Camping opportunities in the Swanton area of Vermont include a mixture of developed campgrounds and island camping experiences on Lake Champlain. Lakewood Campgrounds offers RV and tent sites near the water, while Woods Island State Park provides a more remote camping experience accessible only by boat. The region features several state parks with cabin options, including Burton Island State Park, Knight Island State Park, and Lake Carmi State Park, all within reasonable driving distance. Many campgrounds in this area cater to both tent campers and RV users, with varying levels of amenities and hookups.
Access to camping near Swanton varies significantly based on location and season. Most state parks in the region operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend or early October. Island campgrounds require boat transportation, with some parks offering ferry service while others like Woods Island require private watercraft for access. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront sites which tend to book up to 11 months in advance. Winter camping is possible at some locations with special permits. As one camper noted, "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp."
The camping experience in this region is defined by Lake Champlain and its islands. Waterfront sites are particularly sought after, offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Burton Island State Park stands out as a car-free destination that provides a unique experience compared to mainland campgrounds. Several campgrounds offer rental options for watercraft to enhance visitor experiences. Campers consistently mention the privacy found at island sites and the natural beauty of the lake environment. According to visitor feedback, "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes." While some campgrounds like Campbells Bay accommodate full-time seasonal campers, others focus on providing short-term stays for visitors exploring Vermont's northwestern lakes region.
"We were able to spend some time around Lake Champlain, explore nearby areas and even make a trip toward the border without having to move the RV."
"We chose Kings Bay because we wanted to spend most of our trip outdoors and close to Lake Champlain."
from $58 - $95 / night
"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
"Our first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. And while there are many nice campsites to visit in Quebec... we've done them all, within a 2-hour radius. Well, guess what?"
"Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees. Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower."
from $29 / night
"I've been exploring Vermont State Parks since before I could walk, and Burton Island State Park is my all time favorite!"
"You can swim anywhere you can find, and walk down their well-maintained trails. Only negatives: a lottttt of bugs/mosquitoes, and not the best bathrooms. Otherwise we think it’s worth the visit!"
"I couldn’t find a specific option for this campground, so I used a nearby one. This is Lake Willoughby near Lakewood. There are tons of primitive camping spots here."
"I rented a stand up paddle board at a place nearby for the day and had fun playing in the water. The weather was perfect in the summer. Definitely bring bug spray would be my only complaint!"
"It had a view of the water yet it's a distance away. We had water and electric and a small dump station. There was a tree in our site which gave us a little shade yet no privacy in-between the sites."
"It’s always a great time, cabins are clean, neat & very close to the water. Everything is clean, no litter on grounds or in water. Boat access is very easy, docks can be a bit shakey lol."
"There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing. Deer, .turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island"
"It doesn't host a ton of amenities other than outdoor toilets, but it doesn't need to because every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic"
"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
"One of three neighboring island parks in Lake Champlain’s “inland sea”(along with Burton Island and Knight Island), Woods Island became Vermont's forty-fifth state park in 1985."
"This is one big Rv Resort on Lake Champlain. The sites are tighter than we like. This resort has a lot to offer. The pool was packed yet felt good. The place is maintained well and very clean."
from $33 - $45 / night
ScoutFirst trip with our new RV and we were a little nervous about getting everything set up. Having full hookups made it way less complicated than we expected. Once we were settled, we just enjoyed the area and took a few day trips. Would definatly come back for another Adirondack trip.
ScoutIf youre traveling through northern NY, this is a really convenient place to base yourself. We were able to spend some time around Lake Champlain, explore nearby areas and even make a trip toward the border without having to move the RV. Coming back to a waterfront campground every evening was a pretty nice bonus.
ScoutWe came up for a quick Adirondack getaway and ended up spending most of our time outside. A little disc golf, some time by the pool, dinner at the site and plenty of walks with the dog. Pretty much everything we wanted out of the trip.
ScoutWhat started as a quick weekend ended up being one of our favorite stops this summer. We spent one day around the campground and another exploring the area. The beach and water were a huge plus for us.
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutWe decided to stay for the summer and so far it has been a really fun experience. There is always something going on and the lake gives everyone plenty to do. The kids have already made friends and we are getting to know the other campers too.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
ScoutOur site had everything we needed and getting set up was easy. We also appreciated having wifi since we had a few things to take care of during the trip.
GuideWe had the upper sites all drive in or small camper. And or Tent. Amazing rolling brook beautiful sites we had site 32. The lower ones are rv. The owner gave us free wood as it was end of season. We were there Oct 10 I’m not sure but think they close the 13
Lake Champlain defines the camping landscape near Swanton, Vermont, with elevations typically between 95-500 feet above sea level. This northwestern region experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August. Winter camping requires special permits at select locations, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through March.
Kayak island-hopping: Burton Island State Park serves as an excellent base for paddlers exploring Lake Champlain's islands. "We biked to this park from Burlington via the Island Line Trail. It was a super trip. The lakeside lean-to was awesome," reports John L., highlighting alternative access options for campers without boats.
Swimming in Lake Champlain: Both rocky and sandy beaches are available at different campgrounds. At Grand Isle State Park, visitors note, "The beach is nice even though rocky, the lean to sites are a great way to help keep things dry, and there were great accessible all-gender bathrooms."
Fishing from shorelines: Many lakefront sites offer direct fishing access. "You can swim anywhere you can find, and walk down their well-maintained trails," notes Heather B. about Burton Island, adding that mosquito protection is essential during summer months.
Birding in marshlands: The wetlands near Swanton host diverse bird species, particularly during spring and fall migrations. Within a mile of Apple Island Resort is "free access to the water for exploring the marshes and the abundant birdlife," according to Nancy W.
Remote waterfront sites: Knight Island State Park offers secluded camping with waterfront access. A camper notes, "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island."
Lean-to accommodations: These three-sided shelters are popular for weather protection. "The ADA site was REALLY nice. Gravel drive all the way in to a nicely built 3 walled platform with a roof. We were able to set up a tarp just off the edge to cover the picnic table as it rained for part of our stay," shares Sarah C. about Grand Isle State Park.
Ferry-free access options: While some island campgrounds require ferry transportation, Woods Island State Park offers an alternative. A reviewer explains, "There is no ferry service to the island and visitors must make their own arrangements. There are no docks; visitors must either beach their boat or anchor off."
Farm stands: Fresh local produce is readily available near camping sites around Swanton. One camper at Alburg RV Resort shares, "Devyn's Creemee Stand is close we got ice cream, farm fresh eggs and Maple syrup from there. There was a farm stand on the main road we got the best lettuce, strawberries and cilantro."
Site accessibility varies: At Woods Island State Park, "The beach tends to be fairly rocky, except for a point along the east shore, from which the walk to campsites is between one-quarter and three-quarters of a mile." Campers must carry all gear this distance.
Water conditions fluctuate: Lake Champlain can experience algae blooms in summer. At Lake Carmi, a camper reported, "Although swimming is allowed, the 'beaches' are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming."
Winter camping permits: Some parks allow off-season use with proper documentation. At Knight Island State Park, "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."
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty across the region. One visitor to Lake Carmi State Park noted, "Clean bathrooms. No cell service," a consideration for those needing to stay connected.
Book premium waterfront sites early: The most desirable locations fill quickly. At Grand Isle State Park, Jessica G. shares: "We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional. Showers are coin operated."
Check for youth programs: Some parks offer structured activities. "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," notes Jessica G. about her stay at Grand Isle State Park.
Consider cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, Lake Carmi State Park offers cabins. "A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section. Sites/lean-tos are designated premium (lakefront) or non. There is also an ADA-accessible lean-to," explains Lee D.
Verify swimming conditions: Beach quality varies significantly between locations. Melissa L. cautions about Lake Carmi: "The beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix. The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water."
Electric hookup availability: While many campgrounds offer electrical connections, amperage varies. Campbell's Bay Campground provides "water and electric and a small dump station," according to a reviewer who stayed in Site #3A.
Site orientation challenges: At Apple Island Resort, Nancy W. notes: "The hook-ups at our site were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.' Most of the waterfront sites are nose-in and suited well for motorhomes."
Seasonal RV options: Several campgrounds cater to longer-term stays. "There are a number of people that look to be living on site in their RVS with deck platforms," notes Tiff H. about Goose Point Campground.
Specialized RV sections: Many campgrounds have designated areas. At Apple Island Resort, "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 of the campground has a mix of transient RV sites and seasonal park models but no views."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Swanton campground?
Campgrounds in the Swanton area offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Mountain View Campground features a well-stocked camp store, two swimming pools, and car-accessible tent sites along the Lamoille River. This family-friendly destination offers numerous amenities that children will enjoy. Another option in the region, Lake Carmi State Park Campground, provides clean facilities with hot showers and is surrounded by water, making it ideal for boating and water activities. Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like toilets, water access, and reservable sites.
How much does it cost to stay at Lakewood Campgrounds in Swanton?
Lakewood Campgrounds in Swanton offers camping at competitive rates for the area. While exact pricing information is limited in recent reviews, camping fees in the Swanton area generally range from $25-35 per night for basic tent sites and $35-50 for sites with hookups. For comparison, nearby North Beach Campground is noted for its reasonable pricing with spacious sites. For current and exact pricing at Lakewood Campgrounds, it's recommended to call the campground directly as rates may vary by season, site type, and number of occupants.
What do visitor reviews say about Lakewood Campgrounds in Swanton?
While specific reviews for Lakewood Campgrounds are limited, visitors to Vermont campgrounds in the region generally praise the beautiful lakeside settings and natural surroundings. For those seeking similarly-rated experiences in the area, Grand Isle State Park Campground receives excellent reviews for its peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, hot showers, and friendly staff. Visitors particularly appreciate its location on Lake Champlain, offering beautiful views and excellent opportunities for walking and biking. The campground is noted for being well-designed with spacious sites that don't feel crowded even during peak seasons.
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