The Champlain Valley surrounding Hinesburg, Vermont offers access to Lake Champlain camping within a 10-25 minute drive. Located in the western foothills of the Green Mountains at 620 feet elevation, the area serves as a gateway to outdoor activities with mild summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Camping sites near Hinesburg, Vermont are accessible from spring through fall, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Hiking at Camel's Hump State Park: About 25 minutes east of Hinesburg, these primitive campsites require a 1.5-mile hike in. "This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though," notes Kate K. The designated camping area includes about 10-12 sites with a campsite host.
Swimming access options: North Beach Campground in Burlington (20 minutes from Hinesburg) offers a guarded beach during summer months. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location. Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain," reports Brittany R., highlighting the dual appeal of city proximity and waterfront recreation.
Biking from camp: Grand Isle State Park Campground provides excellent cycling options. "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," shares Sarah C. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the Island Line Trail.
What campers like
Waterfront views and access: Button Bay State Park Campground features waterfront camping options. "The waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake. Bathrooms are clean, facilities are great. Easy access to the lake," explains IAN P. The park includes a swimming pool that operates until Labor Day weekend.
Proximity to local attractions: Shelburne Camping Area provides a strategic location for exploring. "We didn't advance book, so we were in one of the last available spots. Site 2 is a flat, gravel back in, 30 amp, full hookup. We were near the pool and office... we really used this location as a base to do all the touristy things in the area and spend time in Burlington," explains C O.
Mountain camping with sunset views: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers a unique elevated experience. "Great little park! 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," reports Beau B. Sites include fire pits and picnic tables, with easy access to the summit for sunset viewing.
What you should know
Coin-operated shower facilities: Quarter showers are standard at Vermont state parks. "Bathrooms were clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc.," reports Drew Q. about Mount Philo. Similarly, at Grand Isle State Park, "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!"
Seasonal operation details: Most campgrounds operate on a limited season. Little River State Park runs "May 19 to October 22," providing one of the longer camping seasons in the region. Smugglers Notch State Park operates "May 19 to October 15," while Button Bay and Mount Philo are open from "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend."
Site privacy varies widely: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers more secluded sites. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," explains Jess O. By contrast, Shelburne Camping Area feels "more like a trailer park with a lot of long term RV rentals."
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming options: Little River State Park Campground offers water recreation for children. "The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good—they are actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M.
Consider campgrounds with activities: Button Bay State Park includes family-friendly facilities. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" notes Debbie S. The park also features a nature center with programs.
Choose sites based on traffic patterns: North Beach Campground offers convenient family camping. "This camp ground can be crowded but it is right near Church street, and the beach is very well maintained, there are life guards on duty at the beach and a playground and grills (claim them early if you want them)," advises Meag F. The proximity to Burlington provides rainy day options for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Apple Island Resort offers premium RV sites with varying views. "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," explains Nancy W., adding that "Most waterfront sites are nose-in and suited well for motorhomes."
Hookup considerations: Pay attention to utility placement at Shelburne Camping Area. "The daily rate is in the $40s... 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.' The cable yielded a number of channels but was not HD," notes one reviewer.
Seasonal site options: Several campgrounds offer seasonal options. Apple Island Resort has "Seasonals are mostly elderly residents but set back from the non-seasonal sites," while Lone Pine Campsites offers "spacious sites" that are "long and spacious," according to reviewer Erin S., making them suitable for larger RVs. The location provides easy access to Burlington, bike paths, and attractions.
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