Best Cabin Camping near Champlain, NY

General: Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section. Sites/lean-tos are designated premium (lakefront) or non. There is also an ADA-accessible lean-to. Upon check-in, you are given a gate code to enter. 

Site Quality: Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site. Most sites don’t have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt (or mud if it has rained recently). A large wooden picnic table and fire ring complete the site. There are plentiful trees, so each site has at least some shade and some are very shaded. Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees. 

Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower. Cold water only at both the sinks and the shower (at least I didn’t get any hot water). The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can’t imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I’ve experienced in quite some time. But, after I finished, I saw my quarter had been returned. The toilet paper was so thin, it was nearly transparent! 

Activities: Although swimming is allowed, the “beaches” are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming. There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat. There was one very annoying motorboat revving its engine while doing circles in the lake. The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net. There is a short nature trail and one other small walking trail. Nearby is access to the Missisquoi Rail Trail. 

A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading! Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced. We were annoyed by one loud boat so I can’t imagine what it would be like if the lake was filled with boaters. This is why we prefer shoulder-season camping!

The KOA was recently moved from a different location, so some pictures see on a Google search are no longer the location. This newly acquired property has 2 sides, the mountain side and river side you can choose when booking they are about 1/4 mile away from one another. This campground is very maintained. The campground on the mountain side has a playground, huge store, gem mining, arcade (which needs some love), hiking trails and a common area with some games. They have cabins, tent site areas, and huge wooded camper sites. The mountain side in general is my ideal campground full of trees and nature. The bathrooms were always clean and shower areas had great water pressure. The river side is new and on the side of the river but has you baking in the sun 🌞 there is no trees at all for shade. And there is no separation between you and the next person. There is only camper sites on that side. On the river they have a small place to put in kayaks and wade in water. They have a jumping pad on that side also. Both sides have the tractor driving around, pulling the kids around. The area is awesome with beach access along the river with a huge playground. Your at the bottom of whiteface mountain which is full of hikes and watering holes to swim in, lake placid downtown area is 20 mins away. Its a beautiful area. The girl working in the store Kyla rocked and her gf Jess who drove around on the golfcart and helping out everywhere were so fun. They lived on site and were such great people who made the trip more fun!!

I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.

The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!

Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.

Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!

We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van and can easily fit in a regular size parking space. Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van. These sites were $13 more per night and we really did not need the hookups. We were finally able to convince the staff that we could take a standard tent site, which was more than big enough. 

The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn’t that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining. 

Bathrooms and shower rooms are individual rooms, but the doors are not labeled so it’s a game of “what’s behind door number 1?”  There was no light in the shower room that I looked at so a night shower would be out of the question. The bathrooms were clean and had soap, paper towels, a garbage receptacle, and a mirror in each. 

Lots of ant hills throughout the campground so be cautious where you set up a tent. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Large and nice-looking playground, pool, volleyball net, disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails. It also looked like there were cross country ski trails but not sure if the campground or cabins would be open in the winter. 

Biggest advantage is that Ausable Chasm(a separate business) is directly across the street from the campground and it is very close to the ferry that will take you to Burlington, VT, our next destination.

My family of 4 tent camped at Camp Skyland in June ‘24 on a waterfront spot showcasing gorgeous Lake Champlain with a mountain backdrop - chef’s kiss!

The owner (family owned and operated across generations) took my booking via phone and months later, checked us into camp upon arrival. He was super friendly and gave us great advice for cycling the Island Line Trail - highly recommend!!!! It was a fantastic campground with awesome views and the only thing I regret is not spending more time camping here & exploring the area.

The bathhouse & restrooms were a little small but it was totally fine. They had outdoor sink for washing dishes, too. The main check-in house had books and games to check out. But the BEST onsite entertainment was the lake. Definitely plan to kayak here & swim. Water was clean & clear. Fantastic lake for rock collecting!!! Very pretty and diverse geological landscape! We immediately started googling the rock formations and it was super interesting!

Definitely bring your bikes to ride the trail & catch the ferry! Such a unique experience to cycle across a lake! Photos & videos do not give the actual in-person views justice!

There are cabins to rent here, but owner said they book up in advance and it’s a YOY reservation that previous bookers get first access each year for dates.

Tip - mosquitos were intense here, so bring spray & plan accordingly! Our screened-in tent area saved us from being eaten up.