St. Albans camping options extend beyond the city limits into the rural landscapes of northern Vermont, where Lake Champlain serves as the dominant natural feature. The region sits at elevations ranging from 95 to 1,200 feet, with temperature variations between coastal and inland sites. Summer evening temperatures can drop into the 50s even after warm days, creating ideal sleeping conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Lake activities beyond swimming: At Knight Island State Park Campground, visitors find excellent water access around the entire perimeter. "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," notes Ruby L., who recommends taking "the perimeter route" to avoid insects common in the island's interior.
Biking on local trails: The Lake Champlain region offers extensive cycling options with minimal traffic. "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. from Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Visit local wineries and breweries: The islands contain several small-scale producers within cycling distance of campgrounds. "We drove to Grand Isles and stopped at Snow Farm Winery. We did a tasting and enjoyed a nice view. There are lots of bicyclists that venture this route and they stop to enjoy a cold beer or wine," reports B M. from Campbells Bay Campground.
What campers like
Private beach areas: Many campers appreciate the secluded shoreline access points. "There is a short trail on the property which leads to a large open grassy area with a great view of the lake and area where we threw a ball for our dog," explains Nancy W. about Apple Island Resort, where they could "leave our kayak locked on a rack at the marina so we didn't have to take it back to our campsite every day."
Quiet shoulder-season camping: September and early October provide the best balance of comfortable temperatures and reduced crowds. "Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced," notes Lee D. from Lake Carmi State Park Campground.
Adult-only options: For pet owners seeking quieter environments, Champlain Resort Adult Campground provides a child-free 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... there was no loud music, late nights or bright lights blazing through the night," shares Anthony I.
What you should know
Primitive island camping limitations: Remote sites require proper preparation. At Woods Island State Park Campground, "There is no ferry service to the island and visitors must make their own arrangements. There are no docks; visitors must either beach their boat or anchor off. The beach tends to be fairly rocky," explains M.A.D. P., who notes "Sanitary facilities are minimal, and there is no potable water supply."
Waterfront access varies: Rocky shorelines dominate Lake Champlain. "I found the site to be well maintained and for the rangers to be kind and help. Great place to visit on the island," reports Ashley J. about Grand Isle, while Melissa L. mentions some beaches have "little to no sand to play in" and can be "very rocky with a bit of a walk to the water."
Seasonal operations: Most island campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Remote island parks typically operate Memorial Day through Labor Day, while mainland parks like Apple Island Resort (May 1-Oct 20), Grand Isle (May 12-Oct 16), and North Beach (May 1-Oct 15) offer extended seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Look for education programs: Some parks offer structured activities. "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," writes Jessica G. about Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Accessible facilities: Several campgrounds provide accommodations for diverse needs. "We had a great time here on a school field trip. The beach is nice even though rocky, the lean to sites are a great way to help keep things dry, and there were great accessible all-gender bathrooms," notes Season D. about Grand Isle.
Pack water shoes: Lake Champlain's rocky shores require proper footwear. "Just wear water shoes since it is mainly a rocky coast," advises Doris B. about North Beach Campground, while Mallory P. suggests "wearing shoes into the water as the rocks are very slippery on bare feet!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options on islands: Plan accordingly for boating with pets. "No power hookups and no water hookup at site; ferry takes you to the island; for a few, your equipment will be delivered to your campsite," explains Craig G. about Burton Island, noting the campground provides equipment delivery services for additional fees.
Satellite and antenna reception: Most campgrounds lack cable services. Nancy W. notes at Apple Island Resort, "Our Verizon phone and hotspot worked well and we used our portable satellite dish for television (you might be able to pick up Burlington stations using an over-the-air antenna)."
Site selection for level parking: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain. Lee D. from Maple Grove Campground notes, "Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly. The sites on the outside of the loop are more desirable but they were not available when I reserved three months in advance."
