Best Campgrounds near Charlotte, VT
Charlotte, Vermont sits along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, providing access to several notable camping destinations within a short drive. Mount Philo State Park Campground, located directly in Charlotte, offers a small but highly-rated camping experience with just 10 sites (7 tent sites and 3 lean-tos) and spectacular views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Within 30 minutes, campers can reach North Beach Campground in Burlington, Shelburne Camping Area, and Button Bay State Park in Vergennes. These established campgrounds accommodate various camping styles from tent camping to RVs, with many offering waterfront or water-view sites. The proximity to Lake Champlain creates opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing, while nearby hiking trails provide additional recreational options.
Most campgrounds in the Charlotte area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with state parks typically opening Memorial Day weekend and closing around Columbus Day weekend. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront sites which can book up to 11 months in advance. Mount Philo State Park, while centrally located, has limitations for larger vehicles due to its steep, winding access road. As one camper noted, "The best part is every night it's only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and Lake Champlain as the sun falls behind the Adirondack Mountains." Cell service varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering Wi-Fi access at central facilities. Weather can change quickly, with summer temperatures generally pleasant but occasional cool nights even in peak season.
Lake access represents a defining feature of camping in this region, with many campers highlighting waterfront views as a primary attraction. Grand Isle State Park, though slightly farther north, receives consistent praise for its lake setting and bike-friendly environment. According to one visitor, "You can bike directly from here all the way to Burlington without ever getting back in your car! Take the bike ferry across a small section of Lake Champlain and keep on riding." Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, with campgrounds like Apple Island Resort described as offering "quintessential Vermont in all its glory." Sites with shade are valued during summer months, while open meadow sites can provide stargazing opportunities. Many campgrounds are pet-friendly, though specific rules vary by location. Privacy between sites differs significantly across campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more secluded options than private facilities.
