Huckleberry Island Campground, Fort Ann, NY

For New Yorkers seeking the definitive Adirondack water-based adventure, Huckleberry Island Campground presents a highly coveted and utterly charming retreat on the celebrated shores of Lake George. This is genuine island camping—rustic, secluded, and requiring boat access—a world away from the crowded parks of the mainland. Huckleberry Island, affectionately known to regulars as "Huck," is a small, three-campsite island located near the popular Log Bay, offering a perfect blend of privacy and proximity to one of the lake's most vibrant spots.

Huckleberry Island is part of the extensive Lake George Islands Campsites system, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and is highly valued by local users for its excellent site separation. As one camper noted, the three campsites are "Secluded from one another," creating a sense of individual privacy rarely found in state campgrounds. The environment is sunny, the shorelines are inviting, and the logistical challenge of boating in only enhances the sense of accomplishment and seclusion. It’s a truly engaging place for families and small groups who are prepared for traditional tent camping and want to be fully immersed in the natural beauty of the "Queen of American Lakes."

Introduction / Overview

Huckleberry Island Campground is a jewel in the Glen Island Group, one of three major island clusters maintained for camping on Lake George. Situated on the eastern side of the lake, Huckleberry Island is a relatively small landmass featuring just three individual, designated campsites. This low density contributes significantly to the feeling of privacy and exclusivity that makes the site so popular among New York campers. The island's location places it near Log Bay, a well-known gathering point on the lake, making it a desirable spot for those who enjoy both tranquility and the opportunity to observe the lake’s recreational culture.

Camping here is strictly tent-based and requires a boat for access, confirming its status as a traditional, rustic camping experience within the Adirondack Forest Preserve. The sites are known to be sunny and well-situated, with a variety of terrain—from flat, open areas suitable for larger tents (such as Campsite #1) to more rocky and scenic spots (like Campsite #2, often available on a non-reservable, first-come basis). Due to its prime location and limited capacity, Huckleberry Island is a "VERY popular site," and New Yorkers planning a trip are strongly advised to "Book early" to secure a spot, especially for weekend stays during the peak season from mid-May through early October.

Location and Accessibility

The physical address provided for administrative reference is:

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

Huckleberry Island is located in the southeastern portion of Lake George, technically near the town of Fort Ann, NY, but it is operationally considered part of the Glen Island Group. As a classic Lake George Islands campsite, accessibility is a major factor: it is 100% boat-in access.

To reach the island, New York campers must first drive to a mainland access point. This typically involves using a public boat launch or arranging for parking and boat launch/mooring at one of the private marinas located in the general area, often around Bolton Landing or other nearby towns. Visitors must secure overnight parking for their vehicle on the mainland before making the final journey across the water to the island.

Important Accessibility Considerations:

Boat Required: Canoe, kayak, or motorboat is mandatory for transport to the island.
Mainland Base: Campers must arrange parking and launching from a mainland marina; the island is strictly for camping.
Log Bay Traffic: The island's shore docks are noted to be "exposed to Log Bay traffic." Campers are wisely cautioned to "tie off well and fender up too!" to protect their vessels from wakes and passing boat activity.
Check-In: Registration for the campsite occurs at a designated DEC island headquarters (such as Glen Island) or a mainland office, not on Huckleberry Island itself.

The boat journey itself, navigating the clear waters of Lake George, is part of the quintessential Adirondack experience.

Services Offered

Huckleberry Island Campground offers essential, well-maintained facilities designed for primitive camping on the water, while adhering to the DEC's commitment to preserving the natural environment.

Shore Docks: Each of the three campsites is equipped with its own private shore dock, accommodating at least one boat for mooring and offloading gear.
Composting Pit Privy: The island shares "one very nice composting bathroom," which is kept "immaculately kept," as noted in customer reviews, offering a clean, shared toilet facility.
Fireplaces: Each site includes a metal fireplace or fire pit for cooking and evening campfires.
Picnic Tables: Designated picnic tables are provided at each site for meal preparation and dining.
Campsite Variety: Sites 1 and 3 are typically reservable, while the sunny, rocky Campsite #2 is generally non-reservable, offering an option for last-minute or early-morning visitors willing to try their luck.
Maximum Occupancy: Campsites typically accommodate up to six individuals and two tents.

Features / Highlights

The unique features of Huckleberry Island make it a standout destination for the savvy New York camper.

Three-Site Island Seclusion: With only three total sites, the island offers a high degree of seclusion and minimal traffic compared to larger island or mainland campgrounds. The sites are intentionally separated and private.
Proximity to Log Bay: The island’s location near the lively Log Bay provides easy access to one of Lake George’s most popular day-use and boating spots.
Sunny and Scenic Sites: Campsite #2, in particular, is noted for being open, sunny, and rocky, providing "beautiful southern views" across the lake.
High Demand and Popularity: The popularity of the island speaks to its quality and experience, making the achievement of securing a reservation a highlight in itself.
Community-Crafted Memories: One review mentions the "hammers we made in campsite two," indicating a fun, engaging environment where guests can leave small, positive memories, fostering a unique camping culture.

Contact Information

For all official inquiries, including reservations, rules, and conditions related to Huckleberry Island Campground, contact the main administrative office for the Glen Island Group of the Lake George Islands Campsites.

Address (Administrative): The official address references the administrative and area location.

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

Phone (Glen Island Campground Office): (518) 644-9696

Mobile Phone: +1 518-644-9696

Please remember that reservations, particularly for this popular destination, should be made through the official New York State camping reservation website or phone line.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Huckleberry Island Campground is an outstanding choice for New York locals because it delivers the quintessential, yet hard-to-find, Adirondack island camping experience. It offers a level of privacy ("Secluded from one another") and connection to nature that is a complete antidote to the stresses of city and suburban life. For those in the New York region, Lake George is a beloved and accessible summer destination, and Huck provides the pinnacle of its offerings—a chance to completely unplug, manage your own small retreat, and enjoy direct, private waterfront access.

The island is small enough to feel like your own private sanctuary but close enough to the mainland and areas like Log Bay to be convenient and interesting. It is a place that fosters tradition and personal touches, exemplified by the customer review about leaving behind fun, handmade items. This is more than just a campsite; it is a rustic escape that demands self-sufficiency, rewarding the effort with incredible views, clean air, and the incomparable feeling of waking up on your own secluded island in the heart of New York State’s most famous lake. This is a local gem that creates lifetime memories and is well worth the effort of planning and booking early.