Camping options near Westport, New York range from lakefront sites to mountain settings. The region sits between Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains at elevations from 100 to 4,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions. Water access camping sites have direct views of Vermont's Green Mountains across Lake Champlain, while inland sites connect to trail systems for hiking and mountain biking.
What to do
Hiking nearby mountains: At Mount Philo State Park Campground, trails connect to excellent viewpoints. One camper notes, "There are nice hikes and cool views of the area! Moderate cell service." The park offers both hiking and driving access to summit views of Lake Champlain.
Water activities on Lake Champlain: Button Bay State Park Campground provides easy lake access. "Easy access to the lake. Book early for the best sites," advises one camper. The park includes swimming areas, fishing spots, and boat rentals during summer months.
Chasm exploration: AuSable Chasm Campground offers unique geological features. A visitor mentioned, "Terrific location to hike the different trails of ausable chasm. Good sized site with electric and water. Shady but also had sun to dry our shoes from the raft tour." The chasm features hiking trails, rafting, and tubing experiences.
Winter recreation: Winter visitors can access snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails from several campgrounds. Some sites remain open year-round, particularly those with cabins or yurts for cold-weather camping.
What campers like
Privacy at select sites: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers secluded camping. As one camper describes, "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit." Sites are spaced out with trees providing natural separation.
Access to Burlington: North Beach Campground provides city proximity with nature. A visitor shares, "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." The campground connects to Burlington's bike path system.
Family-friendly amenities: Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks offers activities for children. "The kids loved the gem mining and train rides!! We enjoyed the water view and the staff was so nice to us!" reports one family. Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, pools, and organized activities.
Mountain views: Rogers Rock Campground provides scenic lake settings. A camper notes, "I was lucky to book a site (#68) on the water. Beautiful views and morning sun. There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline."
What you should know
Season variations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, though select sites offer year-round options. D.A.R. State Park typically opens Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day.
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites book quickly. At Button Bay State Park, a camper advises, "Book early for the best sites."
Shower facilities vary: Campground shower quality differs significantly. One camper at Draper's Acres reports, "The showers are a bit gross, but free." Meanwhile, at another campground: "Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. A visitor to Draper's Acres noted, "It was right off the highway and there was a lot of road noise. Also, the campground is literally in the middle of a neighborhood, which wasn't my favorite environment."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming options: Several campgrounds offer beach access with safe swimming areas. A visitor to Button Bay State Park explains, "This is a good campground for families that are not too rowdy. There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
Playground access: Shelburne Camping Area provides recreational facilities. A camper shares, "This site has great facilities and is close to Burlington which is really convenient." Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds, game areas, and organized activities.
Off-season discounts: Some campgrounds offer special rates during shoulder seasons. One visitor mentioned, "In October, you get a second night free!" This can make glamping in Westport, New York more affordable for families on a budget.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites away from main roads or facilities for quieter family camping. A visitor advises, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most RV-friendly campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, with some providing full hookups. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday features pull-through sites and full hookups.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in size and separation. One RVer noted, "We stayed in a full hook-up site that was plenty long enough for our 45' RV and tow car." Another camper mentioned their site was "wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may be challenging. A camper reported, "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."
Seasonal site limitations: For luxury camping or glamping in Westport, New York area, RV sites with full hookups typically close by mid-October. Plan accordingly if visiting during shoulder seasons.
