Camping opportunities near Shelburne, Vermont cluster mainly along the western side of the state where Lake Champlain provides waterfront options with views stretching toward New York's Adirondack Mountains. Average summer temperatures range from 50-80°F, with July and August being the warmest and busiest camping months. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 95-500 feet, creating relatively mild temperature variations throughout the camping season.
What to do
Paddle on Lake Champlain: North Beach Campground provides direct water access for kayaking and paddleboarding. "Right on the Burlington bike path and across the beach, there is plenty to do and easy access to town and other attractions. Other than the beach itself, this is not a resort campground but it is in an outdoor paradise with plenty to do in the area," notes Michael G.
Hike Mount Philo's historic trails: Mount Philo State Park Campground features Vermont's oldest state park with spectacular viewpoints overlooking Lake Champlain. A camper explains, "There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks or the Green Mountains."
Explore geological formations: The unique rock formations at AuSable Chasm are just a short drive from Shelburne. A camper shared: "The workers are very accommodating. They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course."
Golf at lakeside courses: Apple Island Resort offers a 9-hole par-3 golf course directly on the property. "There is a 9-hole par-3 golf course with putting green," notes one visitor, making it convenient for campers wanting to golf without traveling from their campsite near Shelburne, Vermont.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Button Bay State Park Campground provides multiple water-access options with both swimming pool and lake access. "Beautiful state park, the waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake," writes one camper, explaining the site layout that maximizes lake views.
Proximity to Burlington: North Beach Campground offers easy city access for supplies or urban attractions. One reviewer mentioned, "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."
Private wooded sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowds. A visitor to Mount Philo noted, "We love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total," highlighting the more intimate camping experience available in the region.
Access to island communities: Camping at Apple Island Resort positions visitors to explore the unique Lake Champlain islands. "Apple Island is located in a central area between Burlington and north hero. The views of lake Champlain are amazing," shares a camper, pointing to the strategic location for exploring both mainland and island attractions.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campsites around Shelburne require advance booking, especially for prime lake views. At Button Bay State Park Campground, a camper advises: "Book early for the best sites," indicating the competitive nature of securing waterfront camping.
Shower operations: Many state parks have coin-operated showers. One Mount Philo camper noted, "Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc.," providing specific cost information useful for budget planning.
Campground layouts: Some campgrounds feature terraced or open layouts with limited privacy. A visitor to Apple Island Resort explained, "Most campsites are in the open with a lack of shade or privacy. If you visit in the summer you may want to make sure your patio is on the shaded site."
Beach conditions: Not all lakefront campgrounds have sandy beaches. A camper at Grand Isle State Park shared: "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in, a bit of a walk to the water," indicating potential challenges for those expecting traditional beach experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Select campgrounds with dedicated facilities: Little River State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities in a natural setting. "The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good," notes a family who camped there with five children.
Consider pool options: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. At Button Bay, a camper shared: "This is a good campground for families that are not too rowdy. There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
Look for educational opportunities: Nature centers and historical sites engage children while camping. At Button Bay, "There is a nice pool with plenty of chairs and umbrellas. The pool opens at 9am for adult lap swims for an hour which we took advantage of daily," showing the structured activities available.
Choose sites near bathroom facilities: When camping with younger children, proximity to restrooms matters. At Shelburne Camping Area, a visitor observed: "The grounds had gravel walking paths to the bathhouse that cut through the sites and had landscape lighting so there was barely a need for flashlights if heading there at night."
Tips from RVers
RV site orientation: At Shelburne Camping Area, site positioning affects utility hookup access. "Site 2 is a flat, gravel back in, 30 amp, full hookup. We were near the pool and office," notes one RVer about the specific site layout.
Electrical considerations: Verify electrical capabilities before arriving. One RVer at Shelburne Camping Area shared their weekly rate experience: "Check out their weekly rate, that cut our cost down. I think the daily rate is in the $40s," providing a money-saving tip for longer stays.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require significant leveling for RVs. As one AuSable Chasm camper noted: "The 'road' into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt," indicating potential challenges for larger vehicles.
Dump station access: Determine if your campsite has full hookups or just a central dump station. At Little River State Park, no electric hookups are available but the park does offer a sanitary dump station, important information for RV campers planning power usage during their stay.
