After surviving a grueling hike out from the hut (if you missed that adventure, go back and read it — my legs are still recovering), we piled into the car for the final leg of our big Northeast trip. Four hours later, we rolled into Lake George, New York, tired but excited for what we knew would be a completely different kind of adventure.
Glamping Done Right at Huttopia
Let me tell you about Huttopia Adirondacks. If you’ve ever wanted to camp but also wanted, you know, a real bed and not to sleep on a rock that somehow migrated under your sleeping pad at 2 AM, this is your place.
Think canvas tents on wooden platforms, complete with actual beds, cozy sitting areas, and fire pits right outside your door. Each little hut is tucked into the trees with just enough privacy that you feel like you’re in your own little forest cocoon, but you’re also just a short walk from a shared bathhouse where you can take a real shower and wash your dishes like a civilized human being.
It was absolute luxury after the previous days of backcountry hiking. Coming back each evening to our cozy tent, lighting a fire, and actually sleeping in a bed? Chef’s kiss.
We learned that during high season, Huttopia runs events and activities every night — think movie nights, kids’ activities, and community gatherings. We were there just before the summer rush hit, so while the programming was limited, we basically had the place to ourselves. Honestly? I didn’t mind one bit.
Discovering Lake George
Now, Lake George itself is a whole different vibe. This 32-mile long lake in the Adirondack Mountains has been a beloved summer destination for New Yorkers for generations. The water is startlingly clear, dotted with over 170 islands that look like little green gems scattered across the blue. Since we arrived before NY schools let out for summer, we caught it in that sweet spot of being open for business but not yet crowded.
The town of Lake George is charming in that classic tourist-town way — lots of restaurants, shops to browse, and that general vacation energy that makes you want to eat ice cream for dinner (we did not do this… okay, we might have done this once). You can walk right down to the lake shore and post up for the day, or head over to Million Dollar Beach for a proper beach day right in the middle of the Adirondacks.
The main activity here is water, water, and more water. Paddle boards, kayaks, boats, beaches — if it floats or gets you wet, Lake George has it. On our first day, we grabbed kayaks and paddle boards and set out to explore.
One of the cooler ways to see the lake is via the historic paddle boat cruises. The Lake George Steamboat Company runs scenic tours on the Minne Ha-Ha and the Mohican, plus dinner cruises on the Saint Sacrement. We opted for the dinner cruise, and yes, we were definitely among the youngest passengers (lots of retirees enjoying their best life), but we were treated to a surprise Calliope show from the Minne Ha-Ha as we cruised back in. The kids were mesmerized.
The Best Audible of the Trip
Now, day two in Lake George? That’s one for the books. Not only was it my husband’s birthday, but it was also the day we called the best audible of our entire trip.
We’d originally planned a Six Flags Great Adventure day. Picture me, the night before, checking hours and tickets on my phone, feeling very responsible and organized… only to discover the park was closed. On a Friday. Cue my best Clark Griswold moment — “Sorry folks, park’s closed. Moose out front should’ve told ya.”
Turns out we were still in early season (NY schools weren’t out for another week), so the park only operated on weekends. We couldn’t postpone because we had to hit the road Saturday morning to get home to our patiently waiting dog.
So there we were, lying in bed Thursday night, phones in hand, doing that thing parents do where you frantically research alternatives while trying not to panic. And then it hit us — we’d had such an amazing time on the lake. Why not rent a boat?
A quick search revealed several outfitters offering half-day rentals of moderately powered boats. We ended up at Chic’s Marina the next morning, getting set up with a Carolina Skiff for a few hours of lake exploration.
The plan was simple: motor up the lake away from the crowds, find one of the many islands with public docks and campsites, and spend the day relaxing. My husband’s dream of being a boat captain came true, and let me tell you, he took that role very seriously.
We had an absolute blast. We cruised up and down the lake, pulled off at a quiet island for lunch, and spent hours jumping off the boat and the rocks into the crystal-clear water. The kids were in heaven. As we floated there, surrounded by pine-covered islands and not another boat in sight, my husband looked at me and said, “This is better than Six Flags.”
The unanimous verdict from the family? Best day ever.
Winding Down
After returning the boat, we weren’t ready for the day to end, so we headed to the beach. The kids immediately found other kids to play with — ones with deep New York accents that had my Southern-raised children absolutely fascinated. They spent an hour asking each other questions about where they lived and how they talked. Kids are hilarious.
Back at Huttopia, we squeezed in a night swim before hitting the showers and making dinner at our campsite. As we packed up that evening, I felt that familiar end-of-vacation melancholy mixed with genuine gratitude for the trip we’d had.
The Journey Home
The next morning, we loaded up the car one final time and hit the road for the 8+ hour drive home. The kids were quiet in the backseat, flipping through photos on the camera, already nostalgic for a trip that had just ended.
A jam-packed week and a half, countless memories, and the happy realization that sometimes the best moments come from plans that fall apart. Thanks, Six Flags, for being closed. We owe you one.
Tips & Info
- Huttopia Adirondacks is ideal for families who want the camping experience without roughing it completely. Book early for summer weekends — it fills up fast.
- Visit before mid-June if you want smaller crowds. NY schools typically let out late June, and that’s when the summer rush begins.
- Boat rentals are easy to find along the lake. Chic’s Marina was great for our half-day rental, but shop around — rates and boat types vary.
- Pack water shoes — the rocky shoreline and island docks are much easier to navigate with them.
- Million Dollar Beach has parking, bathrooms, and a great swimming area. Arrive early on weekends.
- Don’t skip the steamboat cruise — even if you feel silly on a dinner cruise with retirees, it’s a unique way to see the lake and learn some history.
- Budget tip: Many of the islands have free public docks where you can pull up and picnic. Pack a cooler and make a day of it.
- The drive from Lake George to points south can be brutal on summer weekends. We left early Saturday morning and mostly avoided traffic, but plan accordingly.