Cumberland Bay State Park Campground is located on Lake Champlain near Plattsburgh, approximately 15 miles south of Mooers Forks, New York. The region features a mix of agricultural landscapes and forested areas with elevations ranging from 100-500 feet above sea level. Campgrounds in this area typically open from May through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Knight Island State Park offers unique hiking opportunities for adventurous campers who bring their own boats. "There are great accessible all-gender bathrooms" at the more accessible Grand Isle State Park Campground, which one reviewer noted during a school field trip.
Water activities on Lake Champlain: The extensive shoreline provides excellent swimming and paddling options. At Burton Island State Park Campground, "there is a day area with a beach as well as many places around the island to swim. Just wear water shoes since it is mainly a rocky coast," advises one camper.
Local vineyard and brewery visits: The area features several craft beverage producers within short driving distance. A camper at Apple Island Resort mentioned, "Great area, pleasant staff, very clean. Brewery and vineyards close by" making it convenient to sample local beverages after a day of outdoor activities.
What campers like
Ferry and island camping experiences: Burton Island provides a unique car-free environment. One visitor explained, "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans."
Clean facilities and beaches: Campgrounds in the region maintain high standards. A visitor to Cumberland Bay State Park Campground noted, "This place looks like the place to be, great facilities (with real flush toilets near the beach), and great grassy sites which met of are in the shade!"
Lakefront camping options: Several campgrounds offer premium waterfront sites. At Champlain Resort Adult Campground, a camper shared, "Our camp spot had an amazing view of the lake which we didn't ask for specifically which made it even better."
What you should know
Limited connectivity at some locations: Cell service and WiFi availability vary throughout the region. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, campers noted there is "cable and we received 32 channels; albeit, they were not HG so the picture quality was not great."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. Burton Island State Park has a shorter season, operating "from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend," while Apple Island Resort extends slightly longer from "May 1 to Oct 20."
Ferry schedules and boat access: Some of the most unique camping experiences require water transport. "Knight Island is only accessible by private boat, though there are a few unregulated boat taxis that will agree to take the boat-less out there," explains one visitor to this remote location.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly programming: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. At Grand Isle State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned it was "a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs."
Swimming conditions: Rocky shorelines are common on Lake Champlain. One camper at Burton Island advised, "Just wear water shoes since it is mainly a rocky coast," which is important safety information for families with children.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature play areas. A visitor to Cumberland Bay State Park noted, "The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric. Even with a windy, cold, rainy day it is still beautiful."
Tips from RVers
Site hookup variations: RV campers should check specific hookup details before booking. At Champlain Resort Adult Campground, a camper noted, "The park has just a few big rig-friendly sites. 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."
Parking configurations: Apple Island Resort has unique site layouts that affect RV positioning. A visitor explained, "Most of the waterfront sites are nose-in and suited well for motorhomes. Sometimes they would park a towable next to them and if they backed in there would be a shared patio."
Dump station access: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Mooers Forks provide sanitary dump facilities, but access varies. Cumberland Bay State Park Campground offers a "pump station for RVs" that serves both the tent camping and RV areas of the campground.
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