Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Swanton, VT

Swanton is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Swanton, Vermont (60)

    1. Grand Isle State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Grand Isle, VT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 372-4300

    $6 - $28 / 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."

    2. Lake Carmi State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Franklin, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 933-8383

    $29 / 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?"

    "Dog friendly, cool trails to walk on. The sites were very private. Would love to come back! The sites and bathrooms were also VERY clean. Friendly staff!"

    3. Burton Island State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Hero, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 524-6353

    "I've been exploring Vermont State Parks since before I could walk, and Burton Island State Park is my all time favorite!"

    "Burton Island is a 2.5 mile long island state park off of the shoreline of Lake Champlain."

    4. Lakewood Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Swanton, VT
    5 miles
    +1 (802) 868-7270

    "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!"

    5. Campbells Bay Campground

    2 Reviews
    Swanton, VT
    3 miles

    "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."

    6. Knight Island State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Hero, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 524-6353

    "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"

    7. Apple Island Resort

    12 Reviews
    Grand Isle, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 372-3800

    $55 - $105 / night

    "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly."

    "Lots of things to do around here with dogs and kids. Breweries near by for the so inclined. Should have brought my roadbike, this is a bicyclers heaven."

    8. Woods Island State Park Campground

    1 Review
    North Hero, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 524-6353

    "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."

    9. Goose Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    North Hero, VT
    7 miles
    +1 (802) 796-3711

    10. Cumberland Bay State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Plattsburgh, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 563-5240

    $17 - $24 / night

    "Kayaking is probably one of my favorite things to do, and the lake is perfect for this. The park itself is located on Lake Champlain."

    "The grounds: This place looks like the place to be, great facilities (with real flush toilets near the beach), and great grassy sites which met of are in the shade!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 60 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Swanton, VT

320 Reviews of 60 Swanton Campgrounds


  • D
    Oct. 3, 2021

    North Beach Campground

    Great Campground “On The Water”

    I have a 24’ RV towing a 30 foot trailer for perspective. I easily fit in site 107 and lots of other sites would have worked. They have a place to drop trailers if you don’t fit.

    Sites 90 to 108 are best. Spaced out under trees.

    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. Clean easy to use dump with water.

    Tent sites looked nice.

    Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Short tunnel so no campers or bikes on the roof.

    Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake. There is a bike ferry to keep going. Nice ride.

    Nice dog park 3/4 miles to the South on the trail.

    Far away from noise. Can’t comment on loud campers.

  • Shanna M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Valcour Island

    Valcour Island

    I've camped on Valcour all my life since I was 7. It was amazing. So beautiful. Now it's covered in cockroaches and the water is murky and everything is covered in Zebra muscles. Other campers are rude and have no respect for your property. Has been all Canadians from my experience. They let their pets on the island to defecate and we've had one let their two large dogs swim ashore from their yacht and urinate on all our tents and destroyed our campsite and stole our food off from the picnic table all while the owners watched and laughed it off from their boat. The dogs then swam back and boarded the boat and they left. It's not like it used to be. We were yelling at them the whole time, trying to get the dogs away from our campsite and the owners didn't even apologize. One of the dogs defecated on my son's clothing that has fallen off the line.

  • Rachel P.
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    Smugglers Notch State Park

    I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.

    The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!

    Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.

    Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!

  • Meag F.
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Shady Oaks Camping Resort

    Great Place for Big Rigs

    Mostly Seasonal area with some overnight spots. No tents allowed. But pet friendly. Small but clean areas with electric at each site. Has some benches outside, a small pool, playground, and community of seasonal campers. I think there was only a few overnighters.

  • Fransheska A.
    Aug. 11, 2021

    Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    Great family friendly campground

    We stayed last year during the fall and the views were breathtaking. Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid, as well as pet friendly. Would definitely camp here again. The staff was friendly and the bathroom facilities were kept nice and clean.

  • Fransheska A.
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    Clean, quiet, and private site

    Smugglers notch was not only beautiful but the campground was one of the best ones I’ve stayed at. We stayed in cherry (leanto) site which was fairly private and big enough for us to set up our 8 person tent. They were pet friendly which is always a plus. The bathrooms were the cleanest ones yet. The staff was friendly and helpful. They make nightly rounds to check on the campers and make sure no one has any questions or concerns. There were trails leading from campgrounds and beautiful views. We had an unforgettable weekend. Would 100% camp there again in the future!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 17, 2022

    Champlain Resort Adult Campground

    Beautiful, quiet waterfront campground

    This campground is a gem in the Lakes Region of Northern Vermont. It sits right on Lake Champlain and has the most amazing sunsets. It is a small adult only campground so it is pretty quiet which is exactly what we like. The campground is kind of off the beaten path but that makes for a nice, quiet place to stay. It is a no-frills campground in total contrast from the big “resort” campgrounds– no pool, no Wi-Fi, events, store, etc. 

    The park has just a few big rig-friendly sites. About half the campers were seasons but their sites were very tidy and not cluttered up like many they are at other places we’ve stayed. The roads are narrow and dirt/gravel but the able to navigate if you go slow. The owners are extremely helpful and friendly and they really take pride in their campground. They lead you to your site so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. The campground doesn’t have a defined layout, instead, campsites are scattered about which is nice because there is more privacy. Some sites are right along the water with great views while others have partial. The grounds are amazing with lush grass that is kept mowed. Not a speck of trash anywhere in this park and all the dog owners were really good about picking up after their dogs. Apple trees provide nice shade. Bring your cash or checkbook as they don’t take credit cards. There is beach access but keep in mind it is rocky so it can be slippery walking in the water. The campground is located near a local ferry dock which does provide a bit of noise when the boat comes and goes. There is no cable or Wi-Fi. Our Verizon phone and hotspot worked fine and we used our portable satellite dish for television (you might be able to pick up Burlington stations using an over-the-air antenna). 

    If you are looking for a quiet get-away in a beautiful part of Vermont, this would be a wonderful place to come. Just down the road is a nice local brewery and there are a few places to eat in South Hero. Definitely recommend going to Burlington which has nice shopping and restaurants. Grand Isle State Park is nearby and has some hiking trails and there is a great biking trail nearby.

  • Tara S.
    Oct. 18, 2017

    Burton Island State Park Campground

    10 Reasons to Love Burton Island State Park

    I've been exploring Vermont State Parks since before I could walk, and Burton Island State Park is my all time favorite! There's a million reasons to love camping here, and if you are visiting Vermont in the summer, I think it's one of those must-visit destinations. Here's why it's my favorite place to camp in the whole state.

    1. It's like going to to a tropical island without leaving Vermont.
    2. There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans.
    3. It's super family friendly - maybe it's because there aren't cars all over the place, but the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast.
    4. There's a camping bistro where you can buy pancakes, coffee, local beer, and fine wines
    5. Sunsets are magical - if you can, get a lean-to right on the water. If not, hike to the western shore for the main event.
    6. You can bring your dog - there's even an off-leash dog beach!
    7. You can stay in a cabin! If you don't want to rough it, you don't have to.
    8. There are lots of trails to explore, and almost all of them lead to the water where you can cool off in Lake Champlain.
    9. There are kayaks and canoes to rent.
    10. There's a marina (with WiFi), and you can rent slips for the night.

    Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites, which are secluded and waterfront. You can paddle out to Burton Island on your own from Kamp Killcare State Park, where you'll leave your car. It's a very short paddle and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. The passenger ferry runs throughout the day, if you don't have a boat of your own.

    Once you're on the island, you can borrow a cart to bring your gear to your site, or you can pay one of the park rangers to haul it in one of their golf carts. We have stayed in a few different sites over the years -- we aren't picky, because we usually get one of the last sites available. We've never been disappointed a site. They're all great, and within easy walking distance of the beach.

  • J
    Jul. 16, 2018

    North Beach Campground

    We love North Beach!

    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. Reasonable price for campsites and the sites are large. Staff are always friendly.


Guide to Swanton

Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Swanton, Vermont, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Swanton

Pet-friendly campgrounds include unique features

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Swanton, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Swanton, VT is Grand Isle State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Swanton, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 60 dog-friendly camping locations near Swanton, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.