Best Campgrounds near Essex, NY
The Lake Champlain region surrounding Essex, New York features a diverse collection of campgrounds suitable for different camping styles. Button Bay State Park Campground on the Vermont side of the lake provides spacious sites with lake views, while on the New York side, campgrounds like Ausable Point and Ausable Chasm offer mixed-use facilities that accommodate tent, RV, and cabin camping. Mount Philo State Park Campground, though small with only 10 sites, provides exceptional views and privacy for tent campers. Many facilities in the region span both sides of Lake Champlain, creating opportunities for visitors to experience camping in both New York and Vermont during a single trip.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping options, with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October. "Make sure to book early for the best sites," advises one camper who visited Button Bay State Park. Winter weather conditions significantly limit camping availability, with only a few year-round options like Shelburne Camping Area in Vermont. Most state park campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences variable weather patterns influenced by Lake Champlain, with potential for strong winds across open campsites and cooler evening temperatures even during summer months. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near towns and more limited connectivity in remote camping areas.
Campgrounds with lake access receive consistently high ratings from visitors. The waterfront sites at Button Bay State Park Campground provide panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. A visitor noted, "Gorgeous views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Make sure to take a walk to the point to see where the Bay and Lake meet." Mount Philo State Park Campground, though lacking lake access, compensates with elevation and scenic vistas. According to camper feedback, "The best part is every night it's only a ten-minute hike to the summit from where the sites are, and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and Lake Champlain as the sun falls behind the Adirondack mountains." The region's campgrounds generally maintain clean facilities with amenities ranging from basic toilets and fire rings to full-hookup RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections at locations like Shelburne Camping Area.
