Best Campgrounds near Sheldon, VT
Northern Vermont's camping options near Sheldon include several state parks and private campgrounds spread across the Lake Champlain region. Lake Carmi State Park Campground in Enosburg Falls provides tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations with lakefront access. Grand Isle State Park Campground offers similar options with boat-in access and well-maintained facilities on Lake Champlain. Most established campgrounds in the area feature water views, fire rings, and picnic tables, with several providing electric hookups for RVs and access to showers and toilets.
Seasonal operations limit camping availability, with most campgrounds open from May through mid-October. Lake Carmi operates from May 19 to October 9, while Grand Isle extends slightly longer from May 12 to October 16. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for waterfront sites which tend to book months ahead. The region experiences variable weather conditions with potential for cool nights even in summer. Some campgrounds have limited cell service, though Wi-Fi access points are available at select locations. According to one visitor to Grand Isle State Park, "This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."
Campers consistently praise the waterfront camping experiences available throughout the region. Burton Island State Park, accessible only by boat from Kill Kare State Park, offers a unique island camping experience with no cars allowed, creating what one camper called "a tropical island without leaving Vermont." Several visitors mentioned the spectacular views across Lake Champlain toward the Adirondack Mountains, particularly at sunset. Primitive tent sites and RV hookups coexist throughout the region, with varying levels of privacy. Mill Pond in Franklin and Apple Island Resort in South Hero receive high ratings for cleanliness and friendly staff. Many campgrounds provide recreational amenities including hiking trails, boat rentals, and beach access, with some offering special features like off-leash dog areas.
