The Lake Champlain region near Chazy, New York offers camping options ranging from island destinations requiring boat access to mainland sites with direct lake frontage. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Fall camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop into the 40s overnight, particularly in October when some facilities begin closing for the season.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling opportunities: Campers at Grand Isle State Park Campground enjoy water access for multiple activities. One visitor noted, "You can bike directly from here all the way to Burlington without ever getting back in your car! Take the bike ferry across a small section of Lake Champlain and keep on riding."
Explore island camping: For those seeking seclusion, Knight Island State Park Campground offers a unique experience. "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," reports one camper, who also cautions about insects: "Mosquitoes and black flies in the middle of the island can be nasty, sometimes better to take the perimeter route."
Winter camping options: While most campgrounds close after Columbus Day, winter camping permits are available for adventurous campers. A Knight Island visitor explains, "You can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp. There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing."
What campers like
Lakefront lean-tos: Water-view shelters are highly sought at Burton Island State Park Campground. A visitor describes their experience: "We stayed in a camper site for two nights. The island convenience store has awesome breakfast! You can swim anywhere you can find, and walk down their well-maintained trails."
Adult-only atmosphere: Champlain Resort Adult Campground offers a quieter experience. "It is child free which means it is super quiet and so relaxed. We spent about 11 days in absolute paradise at this campground. All of the sites are charming in their own right and the access to the lake is wonderful," one camper shares.
Nature center and youth programs: Families appreciate the educational opportunities at Grand Isle State Park. A visitor mentions, "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs. The only small drawback is that the waterfront sites are overgrown with trees on the other side of a fence."
What you should know
Rocky shorelines: Swimming areas around Lake Champlain often have rocky entrances. A visitor to Champlain Resort Adult Campground advises, "There is beach access but keep in mind it is rocky so it can be slippery walking in the water." Another camper recommends, "I would just suggest wearing shoes into the water as the rocks are very slippery on bare feet!"
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds offer coin-operated showers. At Grand Isle State Park, "Showers are coin operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" according to one reviewer.
Boat-in only access: Some campgrounds require water transportation. Apple Island Resort has a marina with rental options. "Across the street is a marina with rental boats/kayaks and a boat launch. We launched our paddleboard and kayak there but it was pretty mucky getting in and out of our boats," notes one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Book lean-to sites: Covered shelters provide protection during rainy weather. "We were able to set up a tarp just off the edge to cover the picnic table as it rained for part of our stay. The site drained well and was plenty big enough for our tent and needs," shares a Grand Isle visitor.
Consider beach quality: Not all beaches are equally family-friendly. One visitor to Grand Isle State Park mentioned, "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in...without a beach for the kids to play when it got hot it was enough for us to look elsewhere."
Check for kid-friendly amenities: Cumberland Bay State Park Campground offers family facilities. "This is a great place for the family. The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric. Even with a windy, cold, rainy day it is still beautiful," reports one camper.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup placement: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup configurations. An Apple Island Resort visitor notes, "One thing is that their hook-ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper. This is because a lot of class A prefer this way."
Site drainage: Consider how sites handle wet weather. A visitor to Grand Isle State Park shared, "The site drained well and was plenty big enough for our tent and needs."
Sewer connection heights: Some hookups present challenges. A visitor to Apple Island Resort mentioned, "The sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.'"
Seasonal camper sections: Many camping sites near Chazy, New York have both transient and seasonal areas. "About half the campers were seasons but their sites were very tidy and not cluttered up like many they are at other places we've stayed," reports a visitor to Champlain Resort Adult Campground.
