Tent camping near Morrisonville, New York offers access to both inland forest sites and water-based camping on Lake Champlain's islands. The region sits at elevations ranging from 95 feet at lake level to over 4,000 feet in the nearby High Peaks. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity near the lake, while spring and fall nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayak to remote islands: Lake Champlain features multiple islands with tent-only camping options. Knight Island State Park offers waterside campsites with "fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island" according to visitor Ruby L., who advises taking "the perimeter route" to avoid insects in summer.
Hike mountain trails: The region provides access to multiple peaks with varying difficulty levels. Poke-O-Moonshine offers "unbelievable" views according to camper Brian H., while Graham D. notes it's at an "easy distance to Poko-moonshine mountain and several smaller mountains" and provides "waterfront access to Long Pond."
Explore natural areas: The forests around Morrisonville contain diverse ecosystems with opportunities for wildlife viewing. At tent campsites near Indian Brook Reservoir, campers can access "an extensive trail system that is easy to navigate" with M.A.D. P. noting the reservoir "lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent camping locations offer well-spaced sites that provide solitude. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, Drew Q. recommends "Sites 1, 6 and 8" as "they're the most secluded and private," while mentioning that "Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."
Water access: Most popular camping areas provide direct lake access for swimming and boating. Erin B. describes Indian Brook Reservoir sites as "gorgeous and private, right on the reservoir," adding that "if you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over" to reach the walk-in sites.
Sunrise and sunset views: The east-west orientation of Lake Champlain creates spectacular dawn and dusk vistas. M.A.D. P. describes the remote sites at Woods Island State Park Campground as offering "a unique habitat for a rich variety of plant life" with campsites "situated around the two-mile shoreline," allowing visitors to "wake up to stunning sunrises and spectacular views of the Green Mountains."
What you should know
Transportation logistics: Many island campsites require boat transportation. At Burton Island State Park Campground, the Island Runner Ferry costs "$8 per person, with no extra charge for gear" but charges "$2 for bikes," according to Rita M., who adds "if you want to use the ferry, but still want a kayak or canoe at the island, you have to paddle it across separately."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. Woods Island State Park is a "remote area campground" where "sanitary facilities are minimal, and there is no potable water supply," though "each campsite does have a fire ring and a nearby composting toilet."
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity increases during warmer months. Knight Island has "mosquitoes and black flies in the middle of the island" that "can be nasty" during summer months, according to Ruby L.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some locations offer more family-friendly options. Burton Island State Park is "super family friendly" with Rita M. noting "the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast" partly because "there aren't cars all over the place."
Pack appropriately for walk-in sites: Many locations require carrying gear from parking areas. Erin B. advises families to "pack light" at Indian Brook Reservoir, where "it was a 15 minute hike to the site."
Consider seasonal timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular sites. Tara S. notes that at Burton Island, "waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance)," but suggests "if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Morrisonville have few or no RV accommodations. Tara S. notes that at Mount Philo State Park, "because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs" despite its proximity to Burlington.
Look for tent-only experiences: Many campsites in this region specifically cater to tent camping. At Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps, Samuel B. describes the location as "very private" with "absolutely no one around as far as the eye can see in the area close to the river," noting that "if you have a good 4x4 and some driving skills, you can reach the river with your car."
