Steere Island Campground, Huletts Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents who crave the ultimate in seclusion and natural beauty, Steere Island Campground on Lake George presents an unparalleled opportunity. Steere Island is not merely a campsite; it is a private, single-site island retreat, part of the famed Lake George Islands camping system managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Nestled within the Narrow Island Group—often referred to as the Mother Bunch Islands—Steere Island offers a rare and intimate Adirondack experience where your group is the only one on the land.

This destination epitomizes the "boat-access only" camping unique to Lake George, guaranteeing a level of tranquility and privacy that is almost impossible to find elsewhere in the state. Campers consistently laud the island for its clean environment and “beautiful views,” underscoring the high quality of the natural surroundings. It is perfectly suited for small groups or couples seeking quiet solitude, offering a flat camping area with room for a couple of tents. The slight elevation and open exposure to the lake often provide a refreshing breeze, a natural feature that helps keep insects at bay, allowing for a more pleasant outdoor experience. Steere Island is an idyllic choice for New Yorkers—especially kayakers and boaters—who are looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the pristine waters and mountainous vistas of the Adirondack Park.

Location and Accessibility

Steere Island Campground’s location is defined by its position on Lake George, placing it near the northeastern shore of the lake. The administrative location is associated with the larger surrounding area of Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA. It is situated near Vicars and Harbors Islands, just south of Davis Bay, within the Narrow Island Group.

Accessibility to Steere Island is strictly limited to boat travel. This is a crucial detail for all New York campers: there is no road access, and all supplies, gear, and people must be ferried to and from the site. This requirement is what ensures the island's secluded nature. Campers will typically launch their personal boat, kayak, or canoe, or arrange for a water taxi service, from nearby mainland docks in towns like Huletts Landing.

For New Yorkers driving to the launch points, the Huletts Landing area is accessible via Route 22, connecting travelers to the Southern and Eastern Adirondack region. The location on the lake provides a convenient base for exploring the northern and central portions of Lake George, including Black Mountain Point for mainland hiking excursions. The island’s 24-foot dock makes mooring a private vessel simple, directly connecting you to your exclusive campsite. The required boat access transforms the journey into a scenic adventure, immediately setting a tone of escape and exploration for your Adirondack vacation.

Services Offered

As a single-site, boat-access island that is part of the New York State DEC's facilities, Steere Island Campground provides essential, rustic services focused on supporting a self-sufficient camping experience while preserving the natural environment.

Private Dock: The island features a dedicated 24-foot dock, which secures the necessary boat access and provides a convenient spot for swimming and loading/unloading gear.
Basic Site Furnishings: The campsite includes a sturdy fireplace for cooking and campfires, along with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
Toilet Facility: A holding tank type privy (outhouse) is provided on the island to maintain sanitation and protect the lake’s pristine waters.
Water Access: Potable drinking water is NOT available on the island; campers must bring their own water or be prepared to collect and filter/treat lake water.
Maximum Capacity: The site is limited to a maximum of four people and two tents, ensuring the environment remains private and protected.
Firewood Policy: To prevent the spread of invasive species, campers must purchase firewood locally, within 50 miles of the campground, a state regulation enforced throughout the Adirondacks.
Overnight Use Only: The site is designated exclusively for overnight camping use for registered parties, unlike the DEC's separate day-use areas.

Features / Highlights

The unique features of Steere Island are centered entirely on its exclusive nature, providing a memorable, solitary experience for New York State campers.

Exclusive Single-Site Island: This is the paramount feature. Having the entire island to yourself ensures maximum privacy and minimal disturbance, fulfilling the ultimate fantasy of island camping.
Stunning and Clean Views: Located on Lake George, which is celebrated for its crystal-clear water and picturesque backdrop of surrounding mountains, the island provides "beautiful views" from every angle, making it an exceptional spot for relaxation and nature photography.
Excellent Location for Paddlers: Situated in the Narrow Island Group, the location is ideal for kayak and canoe enthusiasts who can easily paddle to nearby islands, mainland day-use spots, and explore the northern lake region.
Natural Bug Control: The island is known to benefit from a nice cross-breeze, which naturally helps to cut down on the presence of bothersome insects, enhancing the comfort of the outdoor setting.
Intimate Scale: With a flat, cozy area capable of accommodating two tents, the island is perfectly sized for couples, small families, or two friends seeking an intimate escape.
Direct Water Access: The private dock and rocky shoreline allow for easy swimming access directly from your campsite, perfect for a refreshing dip in the clear lake water.

Contact Information

Steere Island is managed as part of the Narrow Island Group of the Lake George Islands Campgrounds by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. For reservations and general inquiries, contact the regional DEC office.

Address (Administrative/Regional Area): Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA

DEC Regional Office Phone: (518) 623-1200

Narrow Island Group Ranger Station Phone (for site-specific questions): (518) 499-1288

Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Steere Island Campground is an outstanding choice for New York locals, particularly those who live within a reasonable drive of the Adirondacks, because it offers an unparalleled "private island" experience without the complexity or cost of traveling to distant destinations. For the New York camper who owns a small boat or kayak, this single-site island delivers the highest level of seclusion available in the state’s DEC system. It’s an adventure that requires self-reliance—bringing all supplies by boat—but rewards this effort with absolute tranquility and privacy, a perfect antidote to the high-density life of much of the Empire State.

The island is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a personal sanctuary on one of the country's most beautiful lakes. It’s ideal for New York bird watchers, nature photographers, and those seeking quiet reflection, as the entire focus is on the natural world around you. By choosing Steere Island, New Yorkers can feel a deep connection to the preserved lands of the Adirondack Park, enjoying a highly coveted, clean, and beautiful piece of state land that feels entirely their own for the duration of their stay. It is the pinnacle of intimate, accessible wilderness camping for the discerning New York resident.