Tent campsites near West Chazy, New York often require significant advance planning due to limited availability. Most island locations remain open from late May through early September, with shorter seasons than mainland options. Weather conditions can change rapidly on Lake Champlain, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooling significantly at night.
What to do
Hiking island trails: Burton Island State Park features a network of trails covering the entire 253-acre island, offering excellent opportunities for nature exploration. One camper described their experience: "We watched a sunset on the South tip, caught frogs at our shoreline, rented a paddleboard, played in the waves, and enjoyed the ice cream sandwiches from the camp store."
Fishing from shorelines: Valcour Island offers productive fishing opportunities directly from campsites. A visitor noted: "Excellent bass fishing and miles of hiking." The rocky shorelines provide natural fishing platforms with minimal equipment required.
Swimming in designated areas: Many tent campsites provide direct lake access for swimming. At Knight Island State Park, each campsite is waterside with "fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island." The eastern shorelines typically offer calmer water conditions than western exposures.
What campers like
Car-free environment: Burton Island's vehicle-free setting creates a unique camping atmosphere. A camper observed: "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans. It's super family friendly - maybe it's because there aren't cars all over the place, but the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast."
Sunrise viewing spots: Woods Island State Park offers excellent morning viewpoints. "Measuring one mile long and a quarter-mile wide, 125-acre Woods Island provides a unique habitat for a rich variety of plant life, including many species that are rare or threatened in Vermont," reported one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Waterfront site locations: Most tent campsites in this region place campers directly on the water. At Indian Brook Reservoir, the tent platforms are "spacious but not too private" while offering immediate water access. One camper mentioned, "Site was gorgeous and private, right on the reservoir. Really lovely setting!"
What you should know
Equipment transport limitations: Many island campsites require significant planning for gear transport. For Burton Island, "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."
Primitive facilities: Most tent camping near West Chazy involves basic amenities. On Woods Island, "Sanitary facilities are minimal, and there is no potable water supply. Each campsite does have a fire ring and a nearby composting toilet."
Reservation timelines: Advance planning is essential for securing sites. At Mount Philo State Park, availability can be limited: "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit." Another camper advised, "Not many sites so book early."
Tips for camping with families
Pack insect protection: Bugs can be intense during summer months. A Knight Island camper warned: "Beware: mosquitoes and black flies in the middle of the island can be nasty, sometimes better to take the perimeter route."
Consider food services: Some locations offer food options that reduce packing needs. At Burton Island, "There's a camping bistro where you can buy pancakes, coffee, local beer, and fine wines." Another visitor mentioned the "store that serves coffee and sandwiches (the coffee was decent!)."
Plan water activities: Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps offers river access for children to explore. "This prime location is very private. There is absolutely no one around as far as the eye can see in the area close to the river," noted a recent visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent campsites near West Chazy generally don't accommodate RVs, with most island locations strictly for tent camping. At Mount Philo, "the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs."
Winter opportunities: For off-season alternatives, some areas offer winter tent camping permits. "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp. There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island."
Consider mainland alternatives: When island camping isn't practical, look for mainland options with lake views. Poke-O-Moonshine offers an "Easy distance to Poko-moonshine mountain and several smaller mountains. Beautiful location. Removed from trafficked roads, very quiet."
