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Camping options around Shelburne, Vermont concentrate along Lake Champlain with several established campgrounds offering views of the Adirondacks across the water. Shelburne Camping Area provides year-round accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping facilities with full hookups. North Beach Campground in nearby Burlington features lakefront access with electric and water hookups, while state parks like Mount Philo and Button Bay offer more natural settings with fewer amenities. The region includes both private resorts like Apple Island and public lands with varying levels of development and accessibility.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with most state parks operating from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. "This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together," noted one camper about Silver Lake Campground, highlighting the balance between privacy and community found at many sites. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Weather conditions vary dramatically with warm summer days and cool evenings, while spring camping may encounter mud and rain. Cell coverage tends to be reliable near larger towns but spotty in more remote areas. Many campgrounds offer amenities like showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, though state parks typically provide more basic facilities than private campgrounds.
Lake Champlain dominates the camping experience with spectacular sunsets and water recreation opportunities mentioned frequently in visitor reviews. Sites with water views command premium prices but deliver memorable experiences. A reviewer of Grand Isle State Park noted, "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." Several campgrounds feature bike path access, particularly around Burlington, allowing campers to explore without driving. Proximity to cultural attractions represents another advantage, with Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, and Burlington's shops and restaurants all within easy driving distance. The combination of natural beauty, water access, and cultural amenities makes the Shelburne area particularly appealing to campers seeking a balance between outdoor recreation and town amenities.
"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"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Loved town of Shelburne. Awesome little shops and great, well stocked little local grocery store. Authentic Italian restaurant in grocery store parking lot...picked up delicious strombolis."
"the best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"We had one right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road. And speaking of playground, it was large and very nice."
"Our boys had fun riding their bikes around, playing basketball, and playing a round of mini golf."
from $8 - $12 / night
Check Availability"The first is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy."
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
"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."
"Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."
from $6 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"
"Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors."
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly."
"Brewery and vineyards close by"
from $55 - $105 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $40 / night
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ScoutMy brother and I hadn’t camped together since we were teenagers. Decided to bring the tents out again and see if we still knew what we were doing. Setup took longer than either of us would admit, but we had a blast.
ScoutWe spent one afternoon doing absolutely nothing except sitting near the beach with snacks and a couple of books. No sightseeing and no schedule. It ended up being my favorite afternoon of the entire trip.
ScoutKings Bay is a great, quiet little campground. The staff is very helpful and understanding. This is our shakedown trip before we head south, we have been here a month after purchasing our new fifth wheel. When we pulled in, it was pouring rain and Steve from the front office came out to help and offered the clubhouse to our kids while we set up. He put a movie on for them and let them sit in the lounge. The only reason I give it 4 stars and not 5 is there is no playground for the kids, plenty of open spaces and a lot of kids running around!
ScoutAusable Pines was our first stop on a much longer RV trip, so there was a lot of excitement when we pulled in. We got connected, opened a bottle of wine, pulled out the map and started talking about everywhere we were headed next. Great way to start the trip.
ScoutKings Bay made a great stopping point during our trip through northern New York. We were able to shower, get everything connected, catch up on a few things using the Wi-Fi, and recharge before the next part of our drive. Very convenient setup for RV travelers.
ScoutMy parents joined us and the kids for this trip, which meant five people sharing a camper and somehow still getting along by the end of it. The grandparents took mornings slow while the kids were ready to go almost immediately. Everyone eventually met back at the campsite for meals. It was a different kind of family vacation for us and one we’ll probably remember much longer than another hotel trip.
ScoutWe had one day where the weather didn’t cooperate with our outdoor plans, so we ended up spending some time in the recreation hall. It actually turned into a really fun afternoon of games and hanging out together. Nice having somewhere to go without needing to pack everyone into the car.
GuideSimply said, if you like a well maintained place with a swim beach, floating dock, grass galore, space to stretch out, and more, this is the place. It’s beautiful. As a bonus, it’s cost effective over other RV parks. If you want free, nope. If you want wild open spaces, nope. You a great lush big clean park that feels like your Owen estate, then come check this place out. We will be back.
ScoutWe wanted to visit Lake Placid but preferred bringing our RV instead of booking a hotel for the whole trip. We spent a full day around Lake Placid and the surrounding area, then drove back to Ausable Pines that evening. I liked having some separation between the busy sightseeing part of the day and where we were staying. The next morning we took our time making breakfast before heading out again. It gave the trip a nice balance between exploring and camping.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Shelburne Camping Area?
Shelburne Camping Area offers full hookup sites for RVs with utilities including water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground features a swimming pool, though some reviews indicate it may not match website descriptions. Campers have access to WiFi, though connectivity can be intermittent. The grounds are well-maintained with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. While the sites themselves aren't particularly spacious, the location is convenient for accessing nearby attractions. The campground is well-suited for larger RVs, with pull-through sites available and options for separate truck parking across the lane for fifth wheels.
Where can I find RV parking near Shelburne, VT?
For RV parking near Shelburne, VT, North Beach Campground offers electrical sites for RVs, though they tend to be closely spaced. Located in Burlington, it provides convenient access to the bike path and Lake Champlain with beautiful views of the Adirondacks. Another excellent option is Grand Isle State Park Campground, situated on Lake Champlain. While slightly further from Shelburne, it's well-designed to accommodate RVs without feeling crowded, even when full. The park offers good facilities and serves as an excellent base for exploring the region, including easy access to bike paths throughout Vermont.
How much does it cost to stay at campgrounds near Shelburne, Vermont?
Camping costs near Shelburne vary by location and amenities. Mountain View Campground offers family-friendly camping with reasonable rates, featuring tent sites along the Lamoille River and amenities like two swimming pools and a camp store. For a more budget-friendly public option, Silver Lake Campground provides affordable sites with good privacy and lake access. Sites at public campgrounds in the region typically range from $20-35 per night for basic sites, while private campgrounds with full hookups and amenities can cost $35-60+ per night. Most campgrounds offer weekly rates at a discount, and prices generally increase for premium waterfront sites or during peak summer season.
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