Nobles Island Campground #1-3

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers yearning for a truly unique and secluded camping experience, Nobles Island Campground on Lake George offers an exceptional opportunity. As part of the extensive Lake George Islands camping program managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Nobles Island provides a distinctive "boat-in" escape. This means that unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, your adventure begins the moment you set sail across the pristine waters of Lake George.

Nobles Island is a private, three-campsite island located at the mouth of Kitchel Bay, offering a sense of intimacy and tranquility that is increasingly rare. Each of the three campsites (Nobles Island Campground #1-3) is designed to provide a secluded haven, complete with essential amenities for a comfortable yet rustic stay. It’s an ideal choice for families, friends, or solo adventurers who prioritize privacy, direct water access, and the unique charm of island living amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains. Prepare to disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of New York’s "Queen of American Lakes."

Location and Accessibility

Nobles Island Campground #1-3 is strategically situated at 79, Nobles Kitchel Bay Is, Hague, NY 12836, USA. This places it within the "Narrow Island Group" of Lake George, a collection of state-owned islands renowned for their natural beauty and unique camping opportunities. For New York residents, accessing Nobles Island involves a two-part journey: first by car, and then by boat.

The nearest and most convenient land access point is Huletts Landing, a charming hamlet on the eastern side of Lake George. Campers will drive to a local marina in Huletts Landing, where they can park their vehicles and launch their own boats or arrange for a rental. The boat ride to Nobles Island from Huletts Landing is described as "short," adding to the convenience for island camping. This boat-in requirement is a defining feature, ensuring a level of seclusion that motor vehicle access simply can't provide. Nobles Island's location at the mouth of Kitchel Bay offers excellent access to the main body of Lake George for boating, fishing, and exploring, while still providing the sheltered feel of a smaller bay. Its position facing south for campsite #1 also hints at pleasant sun exposure. The combination of serene island living and relatively easy boat access from a nearby marina makes it a highly desirable destination for New Yorkers seeking a true Adirondack water adventure.

Services Offered

Nobles Island Campground, as part of the New York State DEC's Lake George Islands camping system, provides essential, primitive amenities designed for an authentic island camping experience. It’s crucial to remember that these are boat-in sites, meaning campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

• Boat Access Only: All three campsites on Nobles Island are exclusively accessible by boat. Campers must arrange for their own boat transport, either by owning one or renting from a local marina.
• Individual Docks: Each campsite typically features its own dock, designed to accommodate one boat. The water depths around the island are generally suitable, with site #1 having a depth of 4.5 feet and site #3 having 5.5 feet.
• Picnic Tables: Every site is equipped with at least one picnic table, offering a stable surface for dining and food preparation outdoors.
• Fireplace Grills / Fire Rings: Dedicated fireplace grills or fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires (adhering to state fire regulations).
• Toilet Facilities: The island is equipped with toilet facilities, specifically two porta-potties that serve the three campsites. These are basic amenities for waste disposal.
• Tent Platforms (Select Sites): Two of the three campsites on Nobles Island are noted to have tent platforms. These provide a level, dry base for pitching tents, enhancing comfort and protecting gear from ground moisture.
• No Electric Hookups or Running Water: These are primitive campsites. There are no electric hookups or running water directly at the campsites. Campers must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to treat any water sourced from the lake.
• Carry-In, Carry-Out Waste Policy: Campers are responsible for packing out all garbage and waste they generate, maintaining the pristine condition of the island.

Features / Highlights

Nobles Island Campground offers several distinct features that make it a compelling choice for New Yorkers seeking an authentic and private island camping adventure on Lake George:

• Private Island Experience: Nobles Island is a small island featuring only three campsites, ensuring a high degree of privacy and exclusivity. Each campsite is described as "very private," offering a more personal connection with nature compared to larger, more crowded campgrounds.
• Ideal Location at Kitchel Bay Mouth: Situated at the mouth of Kitchel Bay, the island offers a unique vantage point. This location provides access to both the relatively calm waters of the bay and the broader expanse of Lake George, perfect for diverse boating and paddling experiences.
• Short Boat Ride from Huletts Landing: The convenience of a "short boat ride from Huletts Landing" makes island camping more accessible. This minimizes travel time on the water and simplifies logistics for launching and parking.
• Tent Platforms for Comfort: The presence of tent platforms on two of the three campsites is a significant advantage. These platforms provide a level, dry surface, enhancing comfort for tent campers and protecting their gear from moisture and uneven terrain.
• Southern Exposure for Site #1: Campsite #1, which covers about half of the island, faces south. This orientation can provide ample sunshine, making it appealing for those who enjoy warm, bright campsites.
• Good Swimming Opportunities: The island offers good swimming from its shores, allowing campers to easily take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Lake George.
• Rustic, Unplugged Atmosphere: For those looking to truly disconnect, the absence of electric hookups and running water at sites reinforces a genuine wilderness experience. The two porta-potties provide essential, albeit basic, facilities.
• Picturesque Lake George Setting: Being on one of Lake George's islands means waking up to breathtaking lake views, enjoying stunning sunsets, and being immersed in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks.

Promotions or Special Offers

As part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Lake George Islands camping system, Nobles Island Campground operates under a standardized fee structure rather than offering individual commercial promotions. The value proposition for Nobles Island lies in its unique, secluded island camping experience on Lake George, rather than discounted rates.

• Standard Site Fees: Campsite fees for the Lake George Islands, including Nobles Island, are set by the NYS DEC and typically start around $28 per night. There might be an additional surcharge for out-of-state residents, though this is less relevant for New York locals.
• Reservation System: Reservations are crucial and highly recommended due to the popularity of these unique sites, especially during peak season. Sites can be booked online through the New York State DEC website or the ReserveAmerica platform, often up to nine months in advance.
• Boat Launch & Parking Fees: While not a campground fee, campers should budget for boat launch and parking fees at local marinas in Huletts Landing, as these are necessary to access the island. These fees vary by marina.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on site availability, current pricing, and specific reservation policies for Nobles Island Campground #1-3, New York locals should visit the official New York State DEC website or use the ReserveAmerica booking platform directly.

Contact Information

To plan your unique island camping adventure at Nobles Island Campground #1-3, you will need to go through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) system, as these are state-owned sites. There is no direct phone number for the island itself. Here's how to get information and make reservations:

• Address: 79, Nobles Kitchel Bay Is, Hague, NY 12836, 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 for the Narrow Island Group (which includes Nobles Island): (518) 499-1288.
• Reservations: All reservations for state campgrounds, including Nobles 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 for boat launch services and parking.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York locals, Nobles Island Campground #1-3 on Lake George represents an outstanding opportunity for an authentic, secluded, and truly memorable Adirondack camping experience. Its "boat-in" only access transforms a simple camping trip into an exciting adventure, setting it apart from traditional drive-up sites. This unique characteristic ensures a higher level of privacy and tranquility, allowing New Yorkers to genuinely disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in nature.

The small scale of the island, with just three private campsites, fosters a sense of intimacy rarely found elsewhere. The presence of tent platforms on two of the sites adds a thoughtful touch, enhancing comfort for tent campers. Located at the mouth of Kitchel Bay, Nobles Island provides both sheltered waters for peaceful paddling and easy access to the main body of Lake George for more expansive boating and fishing excursions. Locals will appreciate the ability to enjoy direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and simply basking in the unparalleled beauty of the "Queen of American Lakes." For New Yorkers seeking a unique, adventurous, and remarkably private camping getaway that truly feels like their own slice of paradise in the Adirondacks, Nobles Island Campground is an exceptional choice.

Nobles Island Campground #1-3

79, Nobles Kitchel Bay Is, Hague, NY 12836, USA