Lake Champlain's islands near Grand Isle, Vermont offer a variety of tent camping experiences, with several state parks providing boat-in and walk-in tent sites. Burton Island State Park Campground features 14 tent sites and is accessible only by boat or ferry from St. Albans Town, operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Knight Island and Woods Island State Parks also provide primitive tent camping on Lake Champlain, with both requiring boat access and offering a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience.
Most tent campgrounds in the Grand Isle area require advance planning for access. Burton Island can be reached via the Island Runner Ferry for $8 per person or by private boat from Kamp KilKare State Park. According to one visitor, "You can paddle out to Burton Island on your own from Kamp Killcare State Park, where you'll leave your car. It's a very short paddle and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes." Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with composting toilets shared between nearby campsites. Woods Island features five primitive tent campsites situated around its two-mile shoreline, connected by a trail system that requires carrying gear from wherever campers come ashore.
Areas farther from the mainland offer deeper seclusion and less noise. The island tent sites provide a unique camping experience with no vehicle access, creating a quieter atmosphere. A recent review noted, "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. There are no cars on the island." Indian Brook Reservoir offers an alternative to the island camping experience with several tent platforms accessible by foot or boat, though these sites offer less privacy than the island locations. Most tent campgrounds in the region have limited amenities, with drinking water available at some locations but not all. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for swimming, paddling, and wildlife viewing, with several reviewers mentioning moose sightings at nearby Green River Reservoir.
"Spacious sites with fire rings. Shade is limited at certain times of the day. Nice hiking trails nearbye."
"When we booked our Labor Day weekend tent site back in March, there were only 2 leantos (out of 26) left and a handful of tent sites (out of 14)."
"There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing. Deer, .turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island"
"It doesn't host a ton of amenities other than outdoor toilets, but it doesn't need to because every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic"
"Just a truly beautiful place ♡ One of Lake Champlains BEST hidden gems!"
"One of three neighboring island parks in Lake Champlain’s “inland sea”(along with Burton Island and Knight Island), Woods Island became Vermont's forty-fifth state park in 1985."
"There is an extensive trail system that is easy to navigate. Nestled in the woods are several tent platforms that you can access by foot or by boat. They are spacious but not too private."
"I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
from $21 - $36 / night
"This prime location is very private. There is absolutely no one around as far as the eye can see in the area close to the river. "
"Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy, and the tent site had a great area to setup the tent.
Facilities were accessible and clean.""Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while. Will definitely go back this year."
"Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night. We will definitely recommend it to others and we will be back again."
"The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private. The host, Dianne, was really friendly. Many amenities such as wood, water and outhouse nearby. Very nice experience."
from $35 - $45 / 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."
"There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks or the Green Mountains. The facility is small, but adequate."
from $23 / night
ScoutFirst trip with our new RV and we were a little nervous about getting everything set up. Having full hookups made it way less complicated than we expected. Once we were settled, we just enjoyed the area and took a few day trips. Would definatly come back for another Adirondack trip.
ScoutWe came up for a quick Adirondack getaway and ended up spending most of our time outside. A little disc golf, some time by the pool, dinner at the site and plenty of walks with the dog. Pretty much everything we wanted out of the trip.
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
GuideWe had the upper sites all drive in or small camper. And or Tent. Amazing rolling brook beautiful sites we had site 32. The lower ones are rv. The owner gave us free wood as it was end of season. We were there Oct 10 I’m not sure but think they close the 13
ScoutWe were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
ScoutWe only planned on staying a few nights but ended up adding another week. Once we got settled in, it was hard to leave.
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.
ScoutCame here with our fifth wheel and had plenty of room for everything. Nice spot to use as a home base while exploring the Adirondacks.
Lake Champlain's island camping near Grand Isle, Vermont ranges from primitive tent sites to developed campgrounds with limited amenities. Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with varying accessibility based on weather conditions. The inland sea portion of Lake Champlain creates protected waters for paddling to island destinations, though wind and waves can make crossings challenging.
Hiking island trail systems: Woods Island State Park Campground features a two-mile shoreline connected by trails linking its five primitive tent sites. According to a camper, "There is an extensive trail system that is easy to navigate. Nestled in the woods are several tent platforms that you can access by foot or by boat."
Paddling to remote sites: Knight Island State Park Campground offers waterfront campsites accessible only by private boat. One visitor notes, "Not for the faint of heart, Knight Island is only accessible by private boat, though there are a few unregulated boat taxis that will agree to take the boat-less out there."
Wildlife viewing: Winter camping permits are available for more adventurous campers seeking solitude. A reviewer shares, "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp. There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing. Deer, turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island."
Peaceful atmosphere: Burton Island State Park Campground creates a car-free environment that campers appreciate. One camper noted, "Such a nice, peaceful place with kind, helpful, and professional staff. Has a store and freshly made cafe food."
Island seclusion: The remote location provides a unique camping experience. A review stated, "Burton Island is a 2.5 mile long island state park off of the shoreline of Lake Champlain. It is a car free paradise that requires a boat or ferry to get to but yield the rewards of peace, nature, and gorgeous shoreline."
Sunrise views: Sites positioned on the eastern shores of islands offer spectacular morning views. At Woods Island State Park Campground, campers can "Wake up to stunning sunrises and spectacular views of the Green Mountains. Spacious sites with fire rings."
Ferry access: Burton Island offers the Island Runner Ferry from Kill Kare State Park for those without boats. One visitor noted, "The ferry is $8 per person, with no extra charge for gear. They do charge $2 for bikes. If you want to use the ferry, but still want a kayak or canoe at the island, you have to paddle it across separately."
Limited facilities: Valcour Island and other primitive camping areas provide minimal amenities. As one reviewer explains, "Beautiful Boat access only camping. Pick anchorage or sites early, it's always busy on weekends and first come first served (no reservations)."
Carry-in requirements: Without vehicle access, all gear must be transported to sites. At Indian Brook Reservoir, "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Child-friendly activities: Burton Island's family-oriented atmosphere makes it popular with children. A camper shares, "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."
Swimming spots: Indian Brook Reservoir offers alternative swimming areas. "The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," notes one camper who frequently visits with family.
Food options: Some campgrounds offer on-site food services. At Burton Island, "There's a camping bistro where you can buy pancakes, coffee, local beer, and fine wines," and another visitor mentions "The island convenience store has awesome breakfast!"
Non-RV alternative: While most tent campsites near Grand Isle, Vermont don't accommodate large RVs, Mount Philo State Park Campground offers an alternative with only 8 campsites. A visitor noted, "Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet."
Mainland proximity: For RVers who want to access islands, parking at mainland state parks is recommended. According to reviews, "Kill Kare State Park is the best place to park and get directions for boating to Woods Island, Knight Island or Burton Island."
Day trips: RV campers staying on the mainland can visit islands as day trips. One visitor suggests, "The park itself is busy during the day, in part because the views from the top of Mt. Philo are incredible, and you can drive your car right to the top for an impromptu picnic."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Grand Isle, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Grand Isle, VT is Burton Island State Park Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Grand Isle, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Grand Isle, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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