Phelps Island Campground

- 10 Phelps Near Buck Mt Is, Diamond Point, NY 12824

Introduction / Overview

For seasoned New York campers and boating enthusiasts, the name Phelps Island Campground conjures images of secluded beauty on the famed "Queen of American Lakes," Lake George. This destination offers a truly unique Adirondack experience, setting it apart from traditional drive-up campgrounds. Phelps Island is one of the many state-owned islands comprising the Lake George Islands Campgrounds, specifically falling under the Glen Island Group. The fundamental charm and defining characteristic of a stay here is its boat-access-only nature, guaranteeing an unparalleled level of privacy and immersion in the natural environment.

Phelps Island itself is a small, forested gem, featuring a noticeable geographical split with a central hill creating distinct North and South sides. As one camper noted, the island provides a "small island but still big enough that it has a hill in the middle with a separate North and South side." The environment is rugged, forested, and pristine, perfectly aligning with the high standards set by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for Forest Preserve camping. The sites here are prized for their views, proximity to the water, and the quiet solitude that only island camping can provide, making it a highly coveted destination for locals seeking an authentic water-centric escape.

Location and Accessibility

Phelps Island is located on Lake George, nestled within the cluster of islands collectively known as the Glen Island Group, near Diamond Point, NY, 12824. The official listed address, 10 Phelps Near Buck Mt Is, Diamond Point, NY 12824, USA, simply points to its position within the lake's geography. Its location is between the town of Bolton Landing and Fort Ann, placing it in the central, or "Narrows," section of Lake George.

The accessibility is a key factor that local users must understand: Phelps Island is accessible by boat only. This requires campers to own or rent a personal watercraft. The drive from the greater New York City area to the Lake George region, typically to a marina near Bolton Landing or Diamond Point, generally takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours, making it a feasible trip for a long weekend or a week-long vacation. Campers must first check in at the Glen Island Ranger Station (which is also only boat-accessible) or the DEC's office at Norowal Marina in Bolton Landing. The island is positioned close to the mainland shore, with one account suggesting the distance is comparable to the length of a football field, but the journey to the island sites is entirely dependent on having a vessel. This boat-only access preserves the island's tranquility and minimizes traffic, enhancing the secluded camping experience that New Yorkers cherish.

Services Offered

As a DEC-operated island campground, the services on Phelps Island are focused on providing essential camping necessities while maintaining the natural, primitive feel of the Forest Preserve. All sites are self-contained and guests are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Docking Facilities: Every campsite on the island is equipped with a dock for at least one boat, a necessity for access and an essential feature for boaters.
• Toilet Facilities: Each individual campsite includes a dedicated toilet facility, typically a pit privy, for sanitary waste management.
• Site Furnishings: Every site is furnished with a fireplace (for cooking and campfires) and a picnic table.
• Ranger Station Access: Campers have access to the Glen Island Ranger Station (by boat), where a small convenience store is located for essential supplies.
• Reservation System: Sites are managed through the DEC’s reservation system, often requiring early booking up to nine months in advance due to high demand.
• Waste Management: Recycling stations are generally available at the ranger station area, but campers are responsible for properly disposing of waste from their secluded island site.

Features / Highlights

Phelps Island offers a classic, rugged Adirondack camping experience centered on the majestic Lake George. The island’s features cater specifically to those who love the water and seek a deeply private outdoor retreat.

• Unique Island Geography: The island features distinct North and South sides, with the South side having flat areas "ideal for tents," and the North side dropping sharply into the water. This provides varied terrain and different sun exposures.
• Wooden Tent Platforms: Most sites offer wooden platforms on which to place a tent, providing a level, dry base that minimizes impact on the ground—though the advice to place a tarp on the platform first is highly practical.
• Exceptional Views and Seclusion: Campsites, particularly on the higher, rocky areas, offer stunning, wide-ranging views of the lake, including Bolton Landing. The review mentions sites with "gorgeous view" and that the island is "sunny and a nice area to swim near."
• Excellent Water Access: Docks are situated around the entire island, making it "a good island to kayak around" and providing easy entry points for swimming in the crystal-clear lake water.
• Boating and Paddling Paradise: As a boat-access-only island in the middle of a 32-mile-long lake, it is an ideal base for powerboating, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing, with a variety of conditions ranging from protected channels (like the low-wake channel between Phelps and the shore) to open water.
• Proximity to Shoreline Hiking: While the island itself is small, a nearby unmarked trail on the mainland shore across the channel provides a close option for hiking, though campers must be mindful of adjacent private property.

Contact Information

Phelps Island is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the Lake George Islands Campground system. For reservations and general information, contact the regional DEC office or the relevant ranger station.

Address: 10 Phelps Near Buck Mt Is, Diamond Point, NY 12824, USA (Part of the Glen Island Group)

Regional Office Phone (DEC): (518) 623-1200

Glen Island Ranger Station Phone: (518) 644-9696

Note: Reservations are primarily handled through the New York State reservation system (ReserveAmerica).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Phelps Island Campground is the ultimate summer pilgrimage for New York residents seeking a high-caliber, truly unique outdoor experience. For city dwellers accustomed to crowded parks, the seclusion and privacy afforded by a boat-only island site on Lake George is an invaluable commodity. This is an unparalleled destination for those who own a small boat, canoe, or kayak and are looking to use their vessel as the center of their vacation. The opportunity to camp on a small, rugged island—with the water just steps away from the tent platform and a dock for convenience—is an experience that cannot be replicated at mainland sites. It caters directly to the local user who values the beauty of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, the clarity of Lake George's waters, and the satisfaction of a primitive yet amenity-supported camping trip. It transforms a simple vacation into a memorable adventure, where the only wake you need to worry about is your own—or the occasional large motorboat passing through the nearby channel.

Phelps Island Campground

10 Phelps Near Buck Mt Is, Diamond Point, NY 12824, USA