Camping spots near South Burlington, Vermont range from shoreline settings along Lake Champlain to forest retreats in the surrounding Green Mountains. The region sits at approximately 200-500 feet elevation near the lake, rising to over 2,000 feet in nearby mountains, with a humid continental climate producing warm summers averaging 75-85°F and cool evenings around 55-65°F. Sites typically fill to capacity during peak foliage season from late September through mid-October when temperatures drop to 45-65°F during the day.
What to do
Mountain hiking: 5-20 minutes from campsites: At Mount Philo State Park Campground, the easy summit trail offers panoramic views with minimal effort. "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," notes Drew Q., adding that while "there's not much to do at the park itself, other than a nice scenic overlook and some short hiking/walking," the location provides excellent access to surrounding attractions.
Water activities: kayaking and paddleboarding: Launch directly from the shore at Grand Isle State Park Campground where water sports dominate summer activities. "Love this state park and it was super quiet during the week. Also has a boat launch and beach area for swimming or nice sunset views," reports Tucker B. Several campers rent equipment from nearby outfitters who deliver directly to campsites.
Cycling on dedicated paths: The extensive bike path system connects many camping areas to downtown Burlington. "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," explains Sarah C. about her experience at Mallets Bay Campground. Several campgrounds provide bike storage racks or rental services during peak summer months.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the generous site dimensions at Apple Island Resort, where terraced layouts maximize lake views. "Apple Island is a huge campground with great sites and wonderful views of Lake Champlain. The front sections of the campground are where most of the transient RVs parked (and have the views of the lake) whereas the back section has a mix of transient RV sites and seasonal park models," explains Nancy W.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive frequent mentions. "The bathhouse was clean. The ladies side had a fresh flower arrangement everyday," notes one reviewer at Shelburne Camping Area, which operates year-round. Tucker B. adds about Grand Isle State Park: "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!"
Location convenience: Proximity to local attractions and services ranks high for campers. "Great location!! It's very close to museums, the town, and farm areas," writes Ariana C. about Shelburne Camping Area. The campground sits approximately 7 miles from South Burlington, making it ideal for day trips while maintaining a rural setting.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially for waterfront sites. "Sites with the best views are the Platinum Plus which are also the most expensive. Some Platinum Plus sites are in the first row with unobstructed views; whereas, our site was three rows back," explains Nancy W. at Apple Island Resort, where premium sites cost approximately $94/night including taxes.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations demand flexible packing. "Weather was cool and rainy the first two days. Friday was beautiful," shares Ron H. about Apple Island Resort. Evening temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs, particularly in early and late season.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate approximately May through mid-October. "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. We stayed there the last week of the season so things were very quiet," notes Susan & Kevin W. about Apple Island Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: keeps kids entertained: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools as alternatives to the sometimes chilly lake. "Nice pool, game room, and little store. It's a fun place for families!" shares Hollie G. about Lone Pine Campsites. The pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Playground facilities: Play areas provide entertainment for younger children. "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," reports Erin S. about Lone Pine Campsites.
Junior ranger programs: Grand Isle State Park offers educational activities for children. "It was a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," explains Jessica G. about Grand Isle State Park. These programs typically run daily during July and August, with weekend-only scheduling in shoulder seasons.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations and challenges: RVers should note hookup positions when reserving. "One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper. This is because a lot of class A prefer this way," explains Ron H. about Apple Island Resort.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. "Study the sites carefully because our 'premium view site' looked into a boulder. If you squinted and closed one eye you could see a piece of the lake out of one sliver of our windshield," warns Susan & Kevin W. about Apple Island Resort.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide full hookups or dump stations. "We were able to use the generator for a few hours as needed (during specified times)," notes Sheri S. about Ausable Point Campground, adding that despite being "dry camping" they "really didn't miss the electric hook up."
