The Adirondack Coast along Lake Champlain offers diverse camping terrain with elevations ranging from 95 feet at the lakeshore to 1,300 feet at nearby mountain peaks. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during July and August. Camping near Essex provides access to both New York and Vermont sites with ferry crossings adding flexibility for day trips between states.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Champlain: Lake access points at several campgrounds let you explore the shoreline. At AuSable Point Campground, "We rented kayaks and a canoe from down the road Adirondack River rentals and they delivered and picked up from our site," notes Sheri S.
Mountain biking near campsites: Terrain varies from beginner to advanced trails. "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike," explains Nancy W. about Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Disc golf at campgrounds: Several parks offer free course access for registered campers. AuSable Chasm Campground features "disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails. It also looked like there were cross country ski trails," according to Lee D.
Ferry rides to Vermont: The Essex-Charlotte ferry provides 30-minute crossings eight times daily. "Great waterfront park, the waterfront sites are fantastic... Easy access to the lake. Book early for the best sites," recommends IAN P. about parks near ferry landings.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites for privacy. At Lone Pine Campsites, "The sites are absolutely the biggest I've ever seen. The kids have a soccer field out in front of us to play in," reports Jennifer H.
Wildlife viewing areas: Several campgrounds border protected habitat zones. "Most of the site is off limits because of wildlife preserve, still a lot to explore," notes Amber A. when describing the ecosystem around AuSable Point.
Clean facilities: Shower buildings receive regular maintenance. At North Beach Campground, "Bathrooms were more than acceptable," shares Michael G., while Beau B. notes "Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes."
Beach access for cooling off: Many sites offer lake access for swimming. At Burlington's North Beach, "You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options. It was peaceful here yet also a fun place," according to Laura L.
What you should know
Reserve waterfront sites months ahead: Prime spots book quickly, especially for holiday weekends. "Book early for the best sites," advises IAN P. about Button Bay State Park Campground, where "the waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake."
Varying hookup options: Electric service can be limited at some parks. One camper at Shelburne Camping Area discovered, "Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct!" Be prepared with alternate power sources.
Shower costs and access: Many state parks require quarters for showers. "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" notes Tucker B. at Grand Isle State Park.
Seasonal road conditions: Spring can bring muddy access roads at some sites. Barber Homestead Park offers "direct access to Lake Champlain. This is a hidden gem in that area!" according to Andrew M., but smaller parks may have rougher roads after rain.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas to maintain sightlines. At Shelburne Camping Area, "We had a site 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," shares Erin S.
Kid-friendly beaches: Some beaches have rocky shorelines less suitable for small children. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 and the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private," recommends Drew Q. at Mount Philo.
Evening activities: Campgrounds often schedule weekend events. "Weekend activities, and overall clean park with nice bath and laundry facilities," notes Kellie S., though she adds, "There is noise from the highway but it eventually became white noise to us."
Weather preparedness: Temperatures can fluctuate 30 degrees in 24 hours. "Spacious campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," reports Jessica G., who recommends packing layers for unpredictable weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some parks have significant grade variations. At AuSable Chasm, one camper complained their site was "so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles."
Access road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds may be rough. The "road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," warns Lee D. about navigation within certain parks.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer on-site waste disposal. At Grand Isle State Park Campground, facilities are "clean and spacious" with "lake access for kayaking, sailing, swimming and fishing," but check ahead for dump station locations if staying multiple nights.
Electrical reliability concerns: Some campers report inconsistent power at older campgrounds. One visitor to Shelburne reported their "full hook up, pull-thru corner space" was "plenty long enough for our 45' RV and tow car," but noted "lots of tree limbs that needed to be trimmed."
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