North Hero sits on an island in Lake Champlain at approximately 108 feet above sea level, with the lake surface typically maintaining 95-98 feet above sea level depending on seasonal conditions. The Champlain Islands experience a slightly moderated climate compared to mainland Vermont, with camping seasons running primarily from May through mid-October. Winter winds across Lake Champlain create wind chill factors that make off-season camping impractical for most visitors.
What to do
Biking the Island Chain: Grand Isle State Park Campground provides an excellent base for cyclists exploring the islands. "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," notes a camper who stayed at Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Fishing from Shore: The rocky shoreline provides numerous fishing spots throughout the island chain. At Burton Island State Park Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe. We rented a canoe from the campground and paddled over to Wood Island," explains one visitor.
Visit Local Agricultural Sites: The islands contain several farms, vineyards and markets. "Lots of things to do around here with dogs and kids. Breweries near by for the so inclined. Should have brought my roadbike, this is a bicyclers heaven," says a camper from Apple Island Resort.
What campers like
Car-Free Island Experience: Burton Island offers a unique car-free camping environment. "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains a camper.
Private Waterfront Sites: Knight Island State Park Campground provides remote waterfront camping. "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," notes one visitor.
Convenient Urban Access: Proximity to Burlington provides cultural opportunities alongside nature. A visitor to North Beach Campground explains, "You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls."
Adult-Only Options: Champlain Resort Adult Campground offers a quieter alternative. "It is child free which means it is super quiet and so relaxed. We spent about 11 days in absolute paradise at this campground," reports a satisfied camper.
What you should know
Reservation Timing: Waterfront sites at popular campgrounds book extremely early. A North Beach camper advises, "We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park."
Weather Preparedness: Lake Champlain creates its own weather patterns. "It rained quite a bit, but took advantage of the libraries in North Hero and Worthen on those days," notes a Champlain Resort Adult Campground visitor.
Shower Facilities: Many campgrounds have coin-operated showers. "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" explains a Grand Isle State Park camper.
Beach Conditions: Swimming areas vary significantly in quality. "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in," notes a Grand Isle visitor, while another mentions, "The beach is nice even though rocky."
Tips for camping with families
Youth Programs: State parks offer organized activities. "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," reports a Grand Isle visitor.
Site Selection for Kids: Choose sites based on water access and bathroom proximity. A camper at Cumberland Bay State Park notes, "This is a great place for the family. The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric. Even with a windy, cold, rainy day it is still beautiful."
Transportation Planning: Getting to island campgrounds requires logistics. A Burton Island camper advises, "Once you're on the island, you can borrow a cart to bring your gear to your site, or you can pay one of the park rangers to haul it in one of their golf carts."
Food Options: Some island campgrounds offer limited food service. "There's a camping bistro where you can buy pancakes, coffee, local beer, and fine wines," notes a Burton Island visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site Layout Awareness: Cumberland Bay State Park Campground offers varied RV sites. A visitor explains, "Very well maintained. The bathrooms by the beach were clean. The sites were large and grassy, and the beach parking is separate from the camping which is great when you have a family with kids."
Hook-up Positioning: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup configurations. An Apple Island Resort visitor warns, "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.'"
Local Service Information: RVers should note dump station availability. "There is a pump station for RVs but a lot of tent camping as well. Great location right near lake Champlain, and only about a 20 minute drive from Canada," mentions a Cumberland Bay visitor.
