99 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
North Hero, Vermont and the surrounding Champlain Islands offer a range of camping experiences along Lake Champlain's shoreline. Grand Isle State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with waterfront access, while Burton Island State Park Campground offers a unique boat-in camping experience with tent sites, cabins, and glamping options. Apple Island Resort in nearby South Hero features developed RV and cabin sites with lake views. The region includes several state parks with varying levels of amenities, from primitive island camping to full-service resorts with electric and water hookups.
Camping in this area operates primarily from May through mid-October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Burton Island and Knight Island State Parks maintain a shorter season, typically operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter conditions make most campgrounds inaccessible during the off-season. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for waterfront sites which book up to 11 months in advance. Many campgrounds offer coin-operated showers, potable water, and sanitary dump stations. A camper noted, "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites."
Lake Champlain dominates the camping experience in this region, with spectacular sunsets and water access being primary attractions. Several campgrounds provide boat launches, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. The island setting creates a unique atmosphere, particularly at boat-access-only locations like Burton and Knight Islands. Biking is popular, with trails connecting to mainland Vermont and the Lake Champlain Bike Ferry. One visitor shared, "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans." Proximity to Burlington (about 30 minutes from Grand Isle) allows campers to combine outdoor recreation with urban amenities and cultural attractions.
"Rained quite a bit, but took advantage of the libraries in North Hero and Worthen on those days. Also has a boat launch and beach area for swimming or nice sunset views."
"Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."
from $6 - $28 / night
Check Availability"I've been exploring Vermont State Parks since before I could walk, and Burton Island State Park is my all time favorite!"
"Burton Island is a 2.5 mile long island state park off of the shoreline of Lake Champlain."
"This campground is located in a central area between Burlington and north hero. The views of lake Champlain are amazing. Ex check in and plenty of amenities."
"Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly."
from $55 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Kayaking is probably one of my favorite things to do, and the lake is perfect for this. The park itself is located on Lake Champlain."
"The grounds: This place looks like the place to be, great facilities (with real flush toilets near the beach), and great grassy sites which met of are in the shade!"
from $17 - $24 / night
Check Availability"This campground is a gem in the Lakes Region of Northern Vermont. It sits right on Lake Champlain and has the most amazing sunsets."
"Our camp spot had an amazing view of the lake which we didn’t ask for specifically which made it even better."
"We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
from $37 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Great location right near lake Champlain, and only about a 20 minute drive from Canada. The ferry to Burlington VT is also a very short distance away!"
"Very close to Burlington VT and Canada there are many different hiking and adventuring options. It did seem that many of the sites were seasonal. Clean, and well kept."
from $30 - $56 / night
Check Availability"The Park: So pretty, right across from the lake, this road leading up to it is amazing as well, it is right on the lake side and goes down Lake Champlain."
"The Camp store is expensive (like your normal camp stores) but it is also very close to Plattsburgh which has the mall and anything you might need."
"Has some benches outside, a small pool, playground, and community of seasonal campers. I think there was only a few overnighters."
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe’ve spent several summers camping at Kings Bay, and it has become one of our favorite places to get away. Most days we spend time near the water, take the kayak out, or just relax outside at our site. The campground has a friendly atmosphere, and we’ve gotten to know a lot of the other campers over the years. It really feels like a second home during the summer.
GuideOriginally we reserved mountain view. It waa getting ready to rain...alot for 1 - 1/2 days. The mountain views didn't have gravel, but hard dirt. However beautiful shady areas (we drove thru the another day to check it out) looked nice, but it's hard to imagine on the side of hills to level 🤷🏼♀️
We really like the riverside view..it's across the street & about 300' down the street.
But is a great location for places to go & things to see. A few Miles from Whiteface mtn & about 15 min to downtown Lake Placid.
ScoutLove it here, great for swimming, kayaking and camping with your family
ScoutSpent a night here. Sites are grass for most part and level. Plenty of room. We did the water and electric site.
ScoutThis is my first year seasonal at Magic Pines and my fiance and I love it. It's quiet, everyone is friendly, it's pet friendly and has a beautiful nature vibe to it.
ScoutWe camped here in June of 2026. It is not as remote as some other locations, mainly because you are in Waterbury, VT and Waterbury can be quite busy with visitors.
We parked on Cotton Brook Rd and were told by multiple people that you need to be aware of rain. The parking lot can flood if you get days of rain. The days we camped we did have heavy downpours the morning of day 2 and by the time we left the reservoir was probably 6 ft higher. So it is a real thing. The benefit of that is tons of waterfalls lead into the reservoir and they are quite pretty.
It is a long canoe from the Cotton Brook lot and you need to go to campsite 14 to really get a campsite with a full view of the lake. We were on campsite 18 and it is surrounded by trees. Thats great if you want privacy, but not great if you want a view of the lake.
No loons while we were there. : (
In short, it is pretty good, but we would recommend others.
ScoutI love this place, nice atmosphere, clean showers and nice mountain range views. Recommended for anyone looking for a nice campground that has very good cell reception for the ones who are depending their stays to have it.
ScoutI've stayed on and off for 20 years, love the atmosphere, hospitality, pools, water slides. Laundry room and clean showers.
ScoutWe have stayed here a few times. It’s always clean and quiet. Pool is nice but very family (kid) oriented. Love the trails to the water from both camp loops. Great place to stay with a kayak or paddle board!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in North Hero State Park?
While North Hero itself offers beautiful Lake Champlain views, the primary camping options in the area include Woods Island State Park Campground and Knight Island State Park Campground. Both are boat-in only island experiences in Lake Champlain's 'inland sea' with rustic, remote sites. For mainland camping near North Hero, consider Grand Isle State Park Campground, which offers well-laid-out sites with lake access, boat launches, and beach areas for swimming.
What amenities are provided at North Hero camping sites?
Camping facilities near North Hero offer varying amenities. Apple Island Resort provides full-service amenities with excellent views of Lake Champlain in a central location. For RV campers, Barber Homestead Park offers well-maintained facilities including nice restrooms, laundry facilities, and direct access to Lake Champlain. Most state parks in the region provide clean facilities with coin-operated hot showers, boat launches, swimming areas, and walking trails, though amenities are typically more basic than at private campgrounds.
When is the best season for camping in North Hero?
The prime camping season in North Hero and surrounding Lake Champlain islands runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures for swimming and water activities. North Beach Campground is particularly popular during summer months for its beautiful lake views and access to Burlington's bike paths. Fall camping in September brings spectacular foliage with fewer crowds. Many campgrounds in the region, including Mountain View Campground, close for winter due to Vermont's harsh cold season.
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