Franklin, Vermont sits along Lake Carmi in the state's northeastern corner, just 5 miles south of the Canadian border. The area features primarily forested terrain at elevations around 500-800 feet, with multiple waterfront camping options on Lake Champlain and its tributaries. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer camping season typically runs from mid-May through early October.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Carmi offers protected waters for paddling with two boat launch areas. "There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat," notes a reviewer at Lake Carmi State Park Campground.
Biking the Missisquoi Rail Trail: Access this converted railway path from several campgrounds for a flat, scenic ride through rural Vermont. A camper at Grand Isle State Park Campground shares: "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."
Winter camping: For experienced cold-weather campers, several parks remain accessible in winter. A visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground reports: "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 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
Quieter post-Labor Day experience: Many campgrounds remain open into October with fewer crowds. "Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced," reports a Lake Carmi State Park visitor.
Access to local food: The Franklin area features small farm stands throughout the countryside. A camper at Campbells Bay Campground noted: "I love the little farm stands outside of peoples homes along the roads with fresh produce, lettuce and eggs."
Pet-friendly swim spots: Many campgrounds offer designated areas where dogs can enjoy the water. Burton Island State Park features a special canine swimming area as mentioned by a camper: "You can bring your dog - there's even an off-leash dog beach!"
What you should know
Limited cell service: Signal can be spotty throughout the region. One camper at Lake Carmi State Park noted: "The only 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."
Seasonal water quality concerns: Lake Carmi sometimes experiences algae issues in late summer. One visitor reported: "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water."
Off-grid camping options: For those seeking more remote experiences away from established campgrounds, Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape offers a simplified camping experience. A visitor described it as "Most quiet and peaceful place for camping. Such a great host. Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly campground amenities: When camping with pets near Franklin, multiple state parks offer pet-friendly facilities. At Grand Isle State Park, one camper mentioned: "We biked to this park from Burlington via the Island Line Trail. It was a super trip. The lakeside lean-to was awesome."
Playgrounds and kid-friendly swimming: Many campgrounds include play structures for kids. A Burton Island visitor reported: "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."
Nature programs: State parks often run educational activities for children during summer months. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," according to a Smugglers Notch State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Many campgrounds have size restrictions for larger rigs. A camper at Mill Pond noted: "We reserved online a month before as we were pulling a motorcycle behind our RV. Total distance of 38 feet. Site accommodated us nicely."
Limited hookups: Full-service sites can be scarce. At Maple Grove Campground, an RVer found "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."
Seasonal access: Many campgrounds close by mid-October. A visitor to Maple Grove Campground shared: "This is small but compact campground. It was just an overnight stay for us, so it worked for one night."
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