Best Campgrounds near Essex Junction, VT
Essex Junction, Vermont has several developed campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, primarily focused 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.
