Lake Carmi State Park sits at approximately 434 feet above sea level in northern Vermont, spanning 482 acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline. The camping area consists of two lakefront loops with 140 sites, including 35 lean-tos and 2 cabins, and can accommodate everything from tents to moderate-sized RVs. Water temperatures in the lake typically reach 70°F by late June, making it suitable for swimming through early September.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Smugglers Notch State Park offers multiple trail options for day hikers. "We are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes Ben C. The campground provides easy access to Mount Mansfield's trail system, Vermont's highest peak.
Paddling on Lake Champlain: Burton Island State Park Campground requires a boat or ferry to access, creating a unique paddling experience. "You can paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains Tara S., who adds that "It's a very short paddle and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes" if launching from nearby Kamp Killcare.
Winter camping opportunities: Some campgrounds in the region offer off-season access. Ed M. describes Smugglers Notch as an "Incredible winter spot! Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed."
What campers like
Private campsites: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites that provide privacy. "Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," reports Jess O.
Lakefront views: Sites at Lake Carmi provide filtered lake views. "Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site," writes Lee D., adding that "Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees" and "Most sites don't have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt."
Absence of vehicles: Grand Isle State Park Campground offers a traditional camping experience with modern conveniences. According to Mackenzie B., "We camped here and loved it so much we convinced our family to camp here the following summer! We will absolutely be back again! We love its location! It's secluded, gorgeous, close to great biking, and close to Burlington!"
What you should know
Water conditions: Lake Carmi occasionally experiences water quality issues. "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water," notes Melissa L., who adds that "the beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix."
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds have restricted service. Jessi C. mentions that Lake Carmi has a "major drawback is lack of cell service & power... you can fill up the camper with water on the way in but no sites have any hookups."
Off-grid camping options: Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven provides a more rustic experience with limited amenities. Evan M. describes it as the "Most quiet and peaceful place for camping. Such a great host. Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night. Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Water access varies by campground. At Lake Carmi, Lee D. reports "Although swimming is allowed, the 'beaches' are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming. There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop."
Playground equipment: Several campgrounds offer play structures for children. Lee D. observed that "The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net" at Lake Carmi.
Kid-friendly island camping: Burton Island State Park Campground is particularly suitable for families. Tara S. points out 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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Maple Grove Campground offers full-service sites. Tara N. notes "The spaces are nice sized with full hookups on most. All the lots are beautifully landscaped. The laundry room is near most sites."
Site leveling: Some RV sites require leveling. Lee D. describes Maple Grove: "RV sites are arranged around an oval. Pads are gravel. Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly."
RV size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Regarding Lake Carmi, Jessi C. mentions "there are few [sites] that are big enough for large RVs," indicating that advance planning is essential for RV campers.
