Ronald C.
Guide
GuideApple Island Resort
Amazing views
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.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near North Hero, VT
Grand Isle State Park Campground allows pets throughout its expansive grounds on Lake Champlain near North Hero. Several waterfront campsites and cabins accommodate dogs, with a dedicated swimming area where pets can cool off during summer months. Burton Island State Park Campground, accessible only by boat or ferry from St. Albans, features a designated off-leash dog beach where pets can swim freely. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash requirements outside designated areas. Both parks offer picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails suitable for dog walking. Tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and pet-friendly cabins provide varied accommodation options for campers traveling with animals. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near North Hero, Vermont.
Knight Island State Park provides remote pet-friendly camping accessible only by private boat, featuring waterside sites where dogs can swim directly from campsites. The island's perimeter trails offer scenic dog-walking routes with fewer insects than interior paths. Campers should pack sufficient pet food and supplies as no stores exist on the island. Most area campgrounds require vaccination records for pets, and some implement quiet hours that include barking restrictions. During summer months, shaded camping spots become essential for pet comfort given the limited tree cover at some waterfront sites. Wildlife encounters require keeping dogs leashed and supervised, especially during early morning and evening hours. Winter camping permits allow for year-round pet access at several parks, with Knight Island offering special lean-to accommodations during colder months.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near North Hero, Vermont (70)
1. Grand Isle State Park Campground
28 ReviewsGrand Isle, VT9 milesWebsite+1 (802) 372-4300$6 - $28 / night
"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."
2. Burton Island State Park Campground
8 ReviewsNorth Hero, VT5 milesWebsite+1 (802) 524-6353"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."
3. Apple Island Resort
12 ReviewsGrand Isle, VT13 milesWebsite+1 (802) 372-3800$55 - $105 / night
"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."
4. Cumberland Bay State Park Campground
8 ReviewsPlattsburgh, NY9 milesWebsite+1 (518) 563-5240$17 - $24 / night
"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!"
5. Champlain Resort Adult Campground
5 ReviewsGrand Isle, VT9 milesWebsite+1 (802) 372-5938"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."
6. Knight Island State Park Campground
2 ReviewsNorth Hero, VT2 milesWebsite+1 (802) 524-6353"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"
7. North Beach Campground
28 ReviewsBurlington, VT22 milesWebsite+1 (802) 862-0942$37 - $100 / night
"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."
"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."
8. Monty's Bay Campsites
2 ReviewsChazy, NY6 milesWebsite+1 (518) 846-7342"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."
9. Lakewood Campgrounds
2 ReviewsSwanton, VT9 miles+1 (802) 868-7270"I couldn’t find a specific option for this campground, so I used a nearby one. This is Lake Willoughby near Lakewood. There are tons of primitive camping spots here."
"I rented a stand up paddle board at a place nearby for the day and had fun playing in the water. The weather was perfect in the summer. Definitely bring bug spray would be my only complaint!"
10. Ausable Point Campground
11 ReviewsKeeseville, NY18 milesWebsite+1 (518) 561-7080$22 - $40 / night
"Take a walk up the path next to the chasm. So relaxing listening to the water falls. Great place to watch the sunset! "
"They have some beach and river sites if you like to be close to the water. Showers and bathrooms were spacious."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near North Hero, VT
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near North Hero, VT
407 Reviews of 70 North Hero Campgrounds
Tucker B.
LegendGrand Isle State Park Campground
Great Spot for Week or Working and Exploring in Burlington and Grand Isle
Love this state park and it was super quiet during the week. 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.
Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!
Staff was also super friendly and they sell ice and firewood right on the property!
- DDavid L.Guide
North Beach Campground
Great Campground “On The Water”
I have a 24’ RV towing a 30 foot trailer for perspective. I easily fit in site 107 and lots of other sites would have worked. They have a place to drop trailers if you don’t fit.
Sites 90 to 108 are best. Spaced out under trees.
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. Clean easy to use dump with water.
Tent sites looked nice.
Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Short tunnel so no campers or bikes on the roof.
Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake. There is a bike ferry to keep going. Nice ride.
Nice dog park 3/4 miles to the South on the trail.
Far away from noise. Can’t comment on loud campers.
Erin J.
ScoutLake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday
Great Area
We visited this campground twice this summer after the switchover to KOA. They had lots of activities to take back to the campsite for rainy days. They do not have a dog park and this caused our pup to get a bit hyper.
Shanna M.ScoutValcour Island
Valcour Island
I've camped on Valcour all my life since I was 7. It was amazing. So beautiful. Now it's covered in cockroaches and the water is murky and everything is covered in Zebra muscles. Other campers are rude and have no respect for your property. Has been all Canadians from my experience. They let their pets on the island to defecate and we've had one let their two large dogs swim ashore from their yacht and urinate on all our tents and destroyed our campsite and stole our food off from the picnic table all while the owners watched and laughed it off from their boat. The dogs then swam back and boarded the boat and they left. It's not like it used to be. We were yelling at them the whole time, trying to get the dogs away from our campsite and the owners didn't even apologize. One of the dogs defecated on my son's clothing that has fallen off the line.
- Brandon L.Guide
Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday
This is a good place to sleep, but not much more to it
To start off, we are avid KOA campers. So when we looked at this campground, we expected the typical layout which had a swimming pool and other stuff for the kids, however, this campground lacked all of the above. When we arrived here, check-in was easy we did drive along ways to get to our campsite which was nice to be wooded, but I did miss the typical activities and KOA usually has which when I booked the site, I usually expect them since the prices usually, fairly high compared to state parks. Our main reason for seeing KA versus state parks for these extra activities. With that said the bathrooms were clean, which we barely use since we have a full hook up camper. The dog park was very small and it looked like they did the very minimum to check the block. If you’re looking for a place to run your little guy around, he might be disappointed at this place. However, there are plenty hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire. As far as location, there is a lot of stuff to do in the area as we went and hike, the mountain, which was amazing.
Rachel P.
RangerSmugglers Notch State Park Campground
Smugglers Notch State Park
I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.
The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!
Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.
Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!
Meag F.RangerShady Oaks Camping Resort
Great Place for Big Rigs
Mostly Seasonal area with some overnight spots. No tents allowed. But pet friendly. Small but clean areas with electric at each site. Has some benches outside, a small pool, playground, and community of seasonal campers. I think there was only a few overnighters.
- Fransheska A.Ranger
Smugglers Notch State Park Campground
Great family friendly campground
We stayed last year during the fall and the views were breathtaking. Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid, as well as pet friendly. Would definitely camp here again. The staff was friendly and the bathroom facilities were kept nice and clean.
Guide to North Hero
Lake Champlain dominates the camping experience near North Hero, Vermont, with shorelines that stretch across multiple islands. The region maintains an average summer temperature of 70-80°F during peak camping season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Most pet friendly camping near North Hero offers water access, though boat-only island campsites require additional planning for visitors bringing animals.
What to do
Beach activities: At Grand Isle State Park Campground, visitors access a small beach area with swimming opportunities. "The beach is nice even though rocky, the lean to sites are a great way to help keep things dry," notes Season D. Several waterfront sites allow for easy lake access throughout the day.
Biking: The Island Line Trail connects to Grand Isle State Park, making it ideal for cyclists. "We biked to this park from Burlington via the Island Line Trail. It was a super trip," shares John L. Many campers bring bikes specifically to explore the interconnected islands without needing their vehicles.
Paddling excursions: Knight Island State Park Campground requires personal watercraft to access its remote campsites. "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," explains Ruby L. The island's perimeter offers excellent paddling routes with less insect activity than interior pathways.
What campers like
Waterfront lean-tos: Burton Island State Park Campground features shoreline accommodations popular with long-term planners. "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, which are secluded and waterfront," advises Tara S.
Car-free environment: Burton Island offers a unique camping experience without vehicles. "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," explains one reviewer. This creates a quieter atmosphere especially appreciated by pet owners seeking calmer settings.
Seasonal activities: Apple Island Resort provides year-round engagement opportunities. "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory," recommends Susan & Kevin W. The park features a par-3 golf course and boat docks for seasonal water activities.
What you should know
Island transportation: North Beach Campground connects to the Burlington bike path system, offering alternative transportation. "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," explains Sarah C.
Shower facilities: Most campgrounds offer pay showers requiring coins. "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water," notes Tucker B. at Grand Isle State Park. Some primitive island sites have no shower facilities, requiring planning for longer stays.
Winter camping options: Knight Island allows off-season camping with proper permits. "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 lean-tos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing," notes a reviewer identified as M.A.D. P.
Tips for camping with families
Beach conditions: Cumberland Bay State Park Campground offers family beach facilities. "This is a great place for the family. The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric," reports Sheri C. Beaches throughout the region generally feature rocky shorelines requiring water shoes for comfortable swimming.
Activity planning: North Beach campground provides city access balanced with natural settings. "We spent a long weekend here to enjoy some mid-summer bike riding along the many bike-paths Vermont has to offer. There is lake access for kayaking, sailing, swimming and fishing," shares one camper.
Island exploration: Burton Island features nature programs for children. "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," observes Tara S. Families should account for ferry schedules when planning island camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation: Apple Island Resort uses unconventional hookup arrangements. "One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper. This is because a lot of class A prefer this way," explains Ron H. RVers should confirm site configurations when booking.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant temperature variations. "Weather was cool and rainy the first two days. Friday was beautiful. Lots of things to do around here with dogs and kids," notes a reviewer at Apple Island Resort. RVers should prepare for rain even during peak summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near North Hero, VT?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near North Hero, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near North Hero, VT is Grand Isle State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
North Hero, VT?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near North Hero, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 dog-friendly camping locations near North Hero, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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