Best Campgrounds near Champlain, NY
Lake Champlain defines the camping landscape around Champlain, New York, with numerous waterfront campgrounds offering scenic views across the lake. Cumberland Bay State Park Campground and Monty's Bay Campsites provide established camping areas with varying levels of amenities. The region includes options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals, with several campgrounds featuring boat-in access. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV campers, while some like Burton Island State Park and Grand Isle State Park also offer cabin accommodations and glamping options.
Camping in the Champlain region operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from May through mid-October. Grand Isle State Park remains open from May 12 to October 16, while Cumberland Bay State Park operates from May until Columbus Day. Winter conditions make most campgrounds inaccessible during colder months. Reservations are recommended, particularly for waterfront sites and during summer weekends when campgrounds fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary significantly between developed campgrounds. As one visitor noted, "This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks I have stayed in. The facilities were clean and the shower was nice and hot."
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for campers in the Champlain area, with Lake Champlain providing opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Several visitors mentioned the spectacular views across the lake to the Adirondack Mountains as a highlight of their camping experience. Cumberland Bay State Park receives positive reviews for its beach area and recreational opportunities, while Burton Island State Park offers a unique island camping experience accessible only by boat. Campgrounds in Vermont's Grand Isle area provide excellent access to cycling routes and water activities. A camper described the experience: "Right on Lake Champlain with clean, beautiful sites. Lots of awesome lake activities." Many developed campgrounds in the region feature showers, restrooms, and picnic tables, though primitive sites with fewer amenities can also be found.