Nobles Island Campground: A Private, Scenic Island Escape on Lake George, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking the ultimate disconnect from city life, the island campgrounds of Lake George represent one of the most unique and sought-after experiences in the Adirondack Park. Nobles Island Campground, part of the Narrow Island Group (often referred to as the Mother Bunch Islands), provides an exceptional opportunity for this boat-in camping adventure. Situated scenically at the mouth of Kitchel Bay, Nobles Island is not a single, crowded camp spot, but rather a dedicated, three-campsite island. This design naturally creates a more private, secluded atmosphere for each camping party, ensuring a peaceful getaway.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Nobles Island sites—numbered 1 through 3—are rustic, well-forested, and accessible only by watercraft. This commitment to 'boat-in' access is key to preserving the tranquil nature of the island. Unlike many mainland campgrounds, a stay here is an exercise in self-sufficiency, requiring careful planning of supplies and logistics. However, the reward is an unparalleled view, pristine swimming, and the quiet serenity of the Lake George Islands.

Customer feedback highlights the convenience and quality of the setup, noting that it is a "Great island with three campsites at the mouth of Kitchel Bay." The fact that two of the three sites feature tent platforms is a significant advantage for maintaining comfort and keeping equipment dry in the often-rugged island terrain. Furthermore, its location, "only a short boat ride from Huletts Landing," makes the logistics of arrival and departure highly manageable for local users who launch from the eastern shore. Nobles Island truly offers a quintessential, private Adirondack camping experience.

Location and Accessibility

Nobles Island Campground is ideally located in the northern portion of Lake George, within the Narrow Island Group. The official address—79, Nobles Kitchel Bay Is, Hague, NY 12836, USA—places it geographically at the mouth of Kitchel Bay, a beautiful and more secluded area of the lake, north of the bustling center near Bolton Landing.

Boat-In Access is Mandatory: As with all Lake George Islands campsites, Nobles Island is exclusively accessible by boat. Campers must transport all gear, tents, and supplies via personal watercraft (powerboat, canoe, or kayak) or a pre-arranged water taxi service. The closest and most convenient launching point, as noted by local visitors, is Huletts Landing, which is only a short boat ride away.

Upon arrival in the area, all campers are required to check in at the Narrow Island Ranger Station, which manages the Mother Bunch Islands. The island itself is equipped with docks to accommodate the campers' boats. The geographic position in the Narrow Island Group is a major draw for New Yorkers seeking a quieter experience, away from the heavier concentration of boat traffic found in the lake's southern sections.

Services Offered

As a DEC-managed island campground, Nobles Island provides the fundamental, well-maintained amenities necessary for a rustic but comfortable stay. The services cater to a true wilderness experience where campers must be self-sufficient:

Dedicated boat docks shared among the three campsites for secure mooring.
Designated campsite areas with clear boundaries, ensuring privacy between sites.
Two shared porta-potties (or pit-type privies) serving the three campsites, as per DEC standard for toilet facilities.
A metal fireplace or fire ring provided at each campsite for cooking and campfires.
A picnic table available at each of the three sites for meal preparation and dining.
The facility is part of the larger Narrow Island Group, which includes recycling stations located at the ranger station for responsible waste disposal.
All sites allow for a maximum of six people and two tents or one hard-wheeled unit and one tent per site, adhering to DEC occupancy rules.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Nobles Island lies in its strategic size and prime location on Lake George, offering several distinct advantages for the local New York user:

Three-Site Privacy: With only three campsites (Nobles 1, 2, and 3) on the island, the density is low, making the experience highly private and serene compared to larger island or mainland campgrounds.
Campsite Platforms: Two of the three sites are noted to have wooden tent platforms. These provide a level, dry, and protected base for sleeping, greatly enhancing comfort and preventing tent damage.
Excellent Campsite Attributes: Site #1 is described as facing south, covering nearly half the island, having partial shade, and offering "good swimming from the shore" with a water depth of 4.5 feet.
Proximity to Mainland: The short boat ride from the Huletts Landing area simplifies the logistics for launching and checking in, especially for day trips back to the mainland for supplies or emergencies.
Central Adirondack Activities: The location provides easy access to excellent fishing (especially for lake trout and bass), paddling, and motorboating on Lake George, as well as hiking trails on the nearby mainland mountains.
Secluded Location: Being at the mouth of Kitchel Bay and within the Narrow Island Group, it is known for being one of the more tranquil and private camping experiences on the lake.

Contact Information

Nobles Island Campground is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the Narrow Island Group.

Island Location Address: 79, Nobles Kitchel Bay Is, Hague, NY 12836, USA (Boat Access Only)

Narrow Island Ranger Station Phone: (518) 499-1288 (Ranger Station for Check-in and Local Inquiries)

Reservation Phone: 1-800-456-CAMP (Primary booking line for all DEC campgrounds, required for reservations)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Nobles Island Campground is perfectly suited for New York residents seeking an authentic, yet highly manageable, Adirondack camping vacation. For those familiar with Lake George, island camping is the coveted experience, and Nobles Island delivers on privacy and convenience. The short boat ride from Huletts Landing minimizes travel time and risk compared to islands further out, making it ideal for families or those with smaller watercraft.

The combination of limited campsites, the availability of tent platforms, and the 'Mother Bunch' area's reputation for being one of the quietest on Lake George makes it an invaluable local treasure. It offers a genuine escape—a private island feeling without being completely isolated from the mainland. Nobles Island provides the necessary rustic amenities (fireplaces, picnic tables, toilet facilities) for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay while immersing visitors in the spectacular scenery of the northern Lake George environment. This destination is highly recommended for locals ready to trade the urban hustle for the unparalleled peace of a private, boat-accessible island in New York's Queen of American Lakes.