Best RV Parks & Resorts near Grand Isle, VT

This campground is a gem in the Lakes Region of Northern Vermont. It sits right on Lake Champlain and has the most amazing sunsets. It is a small adult only campground so it is pretty quiet which is exactly what we like. The campground is kind of off the beaten path but that makes for a nice, quiet place to stay. It is a no-frills campground in total contrast from the big “resort” campgrounds– no pool, no Wi-Fi, events, store, etc. 

The park has just a few big rig-friendly sites. About half the campers were seasons but their sites were very tidy and not cluttered up like many they are at other places we’ve stayed. The roads are narrow and dirt/gravel but the able to navigate if you go slow. The owners are extremely helpful and friendly and they really take pride in their campground. They lead you to your site so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. The campground doesn’t have a defined layout, instead, campsites are scattered about which is nice because there is more privacy. Some sites are right along the water with great views while others have partial. The grounds are amazing with lush grass that is kept mowed. Not a speck of trash anywhere in this park and all the dog owners were really good about picking up after their dogs. Apple trees provide nice shade. Bring your cash or checkbook as they don’t take credit cards. There is beach access but keep in mind it is rocky so it can be slippery walking in the water. The campground is located near a local ferry dock which does provide a bit of noise when the boat comes and goes. There is no cable or Wi-Fi. Our Verizon phone and hotspot worked fine and we used our portable satellite dish for television (you might be able to pick up Burlington stations using an over-the-air antenna). 

If you are looking for a quiet get-away in a beautiful part of Vermont, this would be a wonderful place to come. Just down the road is a nice local brewery and there are a few places to eat in South Hero. Definitely recommend going to Burlington which has nice shopping and restaurants. Grand Isle State Park is nearby and has some hiking trails and there is a great biking trail nearby.

We have a “big rig” 40’ 5th wheel with 4 slide outs. 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. Offered parking for our truck right across lane on separate site. Super nice owners! Went over COVID questions and after hour check-in instructions. We came in just after it got dark. Loved town of Shelburne. Awesome little shops and great, well stocked little local grocery store. Authentic Italian restaurant in grocery store parking lot...picked up delicious strombolis. Due to COVID, mostly call ahead/pick-up or drive thru for many things...incl. delicious coffee in town at Village Wine & Coffee and AWESOME cider donuts at Shelburne Orchards! Only a 20 min drive into downtown Burlington. Took narrated tour on Ethan Allen ferry on Lake Champlain. Shopped in artsy town. Extended our stay for TWO extra nights. Will def come back. Didn’t need to use, but noted that bathrooms were immaculately clean.

Wilmington Notch Campground is owned and operated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. There are approximately 50 sites available, all on level campground and within access of Both bathrooms and shower facilities. Fire pits and picnic tables available. About a mile down the road from the high falls gorge tourist destination and a quarter mile from the base of whiteface lodge ski resort. There is an accessible trail from the back of the campground to an amazing waterfall on the west branch of the Ausable River and plenty of spots to trout fish/swim. A mile down the road is flume falls trails, which leads to a great swimming hole and various height choice cliff jumping. This is a very clean and quiet campground, one of the best in the high peaks region for primitive camping

We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van and can easily fit in a regular size parking space. Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van. These sites were $13 more per night and we really did not need the hookups. We were finally able to convince the staff that we could take a standard tent site, which was more than big enough. 

The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn’t that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining. 

Bathrooms and shower rooms are individual rooms, but the doors are not labeled so it’s a game of “what’s behind door number 1?”  There was no light in the shower room that I looked at so a night shower would be out of the question. The bathrooms were clean and had soap, paper towels, a garbage receptacle, and a mirror in each. 

Lots of ant hills throughout the campground so be cautious where you set up a tent. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Large and nice-looking playground, pool, volleyball net, disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails. It also looked like there were cross country ski trails but not sure if the campground or cabins would be open in the winter. 

Biggest advantage is that Ausable Chasm(a separate business) is directly across the street from the campground and it is very close to the ferry that will take you to Burlington, VT, our next destination.

We just spent a full week at the North Pole Resorts the last week of May and through the Memorial Day Weekend. We are full-time travelers with a 40' Class A motorhome, flat tow a Jeep, have 2 kids (ages 8 & 13), and 2 English Bulldogs. We loved pulling in the week before the holiday weekend because there was hardly anyone else at the campground or in the area just yet. It does get packed over the holiday weekend, but was still very enjoyable and quiet at night. We were there right at the start of the season for them. ***Fair warning - Be sure to turn in by the North Pole Lodge Store and Mini Golf to register. We missed it and went past.*** We stayed in premium site 11 in the resort section and loved it. There was plenty of grassy room for the dogs to go out and we had a little cover over our picnic table. The kids enjoyed the arcade and playground being right there. We loved the store as it is one of the best we've seen yet & very well stocked. The location to area attractions was ideal as well. Lake Placid is maybe 20 minutes down the road and you can get groceries and have good restaurant choices too. Highly suggest the 45 minute drive to Ausable Chasm as well as the very short drive to the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge. Another favorite activity was pulling off the road to explore the hiking & fishing. Quarry Pool Pond was our fave! Would absolutely be back!

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! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.

The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!

Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.

Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!