Tent campsites near Milton, Vermont dot the shoreline of Lake Champlain at elevations averaging 100-200 feet above sea level. Several island camping options require boat access across open water ranging from 0.75 to 3 miles from mainland launch points. Summer water temperatures in Lake Champlain reach 70°F by July, with surface water cooling rapidly to below 60°F by mid-September.
What to do
Morning hikes: Mount Philo State Park offers short trails with exceptional sunrise viewing opportunities. The park contains only 8 tent sites in a quiet, wooded setting. A camper noted, "My favorite part about camping here is getting up early and hiking the short trail to the top for a spectacular sunrise."
Paddling: Knight Island State Park provides waterside campsites perfect for paddlers. Located in Lake Champlain's "inland sea," the island requires private boat access. One visitor shared, "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island."
Fishing: Burton Island State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities. The state park features a marina and equipment rentals. A camper mentioned, "We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe. We rented a canoe from the campground and paddled over to Wood Island."
What campers like
Privacy: Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape provides secluded tent sites with minimal facilities. The campground maintains only 10 primitive sites, creating a quiet experience. A reviewer commented, "Most quiet and peaceful place for camping. Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night."
Natural sounds: Underhill State Park features tent sites with stream access. Campers particularly appreciate the natural setting. As one visitor described, "We stayed at campsite 6 and loved waking up to the sound of the stream down the embankment."
Island experience: At Woods Island State Park, the remote location attracts those seeking solitude. The island's five campsites spread around a two-mile shoreline. According to a review, "Remote area campsites, while beautiful, are not for everybody. Sanitary facilities are minimal, and there is no potable water supply."
What you should know
Transportation logistics: When camping at Burton Island, prepare for ferry logistics. The Island Runner Ferry costs $8 per person with no extra charge for gear, except a $2 fee for bicycles. A camper advised, "After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it."
Carry-in requirements: Many sites require hikers to transport all supplies. At Indian Brook Reservoir, tent platforms require planning for foot transport. One camper warned, "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Limited facilities: Most remote sites lack running water. Knight Island offers minimal amenities with only composting toilets available. A winter camper noted, "There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing."
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Summer thunderstorms occur frequently in the Champlain Valley. Pack waterproof gear and ensure tent sites drain properly. At Burton Island, a camper observed, "The dirt and gravel pad was mostly flat, without any pesky roots to poke us. The site also drained very well—it rained all night our last night and we had zero seepage into the tent floor."
Kid-friendly environments: Several campgrounds provide safe spaces for children to explore. Burton Island State Park stands out for its car-free environment. A reviewer noted, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Look for local animals during early morning hours. Woods Island provides opportunities to spot native species. According to a camper, "Deer, turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island."
Tips from RVers
Limited options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Milton don't accommodate large RVs. Burton Island State Park accepts small RVs only with advance ferry arrangements. Underhill State Park has sites that may fit smaller RVs but requires short walks from parking areas.
Alternative arrangements: Consider staying at nearby developed campgrounds with full hookups, then day-tripping to tent-only areas. Mount Philo State Park specifically notes that "because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs."
Equipment transportation: When visiting walk-in areas, use gear carts or wheelbarrows. Underhill State Park provides wheelbarrows for campers. A visitor shared, "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized."
