Burgess Island Campground #1-5, Huletts Landing, NY

New York State locals know that the ultimate summer escape lies not on the mainland, but on the pristine waters of Lake George. The

Burgess Island Campground #1-5

offers a distinctive and highly sought-after camping experience that few other places in the Northeast can match. As part of the Lake George Islands system, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Burgess Island features five separate, private campsites, each accessible only by boat, providing an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the Adirondack wilderness.

This is true "boat-in" camping, a beloved tradition for New Yorkers who own or rent a vessel. It’s an adventure that begins on the water, transporting you away from the noise and development of the shore to a secluded, well-forested island. Here, the deep, clear waters of Lake George become your front yard, and the surrounding mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. Burgess Island is particularly valued for its balance—it's small enough to feel private and remote, yet it houses five distinct sites (#1 through #5), fostering a small, respectful community among fellow water-loving campers. For those who grew up enjoying the unique recreational opportunities of Lake George, or for those new to the experience, Burgess Island represents the gold standard of Adirondack isolation and beauty.

Introduction / Overview

Burgess Island is a DEC-managed property located within the

Narrow Island Group

, one of three main clusters of islands open for camping on Lake George. This specific island hosts five individual campsites, numbered #1 through #5. Each campsite is thoughtfully situated to maximize privacy and provide direct access to the lake. The nature of the camping here is decidedly rustic and focused on the essentials, allowing visitors to fully disconnect. All sites are well-forested, offering natural shade and separation from the neighboring campers, making it feel less like a campground and more like an exclusive shoreline retreat. This type of boat-in camping encourages self-reliance and provides a memorable, low-impact way to enjoy one of New York’s most treasured natural resources.

Location and Accessibility

Burgess Island is located in the Narrow Island Group of Lake George, near the eastern shore community of Huletts Landing. This puts it in the quieter, more scenic northern section of the lake, away from the more congested areas to the south.

Address:

1 Burgess Is, Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA. (Note: This location serves as the administrative point for the island, which is strictly boat-accessible.)

The key factor in planning a trip to Burgess Island is water access:

Boat-In Only: There is no land access. Campers must arrive by boat—whether a motorboat, sailboat, kayak, or canoe—and must be prepared to transport all gear from the mainland.
Registration: Campers must first check in at the Narrow Island Group Ranger Station, which often requires stopping at a mainland point such as the Huletts Landing area to register the reservation and boat.
Deep-Water Docks: A distinct advantage of Burgess Island is its deep-water docks, with reported depths up to six feet, which can accommodate a wider variety of vessels compared to some shallower island sites.
Proximity to Mainland: The island is located across from Sabbath Day Point and is relatively close to the facilities and marinas of Huletts Landing, making resupply or emergency trips manageable.

Services Offered

The five campsites on Burgess Island are furnished with basic, environmentally conscious amenities to ensure a comfortable yet rustic camping stay. Services are standardized across the Lake George Island Group campgrounds.

Private Dock: Each of the five campsites is equipped with its own shore dock, designed to hold one boat and facilitate easy loading and unloading of gear.
Toilet Facility: Every site includes a designated, non-flush toilet facility, typically a pit or compost privy, crucial for maintaining the environmental integrity of the island.
Picnic Table: A robust picnic table is provided at each site for dining, cooking preparation, and general gathering.
Fire Pit / Fireplace: Each site is provisioned with a fireplace or designated fire pit for safely building campfires and cooking meals over an open flame. Campers are reminded to purchase certified local firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Tent Platforms: Some of the campsites on Burgess Island, such as site #4 and #5, may include a wooden tent platform to provide a level, dry surface for setting up camp, though this can vary by site.
Maximum Occupancy: Each individual campsite has a maximum capacity of six individuals and is limited to two tents, ensuring a low-impact presence on the small island.

Features / Highlights

Burgess Island is particularly famous among local Lake George boaters and campers for certain geological features and its exceptional site variety.

Site Diversity: The five sites offer unique settings, catering to different preferences. Site #1 is described as large and flat, while site #5 is noted for being high up on the cliffs with a grassy area and excellent views. Site #4 is situated on a hill, often offering good privacy and sun exposure.
Cliff Jumping Spot (Local Lore): The island is locally famous for its "jumping rocks," with spots of varying heights (e.g., 4 ft, 8 ft, and 15 ft) popular among experienced swimmers. While the DEC does not endorse or condone such activities, its deep-water access is a known feature that draws adventurous locals.
Exceptional Water Access: With docks up to 6 feet deep, the water access is excellent for immediate swimming, fishing, and launching kayaks or paddleboards. Campers can enjoy the famously clear water right from their campsite.
Superior Privacy: Being part of the Narrow Island Group, Burgess Island offers a quieter, more private alternative to the larger, more congested island groups farther south on the lake.
Scenic Views: Due to its elevated and forested nature, many sites offer stunning panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack mountains, especially site #5 with its high cliff setting.

Contact Information

Reservations for all Lake George Island campgrounds, including Burgess Island, are managed by the New York State Park system. Booking highly coveted sites like these requires advance planning, often up to nine months ahead of the season.

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

Conclusion: Why Burgess Island is Suitable for Locals

For New York residents, particularly those in the Capital Region and downstate, Burgess Island Campground offers a compelling blend of thrilling recreation and deep-woods tranquility. Its location in the Narrow Island Group places it in one of the least developed and most tranquil parts of the lake, providing the authentic Adirondack experience many seek. The key selling point is the combination of the boat-in exclusivity and the unique character of the five sites. Whether you desire a flat campsite for easy setup (like site #1) or a more dramatic, elevated view from a cliffside perch (like site #5), Burgess Island offers a private escape tailored to your preference. The deep-water docks are a practical benefit for local boat owners, simplifying the logistics of an island vacation. Furthermore, the local reputation of the island, especially its famed jumping rocks, adds an element of excitement and local lore that makes this location a true New York State gem. Reserving one of the Burgess Island campsites is securing a priceless summer tradition for any family looking to fully embrace the outdoor culture of the Empire State.