The Champlain Valley region surrounding Essex, New York sits at approximately 190 feet above sea level, creating a unique microclimate influenced by Lake Champlain's 490 square miles of water. Summers see average highs of 78-82°F with frequent afternoon lake breezes, while fall temperatures drop to 40-65°F by October. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with just a handful of year-round facilities maintaining access when temperatures regularly fall below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Biking adventures: North Beach Campground offers direct access to the Burlington Bike Path. "Burlington, VT is one of my favorite towns on the east coast. Camping at North Beach is a great experience if you want quick access to the water, and do not mind the close proximity of others," notes reviewer Tarah W. at North Beach Campground. Multiple reviewers mention the bike-friendly nature of the area, with another noting, "Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain."
Water activities: Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are accessible from various campgrounds around Lake Champlain. At AuSable Chasm Campground, campers can experience more than just standard lakeside activities. One visitor reports, "They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course." The campground provides easy access to these water-based experiences.
Winter adventure base: While most campgrounds close after mid-October, Shelburne Camping Area stays open year-round for cold-weather activities. A visitor mentioned, "Love that it's open year round!" This makes it a rare winter camping option for those looking to explore nearby winter hiking trails and cross-country skiing routes during the snow season.
What campers like
Secluded natural settings: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers privacy with just 10 sites. As one reviewer explains, "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!" The campground's limited size creates a more intimate camping experience.
Clean facilities: Across multiple campgrounds, visitors consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight. At Grand Isle State Park Campground, one camper shared, "The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional. Showers are coin operated." Another noted, "We actually stayed in an ADA site (it was the only one left). It was REALLY nice. Gravel drive all the way in to a nicely built 3 walled platform with a roof."
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds often include playgrounds, swimming areas, and structured activities. At Ausable Point Campground, a camper mentioned, "Popular with kite surfers, kayakers, boaters, and fishermen. Awesome for families with tons of things to do nearby." These amenities make camping with children more manageable.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months. For the most desirable spots, booking 9-12 months in advance is recommended. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, one visitor was "surprised that the campground was not full" over Memorial Day weekend, but this is unusual for the region during summer holidays.
Site specifics matter: Reading site descriptions carefully before booking saves disappointment. At Grand Isle State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "The waterfront sites are overgrown with trees on the other side of a fence. You could see the water in some parts but not all of the site." Understanding exactly what you're booking helps set appropriate expectations.
Shower operations: Many state park campgrounds have coin-operated showers. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, "Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes." Bringing quarters is essential for comfortable showering at most public campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. AuSable Chasm Campground has "nice pool, play ground, and swimming are some of the things to do there." For families with young children, pools often provide safer swimming options than the sometimes rocky or steep-banked lake access points.
Playground proximity: When selecting a site, consider distance to play areas. At Lone Pine Campsites, one family mentioned, "We had one right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road. And speaking of playground, it was large and very nice." This convenience factor significantly impacts the camping experience with children.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds run nature programs for children. Grand Isle State Park Campground has "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs." These structured activities can provide welcome breaks for parents while offering educational experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have sites that accommodate smaller to mid-sized RVs but may challenge larger models. At Ausable Chasm Campground, one RV camper explained, "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." Being clear about your RV dimensions when reserving helps avoid issues upon arrival.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in the region, particularly at state parks. At AuSable Point Campground, RVers noted the campground has "electric hookups" and "water hookups" but limited sewer connections, requiring use of the dump station. Planning water and waste tank usage accordingly helps prevent unexpected complications during your stay.
