Camping near Grand Isle, Vermont offers several RV parks with water access and proximity to Lake Champlain. The seasonal window for most Grand Isle RV sites runs from early May to mid-October due to northern Vermont's cold winters. Cell coverage works well across the islands, though travelers should note bridge height restrictions when traveling with larger motorhomes between mainland Vermont and the Lake Champlain islands.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Champlain: At Alburg RV Resort, campers can access the boat ramp and dock area. "There is a boat ramp and docks onsite yet the docks aren't part of the resort. They do have an area you can store your boat and trailer," explains a visitor. The resort includes "a big long sandy beach" for swimming and shoreline activities.
Cycling routes: The flat terrain around Grand Isle makes it perfect for biking. When staying at Lone Pine Campsites in nearby Colchester, visitors can "drive our bikes to the lake bike path." One guest staying at Apple Island Resort commented the area is "a bicycler's heaven" and wished they had "brought my roadbike."
Explore local produce: The islands feature numerous farm stands and markets. A visitor to Alburg noted, "There was a farm stand on the main road we got the best lettuce, strawberries and cilantro." Another camper at Apple Island Resort recommended visiting "Arbor Farm Market down the road" and mentioned that "South Hero and Grand Isle have nice farmers markets with a good selection of items."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many Grand Isle RV parks provide generous site dimensions. At Lone Pine Campsites, "The sites were long and spacious" and "absolutely the biggest I've ever seen. The kids have a soccer field out in front of us to play in."
On-site recreation: RV parks in this region offer various amenities beyond standard camping. Apple Island Resort includes "a 9-hole par-3 golf course with putting green" and "a nice pool with plenty of chairs and umbrellas." The resort opens at 9am for "adult lap swims for an hour" which some guests "took advantage of daily."
Proximity to attractions: Grand Isle serves as a central location for exploring Vermont. From Smugglers Notch RV Village, guests appreciate being "very close to Smuggs and only a short but beautiful ride to Stowe." Another visitor noted it's "a hidden gem" that's "so close to Stowe and a lot to do."
What you should know
Site arrangement considerations: At Apple Island Resort, "the hook-ups at our site were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky'." Many waterfront sites are "nose-in and suited well for motorhomes."
Seasonal considerations: The camping season around Grand Isle typically runs May through October. Plattsburgh RV Park across the lake operates "May 1 to October 15" and Alburg RV Resort closes for winter. One camper at Lone Pine Campsites noted "weekdays in prime season are quiet, weekends are packed."
Ferry access: When planning trips to Burlington from Grand Isle, consider the ferry. A camper mentioned that from Plattsburgh RV Park, "the ferry to Burlington VT is also a very short distance away." This provides convenient access to urban amenities without relocating your RV.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Families appreciate dedicated swimming areas. At Iroquois Campground & RV Park, visitors enjoy a "beautiful pond" that creates a "peaceful environment great for families." Lone Pine Campsites offers "multiple pools" and is described as "super awesome" for children.
Playground access: Several RV parks feature play areas for children. One Lone Pine visitor appreciated having a site "right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road." They noted the playground was "large and very nice" and the campground also had "a basic mini golf course, a game room, and rental go-carts."
Beach activities: Families can enjoy shoreline fun at various locations. Alburg RV Resort features "a big playground which keeps the kids busy" and "a big long sandy beach." Another visitor mentioned the resort "has a lot to offer" including a pool that "was packed yet felt good."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accommodations: Shady Oaks Camping Resort is described as a "Great Place for Big Rigs" with "small but clean areas with electric at each site." While some RV parks like Alburg have sites that are "tighter than we like," others provide more space.
Hook-up configurations: Apple Island Resort sites have different arrangements for motorhomes versus towables. "Most campsites are in the open with a lack of shade or privacy. If you visit in the summer you may want to make sure your patio is on the shaded side."
Seasonal vs. overnight sites: Many RV parks in Grand Isle operate with a mix of seasonal and transient campers. At Apple Island Resort, "The front sections of the campground are where most of the transient RVs parked (and have the views of the lake) whereas the back section of the campground has a mix of transient RV sites and seasonal park models but no views." Shady Oaks similarly has "Mostly Seasonal area with some overnight spots. No tents allowed. But pet friendly."
