Vicars Island Campgrounds #1-11, Huletts Landing, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking the purest form of wilderness camping paired with unparalleled scenic beauty, Vicars Island Campgrounds on Lake George stands as a premier destination. Located in the majestic Adirondack Park, this island is a jewel within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Narrow Island Group. Vicars Island offers 11 distinct, boat-in campsites, numbered #1 through #11, each meticulously situated along the shoreline to maximize privacy and provide spectacular water views.

Lake George, often referred to as the "Queen of American Lakes," provides the dramatic backdrop for this rustic, yet highly sought-after, camping experience. Unlike congested mainland campgrounds, Vicars Island demands a level of self-sufficiency—a small price to pay for the profound tranquility and the unique sense of ownership you gain over your piece of island paradise. As satisfied local campers often attest, the opportunity to wake up on an island, surrounded by clear, calm waters and stunning vistas, makes Vicars Island a truly special New York State escape. The campgrounds are intentionally primitive, focusing on the natural environment and providing essential amenities such as a dock, a picnic table, and a fire pit at every site.

Location and Accessibility

Vicars Island is geographically positioned in the Narrow Island Group in the central-northern section of Lake George. Its mailing address is associated with Huletts Landing, NY 12841, a charming Adirondack community that often serves as a key access point for campers heading to the northern islands.

Accessibility is a defining feature of the Vicars Island experience: all 11 campsites are accessible by boat only. This means local users must plan to transport all their gear, including tents, supplies, and food, via a watercraft—be it a personal motorboat, kayak, or canoe. This boat-in requirement effectively filters out crowds, contributing significantly to the quiet, private atmosphere that the Narrow Island Group is celebrated for. Registration is required at the Narrow Island Ranger Station, typically located on a nearby island, before proceeding to your campsite. It is imperative that campers coordinate mainland parking for their vehicles and boat trailers, as no facilities for these are available on the island itself. Fortunately, the island is conveniently situated across from Snug Harbor Marina, making stops for gas or quick supply runs feasible, adding a layer of convenience to this otherwise secluded locale.

Services Offered

The campsites on Vicars Island, managed by the NYSDEC, are designed to support a traditional, rustic camping trip. While not offering luxury amenities, they provide all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable and self-sufficient stay.

Dedicated Boat Dockage: Each of the 11 campsites is equipped with a dock for at least one boat, ensuring private and immediate access to Lake George for boating, swimming, and fishing activities.
Campsite Furniture: Every site includes a durable picnic table, offering a centralized place for meals, planning, and socializing.
Fire Pit/Fireplace: A secure fireplace or fire pit is provided at each location for safe campfires, essential for cooking and evening ambience. Campers must adhere to New York State regulations regarding the prohibition of transporting untreated firewood into the area.
Sanitation Facilities: All campsites are served by a toilet facility, typically a pit privy, providing necessary, rudimentary sanitation services that align with the island’s wilderness setting.
Tent Platforms (Site-Dependent): While not universal across all 11 sites, many locations on Vicars Island include a wooden tent platform, such as a 12'x16' base, which helps level the tent and keeps camping gear dry, especially given the natural topography of the island. Campers are advised to check the specific details of their reserved site.
Water Access: The shoreline of Vicars Island offers multiple areas known for great swimming spots, providing easy entry into the clean, clear waters of Lake George.

Features / Highlights

The features of Vicars Island make it a premium choice for experienced New York State campers looking for an authentic and scenic Adirondack experience.

Spectacular Panoramic Views: Many of the 11 sites are situated to offer sweeping views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains, catching the sun all day. Sites located on points or high above the water are particularly noted for their gorgeous views and photographic opportunities, including dramatic sunrises and sunsets.
Diverse Site Offerings: Vicars Island provides a variety of site types to suit different preferences, from large, flat sites perfect for families to smaller, shady, and extremely private spots ideal for couples. Some sites are exposed and sunny, while others are heavily treed and sheltered.
Excellent Water Activities: The island’s location in the quieter Narrow Island Group means less boat traffic and calmer waters, perfect for recreational activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The island is known for having great swimming spots directly accessible from the campsite area.
Proximity to Mainland Services: Despite its secluded, boat-in location, Vicars Island is conveniently located across from Snug Harbor Marina, allowing for practical access to gas and quick supplies, a rare feature for such a deeply isolated island campground.
Privacy and Seclusion: With only 11 sites spread around the island's perimeter, the forested environment and spacing ensure a high level of privacy and a serene atmosphere, allowing campers to truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the Adirondacks.

Contact Information

Vicars Island Campgrounds are an essential part of the Narrow Island Group on Lake George. All administrative and operational matters are handled by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Ranger Station for this group.

Address (Island Location): Vicars Is, Huletts Landing, NY 12841, USA (Boat Access Only)

Narrow Island Group Ranger Station Phone: (518) 499-1288

NYSDEC Regional Office Phone (General Inquiries/Reservations Support): (518) 623-1200

Note: Reservations for Vicars Island are highly recommended, as the limited number of sites book up quickly, often months in advance, through the state’s reservation system. Campers must check in at the Narrow Island Group headquarters before occupying their site.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, Vicars Island Campgrounds is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it is a deeply restorative and accessible wilderness experience right in their backyard. The boat-in requirement, a small logistical hurdle, is precisely what preserves the island's exceptional beauty and quietude, creating a pristine environment that is increasingly difficult to find in the Northeast. Local users who are comfortable with rustic camping and possess the necessary watercraft are rewarded with an unparalleled opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Adirondacks. Vicars Island’s spectacular views, varied private sites, and access to Lake George's best fishing and paddling waters make it an essential summer tradition. It offers the perfect blend of true seclusion and relative proximity, allowing New Yorkers to truly escape the hustle of city life and reconnect with the natural splendor of the Empire State.