Phelps Island Campground

For those living in New York, the Adirondack Park offers a lifetime of exploration, but few experiences are as iconic or as sought-after as island camping on the "Queen of American Lakes." Phelps Island Campground, located in the crystal-clear waters of Lake George near Diamond Point, represents the gold standard for travelers seeking true seclusion. As part of the Glen Island Group of islands managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Phelps Island is an exclusive destination that is accessible only by boat. For local New Yorkers, this means leaving the traffic of the Northway behind and trading car engines for the gentle hum of a motorboat or the rhythmic dip of a kayak paddle.

Phelps Island is a uniquely structured landmass within the "Narrows" section of Lake George. Despite its relatively small size, the island features a diverse topography, including a central hill that naturally divides the campground into distinct North and South sections. This geographical layout provides campers with a sense of "owning" their portion of the island, a rare luxury in the popular Lake George region. Whether you are a seasoned Adirondack "islander" or a family looking for a new tradition, Phelps Island offers a rugged yet accessible environment where the beauty of the lake is your constant companion from sunrise to the starlit hours of the night.

Phelps Island Campground is officially located at 10 Phelps Near Buck Mt Is, Diamond Point, NY 12824, USA. While the address provides a mainland reference point, the island itself sits approximately a football field’s length away from the western shore. For local residents, the journey begins at one of the many private marinas in Diamond Point or Bolton Landing, where you can launch your own vessel or rent a craft for the duration of your stay. The channel between the island and the shore is designated as a "no wake zone," ensuring that the immediate waters remain calm and safe for swimming and paddling, even as larger motorboats pass through the deeper channel nearby.

Accessibility is a defining feature of the Phelps Island experience, albeit in a non-traditional sense. Because there are no roads leading to the island, all gear, supplies, and campers must be transported by water. The island is ringed with wooden docks, making it easy to moor your boat directly at your assigned site. Once on land, the island features a mix of flat areas and a central elevation. For those who enjoy exploring the mainland, the shore across from the island features an unmarked trail that leads toward the base of Buck Mountain, though campers should be mindful of nearby private property boundaries to the south. The proximity to the mainland shore—roughly 300 feet at its narrowest point—makes it one of the more manageable island transitions for those new to boat-in camping.

Phelps Island provides the essential services required for a safe and comfortable primitive camping stay. While there is no electricity or running water on the island, the facilities are designed to support a "carry-in, carry-out" wilderness ethic. The services offered include:

• Assigned wooden camping platforms designed to elevate tents off the forest floor, protecting equipment from moisture and uneven terrain.
• Dedicated boat docking spaces for each campsite, allowing for secure mooring of vessels up to 25 feet in length.
• Public restroom facilities (vault toilets/privies) maintained by the DEC to ensure sanitation on the island.
• Site-specific registration services through the Glen Island Ranger Station, which serves as the headquarters for the local group.
• Designated fire pits and picnic tables at each site for traditional outdoor cooking and dining.
• Access to the Junior Naturalist Program during peak summer months, providing educational activities for children.

The highlights of Phelps Island are what keep New York families returning year after year. The island’s natural features provide a playground for both relaxation and adventure. Key features include:

• The South Side Flatlands: The southern portion of the island is particularly noted for its level terrain, making it the ideal spot for larger tents and communal gathering areas.
• Lakeside Docks: The docks surrounding the island serve as perfect platforms for sunbathing, fishing for smallmouth bass, or launching a kayak for a circumnavigation of the island.
• North Side Cliffs: The northern end of the island features a sharper drop into the water, offering dramatic views and a different aesthetic than the gentle southern point.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Unlike some other state-managed islands, dogs are allowed at Phelps Island (provided they are leashed and have proof of vaccination), allowing the whole family to enjoy the trip.
• Proximity to "The Narrows": Located in one of the most scenic parts of Lake George, the island offers views of the surrounding mountains that are frequently described as world-class.
• Excellent Swimming: The clear, filtered water of Lake George is exceptionally clean near the island, with many campers enjoying a dip directly from their private dock.

To secure a spot at Phelps Island, New York residents should plan well in advance. Reservations are typically handled through the ReserveAmerica system under the "Glen Island Group." For specific questions about the island's current conditions or docking depths, you can reach the regional office or the seasonal ranger station.

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

Phone: (518) 623-1200

Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

Phelps Island Campground is worth choosing because it offers a "private island" feel without the extreme isolation of the northern Lake George groups. For a local New Yorker, it is the perfect middle ground: you are far enough from the shore to feel the magic of island life, but close enough to the mainland that a quick boat trip for supplies in Diamond Point or Bolton Landing is effortless. The presence of wooden platforms is a major advantage, keeping your gear clean and dry even during Adirondack summer rain showers. Experienced campers recommend bringing a tarp to place over the platform before setting up your tent to prevent wear and tear on the tent floor.

Additionally, the island is worth choosing for its versatility. The southern side is perfect for families with children who need flat ground to play, while the more rugged northern side appeals to those seeking a more dramatic landscape. The ability to watch the sunrise over the mountains and then spend the afternoon kayaking through the "no wake" channel creates a rhythm of life that is incredibly restorative. Whether you are fishing off the dock, roasting marshmallows at the fire pit, or simply listening to the water lap against the rocks, Phelps Island delivers an authentic, high-quality New York camping experience that is truly unforgettable.

Would you like me to help you find a list of local marinas in Diamond Point that offer multi-day boat rentals, or provide information on how to register for the Lake George boat permit required for your motorboat?