Lake Champlain's island and shoreline tent camping options provide secluded getaway spots in northern New York and Vermont. The lake spans 120 miles long with over 600 miles of shoreline and 80+ islands, many offering primitive camping experiences. Water conditions can change quickly, with morning crossings typically calmer than afternoon paddles when winds tend to pick up.
What to do
Hiking island trail systems: Burton Island State Park features several trails covering the 2.5-mile-long island. According to one visitor at Burton Island State Park Campground, "There are beautiful trails that cover the island. The south tip of the island gets more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming."
Fishing from shoreline campsites: Many lake island sites offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Knight Island State Park Campground, one camper noted, "There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing. Deer, turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island."
Wildlife watching: The natural areas around these campsites support diverse wildlife. At Woods Island, the habitat supports "a rich variety of plant life, including many species that are rare or threatened in Vermont."
What campers like
Car-free island experience: Several islands prohibit vehicles, creating a unique camping atmosphere. One camper at Burton Island State Park Campground appreciates that "It's super family friendly - maybe it's because there aren't cars all over the place, but the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast."
Pristine shorelines: The best tent camping near Champlain offers lakefront sites with unique access to the water. A visitor to Valcour Island shared, "I have been camping on this island for just over 30 years, and my father camped there for another 30 prior to that. It is one of my favorite places in the whole world."
Private camping experiences: Many sites offer separation from neighboring campers. At Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps, "This prime location is very private. There is absolutely no one around as far as the eye can see in the area close to the river."
What you should know
Transportation logistics: Plan your transportation carefully. For some sites like Woods Island, "There is no ferry service to the island and visitors must make their own arrangements. There are no docks; visitors must either beach their boat or anchor off."
Limited facilities: Most island sites offer basic amenities only. At Woods Island State Park Campground, "Woods Island is a 'remote area' campground. Remote area campsites, while beautiful, are not for everybody. Sanitary facilities are minimal, and there is no potable water supply."
Weather considerations: Lake conditions can change rapidly based on wind patterns. For Knight Island, one visitor warns it's "Not for the faint of heart, Knight Island is only accessible by private boat, though there are a few unregulated boat taxis that will agree to take the boat-less out there."
Reservation requirements: Booking policies vary by location. For Woods Island, "Camping is by reservation only on designated sites. Reservations (2-night minimum)."
Tips for camping with families
Pack light for walk-in sites: Some mainland camping requires hiking to your site. A camper at Indian Brook Reservoir advises, "I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Consider ferry options: For families without boats, some islands offer transportation. At Burton Island, "The passenger ferry runs throughout the day, if you don't have a boat of your own."
Look for off-season opportunities: Some areas allow winter camping with proper permits. One Knight Island visitor notes, "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The best tent camping near Champlain is primarily tent-focused with few RV accommodations. At Underhill State Park Campground, sites are designed for tents, with one visitor noting it's "the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away."
Equipment transport assistance: For those with gear-heavy setups, some sites offer help. At Burton Island, "You can borrow a cart to bring your gear to your site, or you can pay one of the park rangers to haul it in one of their golf carts."
Consider mainland alternatives: For RV campers seeking lake access, mainland options near reservoirs provide easier vehicle access while still offering waterfront experiences.
