Lake Champlain's northwestern region near St. Albans, Vermont offers unique tent camping experiences at elevations ranging from 95 to 200 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with a few locations extending into early October. The inland sea portion of Lake Champlain where most island camping occurs averages 30-60 feet in depth, creating favorable swimming conditions during summer months.
What to do
Paddling exploration: The islands provide excellent paddling opportunities with Knight Island State Park accessible only by private boat. According to one camper, "It doesn't host a ton of amenities other than outdoor toilets, but it doesn't need to because every remote campsite is waterside."
Winter camping adventures: For those seeking off-season experiences, Knight Island State Park offers winter camping options. "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 leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing."
Sunrise hiking: Mount Philo provides exceptional morning views just a short drive from St. Albans. One visitor noted, "My favorite part about camping here is getting up early and hiking the short trail to the top for a spectacular sunrise."
Plant diversity exploration: Woods Island State Park offers unique botanical opportunities. "Measuring one mile long and a quarter-mile wide, 125-acre Woods Island provides a unique habitat for a rich variety of plant life, including many species that are rare or threatened in Vermont."
What campers like
Remote solitude: The isolation of boat-in tent camping near St. Albans creates exceptional privacy. A Woods Island camper explained, "Woods Island is a 'remote area' campground. Remote area campsites, while beautiful, are not for everybody. Sanitary facilities are minimal, and there is no potable water supply."
Car-free experience: Burton Island State Park offers a unique no-vehicle environment. According to a reviewer, "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The absence of vehicles creates a different camping dynamic. One camper 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."
Mountain views: Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape provides mainland tent camping with impressive vistas. A reviewer shared, "We spent the night at this beautiful campsite with a magnificent view of Mount Mansfield. The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private."
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Most island tent camping requires self-sufficiency. A Woods Island camper explained, "Each campsite does have a fire ring and a nearby composting toilet. The island's five campsites are situated around the two-mile shoreline, and are connected by a trail system."
Transportation logistics: Plan ahead for getting to island campsites. One Burton Island visitor shared, "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."
Site drainage considerations: Some locations handle weather better than others. According to a camper, "The site also drained very well--it rained all night our last night and we had zero seepage into the tent floor."
Walk-in requirements: Underhill State Park requires some effort to reach sites. As one camper described, "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy the natural encounters on islands. One Burton Island camper mentioned, "We watched a sunset on the South tip, caught frogs at our shoreline, rented a paddleboard, played in the waves, and enjoyed the icecream sandwiches from the camp store."
Water activities: Many tent camping options near St. Albans provide swimming access. A reviewer noted, "We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe. We rented a canoe from the campground and paddled over to Wood Island."
Amenity considerations: Some locations offer unexpected conveniences. According to a Burton visitor, "There's a camping bistro where you can buy pancakes, coffee, local beer, and fine wines."
Gear transportation planning: Indian Brook Reservoir requires preparation for reaching sites. A recent camper advised, "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodation options: For those not wanting to tent camp, Burton Island offers other possibilities. One visitor mentioned, "You can stay in a cabin! If you don't want to rough it, you don't have to."
Marina facilities: Some island parks accommodate boaters with overnight options. A camper noted, "There's a marina (with WiFi), and you can rent slips for the night."
Site selection strategies: For mainland camping near St. Albans, choosing the right site matters. A Mount Philo camper advised, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."
