Camping options near West Chazy place visitors within 20 miles of Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest lake in America with 587 miles of shoreline. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging between 65-80°F, creating ideal conditions for water-based activities from June through September when most campgrounds remain open.
What to do
Kayaking from waterfront sites: At Knight Island State Park Campground, access requires a boat but rewards with complete waterfront camping. "Not for the faint of heart, 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 Ruby L. Winter camping is also permitted with advance arrangements.
Cycling to Burlington: The region offers extensive bike trails, particularly connecting to urban areas. The North Beach Campground provides direct bike path access into downtown Burlington. "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. North Beach serves as an excellent base for cyclists participating in events like "the Vermont City Marathon" according to Jess O.
Vineyard and brewery visits: Multiple campgrounds position visitors near local beverage producers. "Brewery and vineyards close by for the so inclined," notes Charlie G. about Apple Island Resort. Another camper elaborates: "Should have brought my roadbike, this is a bicyclers heaven. Breweries near by for the so inclined."
What campers like
Private access to Lake Champlain: The Champlain Resort Adult Campground offers adults-only camping with lakefront access. "Lake is good to swim in just a little slippery. Rented bikes from a farm down the road that the owner told us about," reports Sebastian D. The atmosphere receives consistent praise: "The one owner we did meet was very pleasant and told us all about the local events within the area and where to go for groceries/dining."
Sunrise and sunset viewing spots: Waterfront sites throughout the region provide exceptional sky watching opportunities. At Apple Island Resort, the layout maximizes views. "Study the sites carefully because our 'premium view site' looked into a boulder. If you squinted and closed one eye you could a piece of the lake out of one sliver of our windshield," advises Susan & Kevin W. The resort offers "amazing views of Lake Champlain" according to Ronald C.
Car-free camping environments: Several island campgrounds prohibit vehicles, creating a distinctive camping experience. "No cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains Tara S. about Burton Island. The absence of vehicles creates "a car free paradise that requires a boat or ferry to get to but yield the rewards of peace, nature, and gorgeous shoreline."
What you should know
Tent restrictions at certain campgrounds: Not all campgrounds accommodate tent campers. Shady Oaks Camping Resort has specific limitations as Michelle D. notes: "No tents allowed. But pet friendly. Small but clean areas with electric at each site." The campground primarily serves RVs with mostly seasonal sites and limited overnight availability.
High reservation demand for premium sites: Waterfront sites book extremely far in advance, especially on islands. "Waterfront sites at Burton Island book very quickly (like 11 months in advance)," advises Tara S. Similar demand exists throughout the region's water-adjacent campgrounds, particularly during holiday periods.
Campground accessibility challenges: Island campgrounds require special transportation arrangements. At Burton Island State Park Campground, "Getting to the island was the hardest part. Depending on the weather, the 3/4 mile crossing from Kamp KilKare State Park can be rough and windy," reports Rita M. The Island Runner Ferry costs "$8 per person, with no extra charge for gear. They do charge $2 for bikes."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate only from May through October with some closing after Labor Day. "The campground is open from Memorial Day Weekend through the Tuesday morning after Labor Day," notes Rita M. about Burton Island State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Find coin-operated shower facilities: Several campgrounds offer pay showers that help conserve water. At Grand Isle State Park, "Showers are coin operated, $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" according to Tucker B. This helps manage shower lines during busy periods while ensuring hot water availability.
Consider alternatives to tent camping: For families seeking more shelter, Grand Isle State Park Campground offers structures that provide extra protection from weather. "We had a lean-to site that was just far enough from the bathroom that it felt far. I found the site to be well maintained and for the rangers to be kind and help," reports Ashley J. Another camper adds: "We spent 4 nights in a 'prime' lean-to at this location on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain."
Pack water shoes for rocky shorelines: Many Lake Champlain beaches feature rock rather than sand. "It is a rocky coast. Just wear water shoes since it is mainly a rocky coast," advises Doris B. about Burton Island. Similar warnings appear for other shoreline campgrounds where "the rocks are very slippery on bare feet!"
Tips from RVers
Understand hookup positioning: At Apple Island Resort, the utility connections require specific parking orientations. "One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper. This is because a lot of class A prefer this way, not sure," explains Ron H. This differs from the more common back-in setup at many other campgrounds.
Check elevation of sewer connections: Some campgrounds have drainage challenges with their sewer hookups. "The hook-ups at our site were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky,'" reports Nancy W. about Apple Island Resort.
Request garbage collection details: Policies vary regarding trash disposal. "They have garbage pickup at your site which is not our preference. We prefer to take it out after dinner because we don't like smelly garbage in our coach all night but they said we could not access the dumpsters," notes Nancy W.
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