1 campground with availability next weekend
North Beach Campground and Camp Skyland offer top-rated glamping near Essex Junction, with waterfront canvas accommodations, electricity, comfortable bedding, and private outdoor spaces along Lake Champlain. Both locations offer glamping options among their accommodation types, giving visitors luxurious alternatives to traditional camping. The sites include electricity, comfortable bedding, and private outdoor spaces, elevating the camping experience with resort-style comforts. "This is one of the most beautiful and scenic areas in the world," noted one guest about North Beach, highlighting the panoramic mountain views across Lake Champlain. Shelburne Camping Area and Button Bay State Park Campground also feature glamping options with full hookups, providing a perfect balance of outdoor immersion with indoor comforts like climate control, cooking facilities, and stylish furnishings.
Lake Champlain serves as the backdrop for exceptional glamping experiences, with waterfront safari tents and geodesic domes positioned to maximize scenic views. Visitors can access the Burlington bike path directly from North Beach Campground for easy exploration of the city, while still enjoying glamping amenities. According to a camper, "Right on the Burlington bike path and across the beach, there is plenty to do and easy access to town and other attractions." Seasonal availability varies by location, with most glamping accommodations available from May through October. Several sites offer guided experiences including stargazing, beach access with lifeguards, and connections to local dining and cultural attractions. The proximity to Burlington's downtown area (about 1.5 miles from North Beach) makes these glamping campsites particularly appealing for those wanting both wilderness and urban experiences.
"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."
"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."
from $37 - $100 / night
"We were near the pool (didn't feel warm, so we didn't partake) and office."
"Called them same day from Capital Region Welcome Ctr in NY, about 3 hrs away (below Albany). They had a full hook up, pull-thru corner space for us."
"This campground just outside of Stowe on the way to the drive up and through Smugglers Notch."
"This year we stayed in Hemlock, and it was so secluded and quiet. The whole place has a real wilderness feel, but it is very close to lots of hiking and the attractions in Stowe."
from $20 / night
"We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp on Site 5. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit."
"It was amazing - the site is so secluded, wooded, and had a lot of forest for the kids to explore."
from $19 - $28 / night
"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."
"Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!"
from $23 / night
"Upon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like."
"I didn’t know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground. Showers were clean, staff was very friendly."
"My family of 4 tent camped at Camp Skyland in June ‘24 on a waterfront spot showcasing gorgeous Lake Champlain with a mountain backdrop - chef’s kiss!"
"Great tent / RV / cabin site on an island in Lake Champlain. Tent area is a large field with cabins on the rock bluffs and RV row along the road. Staff was very friendly and accommodating."
from $24 - $35 / night
"Site Quality: 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."
"The laundry room is near most sites. The campground is in the perfect location to visit Lake Champlain. There is so much to do in the area."
from $25 - $40 / night
"I've been exploring Vermont State Parks since before I could walk, and Burton Island State Park is my all time favorite!"
"The island convenience store has awesome breakfast! You can swim anywhere you can find, and walk down their well-maintained trails."
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
"There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
GuideCar camped on Sunday of Columbus Day weekend in October. This was their closing weekend and lots of spaces were available. Stayed in tent circle loop and it was almost empty. Great access to lake shore and bike path. Walked back toward marina and town in the evening and ran in the morning the other direction going out to Rock Point. Didn’t use the shower facilities. The bathroom near our loop only had sinks and toilets and was fine.
GuideStayed here to be able to do the bike trail. Was warned to keep the bikes locked up. The sites are very close together. The picnic tables and fire pits(tire rims) are moveable. Our picnic table was in rough shape and broken.
The bathrooms have keypads on them but on our last morning there was a guy in the bathroom with his pants on the floor sitting in a shower chair for a couple of hours. The bathrooms also have spiders all throughout them. The water pressure was high and the showers were hot.
GuideIt’s a nice relatively small campground in a pretty setting. Sites are fairly close, and there’s definitely some longer tempura residents, but it’s well kept and seems like a nice place to stay.
ScoutThis was our first trip away from home. The campgrounds are clean with beautiful views.
GuideOriginally we reserved mountain view. It waa getting ready to rain...alot for 1 - 1/2 days. The mountain views didn't have gravel, but hard dirt. However beautiful shady areas (we drove thru the another day to check it out) looked nice, but it's hard to imagine on the side of hills to level 🤷🏼♀️
We really like the riverside view..it's across the street & about 300' down the street.
But is a great location for places to go & things to see. A few Miles from Whiteface mtn & about 15 min to downtown Lake Placid.
ScoutLove it here, great for swimming, kayaking and camping with your family
TravelerJust stayed at Drapers Acres for the Iron Man in Lake Placid. We stayed in a cabin and daughter and her husband stayed in their rig in an RV site. They clearly state that they are not a camping resort, but a base camp for the area adventures. Rest rooms were clean and had plenty of hot water. Staff was friendly and welcoming! Great playground for the kids to play on and plenty of privacy. Cabin was basic - had fan, heat, mini-fridge and microwave. If visiting the area again, I would not hesitate to stay there again! The RV site was large with plenty of space for their 40 foot rig and jeep. Use AT&T towers and had the ability to use phone as a hotspot.
ScoutI've stayed on and off for 20 years, love the atmosphere, hospitality, pools, water slides. Laundry room and clean showers.
ScoutWe have stayed here a few times. It’s always clean and quiet. Pool is nice but very family (kid) oriented. Love the trails to the water from both camp loops. Great place to stay with a kayak or paddle board!
Lake Champlain serves as the backdrop for seasonal camping near Essex Junction, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 95 to 115 feet at most shoreline campgrounds. The region experiences humid continental climate with average summer temperatures between 65-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. Most campgrounds within 20 miles of Essex Junction offer access to the 363-mile Lake Champlain shoreline with both sandy and rocky beach areas depending on location.
Hiking nearby trails: At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, campers can access multiple trail systems. "You 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 park connects directly to Mount Mansfield trails, Vermont's highest peak.
Water activities: The reservoir at Little River State Park Campground offers multiple water recreation options. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat," says Hannah H. The park maintains a boat launch and small beaches for swimming access.
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds feature remnants of early settlements. Little River State Park has hiking trails with historical significance. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," explains Rita M. These ruins date back to early Vermont farming communities abandoned in the early 1900s.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate well-spaced sites at Mount Philo State Park Campground. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit," reports Kaelin P. The park's limited capacity means less crowding even during peak season.
Waterfront access: At Burton Island State Park Campground, campers enjoy shoreline proximity. "While we didn't technically have shore line access, there was a short path through the woods that led to a rocky shoreline where we left our canoe and kayak," explains Rita M. Water access points are within 300 feet of most campsites.
Off-season opportunities: Winter camping options exist for adventurous visitors seeking yurt camping near Essex Junction, Vermont. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve," explains Ed M. about Smugglers Notch. "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste."
Reservation timing: Popular waterfront sites book quickly. At Burton Island, "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance)." The Vermont State Parks reservation system opens for the season on the first business day after January 1st each year.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at Camp Skyland and other lakeside locations. "Mosquitos were intense here, so bring spray & plan accordingly! Our screened-in tent room saved us from being eaten up," advises Whitney W. Bug activity peaks from June through August.
Yurt camping options: While traditional yurt camping in Essex Junction itself is limited, several campgrounds offer similar canvas structure accommodations. Whitney W. notes, "The owner (family owned and operated across generations) took my booking via phone" for alternative glamping accommodations at Camp Skyland.
Weather variability: Lake Champlain creates unpredictable weather patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Essex Junction, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Essex Junction, VT is North Beach Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Essex Junction, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 glamping camping locations near Essex Junction, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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