Cumberland Bay State Park Campground sits on Lake Champlain, 20 miles north of West Chazy. The park features a sandy beach with mountain views and provides access to paddling opportunities on the lake. Camping options include tent sites with grassy areas under shade trees and RV sites with various hookup configurations.
What to do
Kayaking at Cumberland Bay: Explore Lake Champlain's waters from Cumberland Bay State Park Campground. "Kayaking is probably one of my favorite things to do, and the lake is perfect for this. The park itself is located on Lake Champlain. In the distance you can see the beautiful mountains, Adirondacks and other gorgeous views," notes Kari M.
Hiking trails: Access nearby trails within short driving distance of AuSable Chasm Campground. "Upon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like. It was cozy and tucked into the woods with town only being a few miles away," reports Levi M.
Ferry ride to island camping: Experience car-free island camping via passenger ferry to Burton Island State Park Campground. "This is one of my favorite places to camp because it's on an island and just getting there is part of the experience. After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it," shares Michael L.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cumberland Bay State Park maintains high standards. "The bathrooms by the beach were clean (you don't see that everywhere, especially at a place with a high usage). The sites were large and grassy, and the beach parking is separate from the camping which is great when you have a family with kids," according to Meag F.
Nature immersion: The forested surroundings at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday provide natural settings. "We reserved a full hook up 50a pull through for 3 nights as we toured the northeast. Water pressure was good, road noise was minimal, sites are spaced apart well, enough mature tree growth for shade and hammock," writes Kristine B.
Swimming options: Multiple water access points offer swimming throughout the region. "The south tip of the island gets more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming. The northern part has shale beaches, and a few areas of mucky/pebbly beaches," describes Rita M. about Burton Island.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads at some campgrounds require careful driving. "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," notes Lee D. about AuSable Chasm Campground.
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for popular spots. "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but 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, which are secluded and waterfront," advises Rita M. regarding Burton Island.
Noise factors: Consider location when selecting sites at Shelburne Camping Area. "The only downside is that the campsites are pretty small and close together so noise can be an issue (it was for us because our neighbors stayed up talking late into the night). Also, the site is close to the highway which is convenient but it also means you hear the traffic all night," explains Eli C.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly beaches: Look for swimming areas with amenities. "This is a great place for the family. The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric. Even with a windy, cold, rainy day it is still beautiful. But when it is sunny out it is great," recommends Sheri C. about Cumberland Bay.
Adventure activities: Plan outings to local attractions. "They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course. They have a small store and rec room for kids. This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more," shares Susan S. about AuSable Chasm Campground.
Biking opportunities: Bring bikes to explore nearby trails. "Bring your bikes! you're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls," suggests Mackenzie B. about North Beach Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on shade and space needs. "There are two distinct sections of this campground– the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section. We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area as opposed to the other. This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area," advises Nancy W. about the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA.
Hookup verification: Test connections before setting up at Iroquois Campground & RV Park. "Nice campground near Plattsburgh. Sites somewhat small and tight but there are some larger sites. Staff very friendly, under new ownership, lots of seasonal sites and folks, fun activities, campers friendly and welcoming, roadway a little rough but overall ok," reports Rick G.
Transit accessibility: Consider proximity to area attractions when glamping in West Chazy, New York. "We stayed on Burton Island in a camper site for two nights. You can swim anywhere you can find, and walk down their well-maintained trails. Only negatives: a lottttt of bugs/mosquitoes, and not the best bathrooms," notes Heather B.
