Temple Knoll Island, Hague, NY

For long-time New York residents, the words

Lake George

instantly conjure images of pristine, clear water, forested mountainsides, and a rich history. Among the lake's many treasures are its secluded, state-owned islands, which offer a truly unique and sought-after camping experience.

Temple Knoll Island

, specifically, is a small, exclusive destination managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the Lake George Islands Campsites, a division of the larger Rogers Rock Campground area.

This is not your typical drive-in campground; this is a true "boat-in" retreat. Temple Knoll Island is beloved by local boaters and seasoned campers for its small number of private campsites, its serene setting, and its easy access to the activities that make Lake George famous. Customer reviews frequently highlight the exhilarating local features, such as the nearby jumping rock, calling it an "awesome awesome awesome time" and noting the island's overall charm as a "dope little island to stop at for a little." Choosing Temple Knoll Island means choosing a quintessential Adirondack memory, blending rugged independence with the unparalleled beauty of the "Queen of American Lakes."

Introduction / Overview

Temple Knoll Island is a gem within the Narrow Island Group, one of three main clusters of camping islands on Lake George. The island itself hosts a very limited number of designated campsites—only a select few—making it an exclusive and highly prized location. It’s important to understand that camping here is primitive but comfortable: all sites are situated directly on the shoreline and are accessible

exclusively by boat

. Each site provides a private dock, a fireplace, and a dedicated spot for your tent, offering a secluded slice of Adirondack paradise. It’s a camping experience that strips away the noise and crowds of the mainland, offering an unmatched opportunity for peace, solitude, and direct immersion in the lake's stunning environment. Reservations for these sites are essential and must be made well in advance through the New York State DEC reservation system.

Location and Accessibility

Temple Knoll Island is located in the northern half of Lake George, near the town of Hague, NY, and is administratively linked to the Rogers Rock Campground on the mainland.

Address:

Temple Knoll Island Lake George, Hague, NY 12836, USA

Accessibility is a defining feature of this location, and it requires pre-planning, which is a common rite of passage for experienced New York island campers.

Access Method:
Boat-In Only
. All campers must use a private boat, canoe, or kayak to reach their island site. There are no public ferries or water taxis provided by the DEC for direct transport to the island.
Parking & Launching: Campers must arrange for mainland parking and boat launching, typically utilizing nearby private marinas or other state-operated launches, which usually charge a fee. Registration for the island site itself is handled through the appropriate ranger station for the Narrow Island Group.
Docking: Every campsite on Temple Knoll Island is equipped with a private dock (mooring for one boat), allowing campers to secure their vessel right at their site.

Services Offered

While the experience is primitive, the DEC ensures that essential services are provided to maintain cleanliness and functionality on these remote sites.

Private Dock: Each site includes a designated dock space for at least one boat, a necessity for boat-in camping.
Campsite Facilities: All sites are equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fireplace/grill for cooking and campfires.
Sanitation: Each campsite has a toilet facility, typically a vault toilet or privy, which ensures proper sanitation in the wilderness setting. It’s important to note there is
no potable water
on the island; all drinking and cooking water must be brought in by the campers.
Waste Management: Campers are responsible for packing out all trash and refuse, adhering to the Leave No Trace principles that govern the preservation of these island environments.
Campfire Wood: Open fires are permitted only in the provided fireplaces. Campers are permitted to use dead and downed wood found on the island, but must follow all DEC guidelines for collection.

Features / Highlights

Temple Knoll Island and the surrounding Lake George area offer unique recreational opportunities that are a major draw for New York outdoor enthusiasts.

Exhilarating Cliff Jumping: A major highlight frequently mentioned in local reviews is the presence of a popular jumping rock near the island. This feature provides a thrilling and memorable activity for boaters and day-users in the area, often accessed via kayak or boat from the campsites.
Unspoiled Swimming and Paddling: The island is situated in a pristine section of Lake George, offering crystal-clear water perfect for swimming directly from the dock. Paddling around the island and exploring the surrounding bays is a favorite pastime for campers.
True Primitive Isolation: Unlike mainland campgrounds, the boat-in nature of Temple Knoll Island guarantees a level of solitude that is hard to find elsewhere. With only a few sites, you are assured of privacy and quiet, making the experience ideal for reconnecting with nature.
Excellent Fishing: Lake George is renowned for its fishing, with species like lake trout, landlocked salmon, bass, and pike. Campers can fish directly from their dock or boat, taking advantage of the deep, clear waters.
Prohibited Pets: A key rule for all Lake George Islands campsites is that
pets are strictly prohibited
. This helps preserve the fragile island ecosystems and ensures a uniform experience for all campers.

Contact Information

As Temple Knoll Island is part of the DEC-managed Lake George Islands Campgrounds (Narrow Island Group), the main contact for reservations and inquiries is through the official DEC system.

Address: Temple Knoll Island Lake George, Hague, NY 12836, USA (Administrative area is Rogers Rock/Narrow Island Group)
DEC Reservation Phone: 1-800-456-2267 (For bookings and general campground information)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Temple Knoll Island represents the pinnacle of Adirondack adventure camping for savvy New York locals. It’s not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to create powerful, lasting memories—the kind cherished from childhood, as one reviewer noted. For those who own a boat or are willing to rent one, it offers an accessible escape from the city and suburban sprawl. This type of boat-in island camping fosters self-reliance and independence, qualities that many New Yorkers seek in their wilderness trips. The small number of sites, the private docks, and the clean, natural surroundings ensure a quality experience year after year. While it requires more planning than a simple drive-up site—you must bring all your own water and strictly adhere to the no-pet policy—the reward is unparalleled: a secluded fire under the stars on your very own private island waterfront, with the pristine waters of Lake George right at your doorstep. For a truly authentic, peaceful, and adventurous New York State camping experience, Temple Knoll Island stands in a class of its own.