Refuge Island Campsite 1, Diamond Point, NY

For New York locals who dream of an outdoor escape that is truly private and deeply rooted in the state’s natural beauty, Refuge Island Campsite 1 on Lake George offers an experience unlike any other. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a unique, exclusive, single-campsite island located on the "Queen of American Lakes." Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) as part of the celebrated Lake George Islands Campgrounds system, this site provides an unparalleled level of seclusion and immersion in the Adirondack wilderness.

Refuge Island Campsite 1 is designed for the adventurous New Yorker—the boater, the paddler, or the seasoned camper—who seeks to claim a piece of the lake for themselves, even if only for a few nights. The experience is primitive, yet equipped with essential structures to ensure comfort and safety. From the moment you pull up to your private dock to the sunrise view from your tent platform, this site embodies the best of New York State’s unique recreational offerings. Its location near Diamond Point places it conveniently close to the more bustling southern end of Lake George, but once you step ashore on your island refuge, you are worlds away from the mainland crowd.

This article details the specifics of Refuge Island Campsite 1, providing local users with all the factual information needed to secure and plan a trip to this highly sought-after, truly exclusive island destination on one of the Northeast’s most treasured lakes. Planning is essential, as the popularity of island camping on Lake George means these sites are often reserved far in advance.

Location and Accessibility: A Boat-Access-Only Paradise

Refuge Island Campsite 1 is situated on Refuge Island in Lake George, a beautiful waterbody surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. The official location is listed as 13 Refuge N Of Watch Point Island, Diamond Point, NY 12824. Critically, this campsite is accessible by boat only, distinguishing it from mainland campgrounds. It is one of the many secluded island sites administered by the NYS DEC as part of the Glen Island Group (also known as "The Narrows").

The island is located on the eastern side of Lake George, south of Log Bay and near Watch Point. For New York locals, this means that while the nearest mainland towns (like Diamond Point or Bolton Landing) are a relatively short drive from major metropolitan areas, the final journey to the campsite requires a personal watercraft—a key aspect of the experience. Campers must arrange for boat access, whether by owning a boat, renting one from a local marina (many marinas in Bolton Landing and Lake George Village offer boat rentals), or bringing a small vessel like a kayak or canoe. The need for a boat is precisely what maintains the site’s exceptional privacy and peaceful character, filtering out the casual visitors and rewarding those who truly seek a water-based wilderness adventure.

Services Offered (Primitive Island Camping)

Island camping on Lake George is a primitive experience, but Refuge Island Campsite 1 is equipped with essential facilities to make the stay comfortable and responsible. There are no modern amenities like electricity, running water, or Wi-Fi available directly on the island, reinforcing the true "escape" nature of the site.

Private Boat Dock: The campsite is equipped with a dock suitable for mooring at least one boat, which can accommodate vessels up to a certain size (often including a 24-foot pontoon boat, based on camper experience, but checking current regulations is advised).
Tent Platform: The site features a large, elevated wooden tent platform. This is a crucial amenity in the Adirondacks, ensuring your sleeping area remains dry, level, and protected from the elements and rocky terrain.
Fire Pit / Fireplace: A designated fire pit or fireplace with a grill is provided for cooking and campfires. Campers are reminded to adhere strictly to New York State's regulations regarding burning and must use local firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Picnic Table: A sturdy, dedicated picnic table is available for food preparation, dining, and gathering.
Toilet Facility (Privy/Outhouse): The island has a non-flush toilet facility (outhouse/privy) to maintain sanitary conditions, a standard amenity for Lake George's island campsites.
Access to DEC Headquarters: While the island itself is primitive, the Glen Island Group Headquarters (usually located in Bolton Landing) serves as a nearby resource for registration, information, and emergency contact.

Features and Highlights

Refuge Island Campsite 1 is consistently highlighted by campers for its exceptional, distinguishing qualities, offering a highly coveted experience for New York residents seeking an exclusive retreat.

True Private Island Experience: As a single-campsite island, Refuge Island offers unparalleled privacy and a feeling of genuine ownership during your stay. This is the main draw for many New Yorkers seeking a quiet, personal escape from urban or crowded mainland life.
Exceptional Adirondack Views: Located on the eastern side of Lake George, the island offers spectacular, unobstructed views of the water and the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Tongue Mountain Range. Campers often praise the incredible sunrises and sunsets.
Excellent Swimming and Fishing Access: The island’s mostly rocky northern end provides great access for swimming, while the surrounding waters of Lake George are renowned for fishing, with species like Bass, Perch, and Lake Trout commonly caught.
Ideal for Paddling and Boating: The protected dock slip offers good shelter for both large motorized boats and smaller watercraft like kayaks and canoes, making it an excellent base for exploring the Lake George Islands and bays.
Prime Location on Lake George: The campsite is near the middle of Lake George, providing a balanced location that is peaceful but not too remote. It offers a perfect balance between quiet isolation and relatively quick access to the mainland for supplies if needed.

Contact Information

Refuge Island Campsite 1 is a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility. Reservations are typically made through the ReserveAmerica platform for the DEC Lake George Islands Campgrounds. For general inquiries and reservation details, please use the main DEC contact information for the region:

Address: 13 Refuge N Of Watch Point Island, Diamond Point, NY 12824, USA (Island Campsite)

Regional DEC Office Phone: (518) 623-1200

Glen Island Group Headquarters Phone: (518) 644-9696 (for specific island camping inquiries)

Conclusion: Why Refuge Island Campsite 1 is Suitable for New York Locals

For New York residents, Refuge Island Campsite 1 offers the quintessential Adirondack wilderness experience combined with a rare element of exclusivity. Unlike crowded mainland campgrounds, this site provides a genuine sense of escape—a truly private island retreat just a few hours' drive from the state’s major population centers. The ability to claim an entire island for your small group is a luxury reserved for those who know how to book early and who appreciate the unique beauty of Lake George.

This type of camping encourages self-reliance and deep immersion in the natural environment, rewarding those who are prepared for primitive conditions. It’s an ideal spot for paddlers and boaters, offering stunning water-based recreation and some of the best fishing in the state. For New Yorkers looking to disconnect completely, build stronger family bonds around a campfire, and experience the iconic beauty of the Adirondacks from a privileged, secluded perspective, Refuge Island Campsite 1 is one of New York State’s most precious and highly recommended outdoor destinations.