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Camping near Essex Junction, Vermont ranges from developed campgrounds with full hookups to primitive tent platforms, with several options within a 30-minute drive along Lake Champlain's eastern shore. North Beach Campground in Burlington provides tent, RV, and cabin sites with beach access, while Lone Pine Campsites in Colchester features full hookups and amenities for both tent and RV camping. The Lake Champlain region offers a mix of state parks and private campgrounds, with options ranging from primitive tent platforms at Indian Brook Reservoir to glamping accommodations at Smugglers Notch State Park, approximately 25 miles east of Essex Junction.
Camping season in this region typically runs from May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly at waterfront locations like North Beach and Malletts Bay. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with several offering full RV services including sewer connections and dump stations. Access roads are generally well-maintained, though some state park camping areas have limitations for larger RVs. According to one visitor at Indian Brook Reservoir, "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Lake Champlain dominates the camping experience in this area, with numerous sites offering water views or direct lake access. Campgrounds near Burlington provide convenience to urban amenities while maintaining natural settings. "Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake," noted one North Beach camper, highlighting the integration of outdoor recreation with camping accommodations. Site privacy varies considerably across the region, with more secluded options available at state parks compared to the closer spacing at commercial campgrounds. Facilities range from basic (vault toilets and water spigots) to comprehensive (showers, laundry, and camp stores), with pricing generally reflecting amenity levels and proximity to water.
"We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
from $37 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
"Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."
"Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."
from $6 - $28 / night
Check Availability"We had one right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road. And speaking of playground, it was large and very nice."
"Our boys had fun riding their bikes around, playing basketball, and playing a round of mini golf."
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability"I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"
"They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly."
"Brewery and vineyards close by"
from $55 - $105 / night
Check Availability"the best part is every night its 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"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"This is a smaller campground tucked away in the bayside of Colchester."
"Right on the water, a nice breeze coming off of the lake, close to everything downtown, but still felt like we weren’t on top of our neighbors. Run by some great people! Highly recommend!"
"This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"
"Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors."
ScoutMy brother and I hadn’t camped together since we were teenagers. Decided to bring the tents out again and see if we still knew what we were doing. Setup took longer than either of us would admit, but we had a blast.
ScoutWe spent one afternoon doing absolutely nothing except sitting near the beach with snacks and a couple of books. No sightseeing and no schedule. It ended up being my favorite afternoon of the entire trip.
ScoutKings Bay is a great, quiet little campground. The staff is very helpful and understanding. This is our shakedown trip before we head south, we have been here a month after purchasing our new fifth wheel. When we pulled in, it was pouring rain and Steve from the front office came out to help and offered the clubhouse to our kids while we set up. He put a movie on for them and let them sit in the lounge. The only reason I give it 4 stars and not 5 is there is no playground for the kids, plenty of open spaces and a lot of kids running around!
ScoutAusable Pines was our first stop on a much longer RV trip, so there was a lot of excitement when we pulled in. We got connected, opened a bottle of wine, pulled out the map and started talking about everywhere we were headed next. Great way to start the trip.
ScoutKings Bay made a great stopping point during our trip through northern New York. We were able to shower, get everything connected, catch up on a few things using the Wi-Fi, and recharge before the next part of our drive. Very convenient setup for RV travelers.
ScoutMy parents joined us and the kids for this trip, which meant five people sharing a camper and somehow still getting along by the end of it. The grandparents took mornings slow while the kids were ready to go almost immediately. Everyone eventually met back at the campsite for meals. It was a different kind of family vacation for us and one we’ll probably remember much longer than another hotel trip.
ScoutWe had one day where the weather didn’t cooperate with our outdoor plans, so we ended up spending some time in the recreation hall. It actually turned into a really fun afternoon of games and hanging out together. Nice having somewhere to go without needing to pack everyone into the car.
GuideSimply said, if you like a well maintained place with a swim beach, floating dock, grass galore, space to stretch out, and more, this is the place. It’s beautiful. As a bonus, it’s cost effective over other RV parks. If you want free, nope. If you want wild open spaces, nope. You a great lush big clean park that feels like your Owen estate, then come check this place out. We will be back.
ScoutWe wanted to visit Lake Placid but preferred bringing our RV instead of booking a hotel for the whole trip. We spent a full day around Lake Placid and the surrounding area, then drove back to Ausable Pines that evening. I liked having some separation between the busy sightseeing part of the day and where we were staying. The next morning we took our time making breakfast before heading out again. It gave the trip a nice balance between exploring and camping.
Camping spots near Essex Junction, Vermont offer both secluded forest sites and waterfront locations at elevations ranging from 95 to 2,800 feet. The region experiences summer daytime temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F with cooler evenings dropping to 50-60°F. Fall camping season brings vibrant foliage from mid-September through mid-October, with most primitive sites lacking electrical hookups and requiring reservation at least 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends.
Kayak and paddleboard access: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for paddlers. At Grand Isle State Park Campground, "There is lake access for kayaking, sailing, swimming and fishing" according to Patricia E., making it ideal for water activities. The park also features a boat launch for easy equipment entry.
Explore local hiking trails: The region offers varied hiking options beyond the developed recreation areas. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides "easy access to the whole mt. Mansfield and Stowe area" as Matthew H. notes, with multiple access points to Vermont's highest peak trail system.
Biking opportunities: The area features extensive biking infrastructure connecting multiple recreation zones. John L. highlights that Grand Isle State Park provides "great biking" access, mentioning they "biked to this park from Burlington via the Island Line Trail. It was a super trip." Many campgrounds connect to regional cycling networks.
Historical exploration: Some parks contain historical sites with remnants of past settlements. At Little River State Park, visitors can discover "old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover" according to Rita M., providing educational opportunities beyond typical outdoor recreation.
Swimming beaches: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming beaches with varying amenities. Ausable Point Campground includes a "public beach in campground [that] is beautiful" according to kimberly R., while Hollie G. notes that Lone Pine Campsites has a "nice pool" though "no lake access" directly from the campground.
Community events: Several campgrounds organize activities for guests throughout the season. At Apple Island Resort, "The large clubhouse hosts a variety of events like bingo, ice cream socials, dinners, etc." as Nancy W. describes, creating social opportunities for campers.
Site spacing and privacy: Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds. Ben C. appreciates that Smugglers Notch State Park offers "private camp sites and a beautiful area" and notes the "staff was helpful and very good about controlling excessive noise from other sites," making it ideal for those seeking quieter experiences.
Proximity to towns: Most campgrounds provide access to nearby communities. Laura L. found North Beach Campground to be the "Perfect location to explore Burlington and Lake Champlain" noting they "loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups."
Reservation timing: Competitive booking windows exist for the most popular sites. Ben C. advises to "Reserve early, as [Smugglers Notch] doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" This applies throughout the region, especially for waterfront locations.
Shower facilities: Shower systems vary across campgrounds with many requiring coins. At Grand Isle, "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" according to Tucker B., while Mount Philo offers "Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc." as Drew Q. explains.
Seasonal camping options: The camping season generally runs May through October with limited winter access. Ed M. shares that Mount Philo State Park Campground offers free off-season use: "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."
Weather preparedness: Despite summer warmth, evening temperatures can drop significantly. Patricia E. recommends visitors to Grand Isle "Brush up on your French so you can converse with the many Canadian visitors" while enjoying the campground's amenities.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Erin S. found that Lone Pine Campsites had sites "right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road" and noted the playground was "large and very nice," making it convenient for parents monitoring children.
Beach suitability: Not all beaches are equally suited for young children. Melissa L. cautions about Grand Isle having a "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in" and being "a bit of a walk to the water," factors that influenced their decision to look elsewhere despite an otherwise pleasant stay.
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide nature programs specifically designed for younger visitors. Grand Isle features "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs" according to Jessica G., who found it to be a "lovely state park" with a "huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults."
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds with easy access to regional attractions simplify family logistics. At Shelburne Camping Area, Mackenzie B. notes it's "very close to museums, the town, and farm areas," providing convenient access to rainy-day activities when outdoor plans need adjustment.
Electrical service reliability: Electrical service quality can vary between campgrounds. One RVer at Shelburne Camping Area encountered electrical issues where testing equipment "showed 25 amp coming out of it" instead of the expected 30 amps, highlighting the importance of having proper testing equipment.
Site orientation considerations: Site layout affects hookup accessibility and views. Nancy W. observed at Apple Island Resort that "Most of the waterfront sites are nose-in and suited well for motorhomes" and that "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.'"
Multi-night discounts: Extended stays often qualify for reduced rates. C O. recommends to "Check out their weekly rate, that cut our cost down. I think the daily rate is in the $40s" at Shelburne Camping Area, where they found the campground's "website does a great job explaining how close they are to all the area attractions."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is overnight camping allowed in public areas around Essex Junction?
Overnight camping is generally not permitted in public areas around Essex Junction, including parks, streets, and municipal properties. Instead, visitors should use established campgrounds. North Beach Campground in nearby Burlington offers a convenient alternative with reasonable prices and large sites, plus easy access to the city via bike paths. For a more secluded experience, Art and Health Chill Camping provides private land camping options including cabins, hives, or open locations for RV and tent camping. Always check with the Essex Junction Parks and Recreation Department for the most current regulations, as rules regarding overnight parking and camping in public spaces may change.
Where are the closest campgrounds to Essex Junction, VT?
Essex Junction offers several excellent camping options nearby. Mountain View Campground is one of the closest, located along the Lamoille River with tent sites directly on the water, two pools, and a well-stocked camp store. For those seeking a premium experience, Apple Island Resort provides upscale amenities just a short drive away. Other nearby options include North Beach Campground in Burlington (about 10 miles west), offering lakefront access and bike path connections, and Mallets Bay Campground in Colchester with full hookups for RVs. Grand Isle State Park and Little River State Park are also within 30-45 minutes, providing scenic state park camping experiences with water access.
What camping is available near Essex Junction, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Essex Junction, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 185 campgrounds and RV parks near Essex Junction, VT and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Essex Junction, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Essex Junction, VT is North Beach Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Essex Junction, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Essex Junction, VT.
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