Agnes Island Campgrounds #1-5, Huletts Landing, NY

For generations of New York State residents, a true summer vacation means heading north to the Adirondacks. But for the most dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, the ultimate destination is an island campsite on Lake George, America's "Queen Lake." The

Agnes Island Campgrounds #1-5

, located within the tranquil Narrow Island Group, offer this highly coveted, boat-in-only experience. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Agnes Island provides five unique and well-forested campsites where the clear, blue water is literally steps from your tent.

Island camping on Lake George is a quintessential New York wilderness adventure, requiring just a bit of planning but rewarding campers with unparalleled privacy and natural beauty. Agnes Island is a perfect example of this. It’s a five-campsite island, large enough to ensure seclusion yet small enough to offer an intimate, classic Adirondack camping feel. Whether you’re an experienced boater or you plan to rent a vessel for your stay, Agnes Island is a pristine, natural retreat from the fast pace of city and suburban life. It allows for complete immersion in nature, where your days are governed by the rising sun over the eastern mountains and the quiet lapping of the lake against your dock.

Introduction / Overview

Agnes Island is a small, five-campsite island that forms part of the Narrow Island Group on Lake George. The island features five designated, numbered campsites, with two of them specifically equipped with tent platforms. The entire Lake George Islands camping system is celebrated for its unique boat-in access, which naturally filters out casual visitors and preserves a more peaceful, low-density environment. All sites on Agnes Island are well-situated and private, often surrounded by woods and featuring lakeside ledges perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The maximum capacity for any single campsite is six people, reinforcing the commitment to preserving the natural quiet and minimizing environmental impact across the island. This is the place for those New Yorkers who believe the best camping is where nature provides the amenities, and the only traffic you hear is the wake of a passing boat.

Location and Accessibility

Agnes Island is centrally located within the beautiful and generally quieter section of Lake George, specifically as part of the Narrow Island Group. This location is situated toward the northern end of the lake, closer to the eastern shore near the small community of Huletts Landing.

Address:

1 Agnes Is, Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA. (As an island campground, this address refers to its administrative area near the mainland point of Huletts Landing.)

It is crucial to understand the access requirements for this destination:

Boat-In Only Access: Like all Lake George Islands campsites, Agnes Island is accessible exclusively by personal or rented watercraft. Campers must transport all their gear, food, and supplies across the water.
Mandatory Registration: Campers must register their reservation at the Narrow Island Group headquarters before proceeding to the island site.
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention: Prior to launching your boat for Agnes Island, it is mandatory to have it cleaned at an official boat washing station located at sites like Rogers Rock, Bolton Landing, or Huletts Landing to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives into Lake George.
Water Depth: Water depth at the docks ranges from approximately 3.5 to 6 feet, accommodating various boat sizes, though campers should always confirm their vessel is suitable for the site's specific dock conditions.

Services Offered

While the atmosphere is rugged and secluded, Agnes Island provides essential, standard services required for comfortable, rustic camping as part of the DEC-managed Lake George Island Campgrounds.

Private or Shared Dock: Each of the five sites includes a dedicated dock space. Docks are typically shared between two adjacent sites (e.g., Site #2 shares with Site #3; Site #4 shares with Site #5), while some sites, like Site #1, have their own shore dock.
Toilet Facility: All sites are provided with a pit-type privy, a basic toilet facility essential for waste management and ecological preservation on the island.
Picnic Table: A sturdy, heavy-duty picnic table is available at every site, serving as the main area for dining and food preparation.
Fire Pit / Fireplace: Each campsite is equipped with a designated metal fireplace or fire pit for safely building cooking and warming fires. Only dead and downed wood may be collected, or certified local firewood must be used.
Tent Platforms: Two of the five campsites on Agnes Island feature a wooden tent platform (12’ x 14’ or 12' x 16'), providing a level, dry, and clean base for setting up a tent.
Site Occupancy Limits: All sites are strictly limited to a maximum of six individuals and two tents (or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent), ensuring an uncrowded experience.

Features / Highlights

Agnes Island is prized among Lake George island campers for its location and the unique characteristics of its sites:

Sunrise Views: Sites on the eastern side of the island, such as Site #5, are highly sought after for their excellent vantage points to watch the spectacular Adirondack sunrise over the lake.
Excellent Swimming Ledges: Multiple sites, including #1 and #4, boast natural, rocky ledges that provide easy and comfortable access for swimming and relaxing right at the shoreline.
Campsite #2 Panorama: Site #2 is especially noted for its excellent views to the north and west, with water on two sides, making it exceptionally open and sunny—a prime spot for viewing sunsets.
Secluded Setting: As part of the Narrow Island Group, Agnes Island is known to be one of the quietest and most private locations on Lake George, perfect for those seeking true solitude.
Diverse Site Terrain: The five sites offer a variety of landscapes, from the flat and very private northeast point of Site #1 to the high-sitting and more secluded position of Site #5, ensuring a fit for every type of boat-in camper.

Contact Information

Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance through the New York State parks reservation system.

Address: 1 Agnes Is, Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA (Boat Access Only)
Narrow Island Group Ranger Station Phone: (518) 499-1288

Conclusion: Why Agnes Island is Suitable for Locals

For residents of New York State, from the Capital Region to the extended metro areas, Agnes Island Campgrounds represents an accessible escape to the authentic Adirondack wilderness. This is more than just camping; it is a true 'unplugged' experience only accessible by boat, instantly establishing a sense of remoteness and adventure. The DEC’s careful management ensures the sites—each with its own dock, fireplace, and privy—are clean, private, and environmentally sound. Furthermore, the location within the Narrow Island Group is a draw for locals familiar with Lake George, as it guarantees a quieter experience away from the bustling southern waters. The unique features of the island, like the varying sun exposure, the tent platforms at some sites, and the fantastic swimming ledges, allow New York families to choose the perfect base for their boating, fishing, and paddling vacation. Agnes Island isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to embrace a uniquely New York State tradition of island camping on one of the cleanest, most beautiful lakes in the world, making it the perfect choice for a deeply rewarding local getaway.