Accessibility to Huckleberry Island is strictly by boat. This means New York residents planning a trip will need to arrange for water transportation. Numerous marinas around Lake George, particularly in Bolton Landing, provide boat rental services, launch facilities, and parking, typically for a fee. One review notes that "Dock facilities are exposed to Log Bay traffic," indicating that while it's a great spot, boaters should "be sure to tie off well and fender up too!" This valuable tip suggests that while the location is idyllic, awareness of boat traffic in Log Bay is important for ensuring your vessel is secure. The journey by boat allows for unique perspectives of the Lake George shoreline and the surrounding Adirondack landscape, truly making the arrival at your campsite part of the adventure. Despite its secluded feel, Lake George is easily reached via major New York State routes, including the Adirondack Northway (I-87), making the initial drive to a marina straightforward.

• Campsite Docks: Each of the three campsites on Huckleberry Island is equipped with its own private dock for at least one boat, ensuring convenient access and mooring for your vessel.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite includes a picnic table, providing a designated and stable surface for outdoor meals, games, and relaxation.
• Fireplaces/Fire Rings: Campers can enjoy traditional campfires with a designated fireplace or fire ring at each site, perfect for cooking, warmth, and evening gatherings.
• Composting Pit Privy: Huckleberry Island features an "immaculately kept composting pit privy" shared among the three campsites. This sustainable toilet facility provides essential convenience while minimizing environmental impact.
• Secluded Sites: The design of the campsites ensures they are "secluded from one another," enhancing privacy and the feeling of being truly immersed in nature.
• Access to Ranger Assistance: As part of the Lake George Islands camping system, campers on Huckleberry Island benefit from the oversight of the NYSDEC, with rangers available via the main headquarters for assistance and information.
• General Information on Lake George Islands: While not directly on Huckleberry Island, the Glen Island Ranger Station (reachable by boat) often has a general store and provides comprehensive information about lake activities, regulations, and emergencies.
• Recycling Facilities: To support the preservation of Lake George's pristine environment, recycling stations are typically available at the main ranger stations or designated areas on the larger islands.

• Highly Secluded Campsites: A primary highlight, Huckleberry Island offers only "3 Great campsites" that are "secluded from one another," providing an exceptionally private and peaceful camping experience.
• Boat-In Access: This defining feature ensures a unique and adventurous approach to camping, separating it from easily accessible, crowded areas. The journey itself becomes part of the memorable experience.
• "Immaculately Kept Composting Pit Privy": The shared composting toilet facility is noted for its cleanliness, a significant highlight for those valuing hygiene even in a rustic setting.
• Popular Site, Book Early: Reviews emphasize that this is a "VERY popular site," indicating its high demand and desirability, particularly on weekends. This suggests a quality experience that many New Yorkers seek.
• Stunning Lake George Views: As an island campsite, Huckleberry offers continuous, breathtaking views of the surrounding lake, perfect for enjoying sunrises, sunsets, and the general beauty of the Adirondacks.
• Excellent Water Activities: The clear waters around the island are ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, allowing campers to fully engage with the lake environment.
• Proximity to Log Bay: While requiring careful mooring, being near Log Bay means campers are in a vibrant area of the lake, potentially offering opportunities for observing other boaters or accessing nearby areas.
• Natural Forested Setting: The island’s natural tree cover provides ample shade and contributes to the feeling of being deep within the wilderness.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The undisturbed natural environment offers chances to observe local wildlife and a variety of bird species.

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) campground, Huckleberry Island Campground operates under standard state park pricing and booking regulations. Therefore, specific "promotions" or commercial "special offers" are generally not advertised for individual campsites. The nightly camping fee for NYSDEC campgrounds is typically $28, with an additional surcharge for out-of-state residents.

However, the most important "special offer" for anyone considering Huckleberry Island is the opportunity to secure a highly sought-after site. Reviews explicitly state, "Book early if you want to stay here, especially on weekends." Reservations for Lake George Islands campsites can typically be made up to nine months in advance through the official NYSDEC website or the ReserveAmerica online platform. Given the limited number of sites (only 3 on Huckleberry Island) and their immense popularity, particularly from New York locals, early booking is not just a recommendation but a necessity to guarantee your stay.

To inquire about Huckleberry Island Campground or to make reservations, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 16 Huckle Berry Near Log Bay Is, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA

Phone: (518) 644-9696

This phone number connects directly to the Lake George Islands Headquarters, which oversees Huckleberry Island as part of the Glen Island Group. This is the most direct contact for specific campground information and operational details. While a general NYSDEC regional office number (like 518-623-1200) exists, the 518-644-9696 number is tailored for inquiries related to Lake George Islands camping. For booking, using the online reservation platform (such as ReserveAmerica) linked via the NYSDEC website is the most common and efficient method, especially given the competitive nature of securing a campsite.

For New Yorkers seeking a truly distinctive and deeply immersive outdoor experience, Huckleberry Island Campground on Lake George presents an ideal choice. Its defining characteristic – boat-only access – immediately transforms a simple camping trip into an exciting mini-adventure, offering a level of tranquility and seclusion rarely found in more conventional campgrounds. This isn't just a place to set up a tent; it’s an invitation to step away from the noise and embrace the serene rhythms of island life.

The emphasis on "secluded from one another" campsites, as highlighted by reviews, underscores a key appeal for locals: the promise of genuine peace and privacy. In a state as populous as New York, finding such undisturbed natural retreats is a true luxury. Huckleberry Island delivers this by offering a limited number of sites, ensuring a less crowded and more intimate connection with the environment. The "immaculately kept composting pit privy" further demonstrates a commitment to maintaining cleanliness and comfort even in a rustic setting, a detail appreciated by seasoned campers.

The active nature of Lake George itself – from the potential for "Log Bay traffic" to the sheer expanse of water – means that while you enjoy your secluded island, you're also part of a vibrant lake community. This offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring other parts of the lake, providing a balance of solitude and activity. For those with their own boats, or who are willing to rent, the slight logistical effort is overwhelmingly rewarded by the pristine conditions and unique atmosphere.

Booking early, as strongly advised by those who have experienced it, is a testament to Huckleberry Island's popularity and desirability among New Yorkers. It signals that this is a highly valued experience, worth the foresight and planning. In essence, Huckleberry Island Campground is more than just a destination; it’s a treasured opportunity for New York locals to create lasting memories, reconnect with nature, and discover a truly special corner of the Adirondacks that feels entirely their own.

Huckleberry Island Campground

16 Huckle Berry Near Log Bay Is, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA