Lake Champlain defines camping near Grand Isle, Vermont with 176 miles of shoreline and water temperatures reaching 70°F in summer. The island region offers unique camping options on both the mainland and islands, with boat-in sites requiring water access. Many campgrounds operate seasonally with limited reservations available during winter months.
What to do
Swimming access: Grand Isle State Park Campground features a swim beach area, though campers should note the terrain. "The beach areas are rocky rather than sandy, with campers recommending water shoes for comfort," according to one visitor.
Boat rentals: At Burton Island State Park Campground, paddlers can explore the lake using rental equipment. "We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe. We rented a canoe from the campground and paddled over to Wood Island," writes Michael L.
Lake Champlain Cycling: The island region connects to extensive bike paths. One North Beach camper shares, "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain."
Island exploration: Knight Island offers remote camping and hiking opportunities. "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," notes a visitor.
What campers like
Private island camping: Champlain Resort Adult Campground offers a quieter environment for those seeking a peaceful lake experience. "It is child free which means it is super quiet and so relaxed. We spent about 11 days in absolute paradise at this campground," according to Anthony I.
Private beach access: Many campgrounds offer their own water access points. A visitor to Apple Island Resort notes, "We spent a lot of time down at the beach with our dog. I would just suggest wearing shoes into the water as the rocks are very slippery on bare feet!"
Camper-friendly amenities: Modern conveniences make lake camping more comfortable. "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water! Staff was also super friendly and they sell ice and firewood right on the property!" shares Tucker B.
Local food options: The region offers easy access to local agriculture. Susan & Kevin W. recommend, "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. Study the sites carefully because our 'premium view site' looked into a boulder."
What you should know
Ferry service required: Burton Island State Park Campground is only accessible by boat. "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains Tara S.
Seasonal restrictions: Winter camping has limited options. Knight Island offers winter permits: "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp," notes one visitor.
Crowding concerns: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites."
Bug protection: Be prepared for insects, especially in forested areas. A Knight Island camper warns, "Beware: mosquitoes and black flies in the middle of the island can be nasty, sometimes better to take the perimeter route."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: North Beach Campground offers family-friendly amenities near Burlington. "This has been one of our favorite campsites so far. We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups," shares Laura L.
Child-free options: Some campgrounds cater specifically to adults seeking quiet. Champlain Resort Adult Campground provides "absolute paradise" according to one reviewer who appreciated the absence of children.
Beach considerations: Rocky shorelines may require footwear. One camper at Grand Isle State Park noted, "What a lovely state park! We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional."
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational activities. Burton Island visitors mention "a day area with a beach as well as many places around the island to swim. Just wear water shoes since it is mainly a rocky coast."
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: At Apple Island Resort, RVers should note the site orientation. "One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper. This is because a lot of class A prefer this way," explains Ron H.
Premium view sites: Views vary significantly between sites. "The sites with the best views are the Platinum Plus which are also the most expensive. Some Platinum Plus sites are in the first row with unobstructed views; whereas, our site was three rows back," notes Nancy W.
Water hookups: Many campgrounds offer water access points rather than direct connections. At Ausable Point Campground, one visitor reported, "Our site 87 was large, on the river and shaded. Not too far from the bathrooms and had a water spigot close enough to hook up to fill our water tank."
Site drainage: Heavy rain is common in the region. A Grand Isle camper reports, "The site drained well and was plenty big enough for our tent and needs."
