North Beach Campground in Burlington serves as a convenient base for exploring the Champlain Valley and Essex area, located just a short ferry ride across Lake Champlain. The campground sits directly on Lake Champlain with both tent and RV accommodations and remains open from May 1 to October 15. Sites typically fill quickly during summer months with temperatures ranging from 65-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Beach access from camp: North Beach Campground provides direct beach access with lifeguards on duty. "The beach is very well maintained, there are life guards on duty at the beach and a playground and grills (claim them early if you want them)," notes Meag F. about North Beach Campground.
Biking along Champlain: The Burlington bike path runs through or near several campgrounds, offering car-free transportation. "Bring your bikes! You can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls," recommends Mackenzie B. about the area's connectivity.
Rock climbing: For adventure seekers, AuSable Chasm offers technical climbing experiences. According to Susan S., the area provides opportunities to "hike, tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course" making AuSable Chasm Campground an active base camp for climbers.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Mount Philo State Park features widely spaced campsites with natural screening. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private," explains Drew Q. about Mount Philo State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds near Essex remain accessible during winter months. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve," writes Ed M. about Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple water access points exist throughout the region. "The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake. Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site," shares Cindy L. about her experience at Little River State Park.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Campgrounds with limited sites fill quickly during peak season. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service," notes Kaelin P. about Mount Philo State Park.
Showers and facilities: Shower availability varies by location with many requiring quarters. "Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes. Firewood sold on site. Sites are well groomed and have a fire pit and picnic table," reports Beau B.
Off-season accessibility: Winter glamping close to Essex, New York remains possible at select locations. "Call ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed. No facilities off season," advises Ed M. about winter camping at Smugglers Notch.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" shares Debbie S. about Button Bay State Park Campground.
Biking-friendly roads: Paved campground roads provide safe cycling areas for children. "This is a good campground for families that are not too rowdy. There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails," recommends Lacy C.
Swimming options: Multiple water access types accommodate different ages. "There is a pool for swimming, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails," notes a Button Bay visitor, providing options for families with varied swimming abilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research site specifications before booking. "We have a 'big rig' 40' 5th wheel with 4 slide outs. Called them same day from Capital Region Welcome Ctr in NY, about 3 hrs away. They had a full hook-up, pull-thru corner space for us," explains DJ about their stay at Shelburne Camping Area.
Electrical considerations: Verify electrical compatibility before arrival. "Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct!" warns Snooz H. about potential electrical issues at some sites.
Winter RV access: Most glamping facilities near Essex close to RVs during winter months, but cabin options remain. "The 100 Acre Wood" section at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA offers "tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area," according to Nancy W., making it suitable for larger rigs in suitable seasons.
