Lake Champlain creates unique camping conditions around Swanton, Vermont, with a mix of island and mainland campgrounds. The area has a humid continental climate with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and cold winters. Shorelines in this region range from rocky beaches to marshy inlets, affecting campsite selection and water access depending on location.
What to do
Paddle to remote sites: Woods Island State Park Campground offers five primitive tent-only sites scattered around its two-mile shoreline. No docks exist, requiring boaters to beach their craft or anchor offshore. "One of three neighboring island parks in Lake Champlain's 'inland sea', Woods Island became Vermont's forty-fifth state park in 1985. Measuring one mile long and a quarter-mile wide, 125-acre Woods Island provides a unique habitat for a rich variety of plant life," according to M.A.D. P.
Beach activities: Grand Isle State Park Campground features a designated swimming area with rocky terrain. "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," notes a camper. Despite this, the lakeside setting offers recreation options. "There is lake access for kayaking, sailing, swimming and fishing," Patricia E. mentioned about her visit.
Winter camping: For off-season visitors, Knight Island State Park Campground permits winter camping with proper permits. "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but 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. Deer, turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island," shares M.A.D. P.
What campers like
Island seclusion: Campers appreciate the remote feeling at Burton Island State Park Campground. "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," states Tara S. The car-free environment creates a distinct atmosphere compared to mainland camping.
Waterfront sites: Lake Carmi State Park Campground features premium lakefront accommodations. "Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. 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," explains Lee D., highlighting the options available to visitors.
Diverse wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to spot native species. "Not for the faint of heart, Knight Island is only accessible by private boat, though there are a few unregulated boat taxis that will agree to take the boat-less out there," notes Ruby L., who also mentions the excellent "swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Lake Champlain can create challenging boating conditions. "Depending on the weather, the 3/4 mile crossing from Kamp KilKare State Park can be rough and windy. If you are an experienced paddler, have a good copilot, and not too much gear, you would be fine," advises Rita M. about accessing Burton Island State Park Campground.
Campground amenities: Facilities vary widely between sites. "The bathrooms by the beach were clean (you don't see that everywhere, especially at a place with a high usage). The sites were large and grassy, and the beach parking is separate from the camping which is great when you have a family with kids," reports Meag F. about Cumberland Bay State Park.
Reservation timing: Popular locations fill quickly. "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," explains a reviewer about Burton Island, highlighting the need for advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Insect protection: Bring adequate mosquito protection, particularly for island camping. "Beware: mosquitoes and black flies in the middle of the island can be nasty, sometimes better to take the perimeter route," Ruby L. warns about Knight Island, a common concern at many lakeside locations in the region.
Child-friendly spaces: Grand Isle State Park Campground offers dedicated areas for younger campers. "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," notes Jessica G., making it ideal for families seeking structured activities for children.
Site selection: Choose locations based on family needs. "We spent a long weekend here to enjoy some mid-summer bike riding along the many bike-paths Vermont has to offer. The facilities are well maintained and clean," Sarah C. explains about Grand Isle, emphasizing its connectivity to regional bike paths.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Apple Island Resort offers full-service RV camping with some site-specific considerations. "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., highlighting a setup that differs from standard RV sites.
Seasonal accommodations: Pet friendly camping near Swanton, Vermont includes options for both short visits and extended stays. "There are a lot of full timers living there," notes B M. about Campbells Bay Campground, which also features boat access. "There is a boat launch, gas for boats and docks to keep a boat. They rent boats there too."
Site spacing: RVers appreciate generous spacing at many area campgrounds. "Campground is not too tightly packed, enough room," Ron H. notes about Apple Island Resort, which also offers "lots of things to do around here with dogs and kids" making it suitable for pet-friendly camping trips with the whole family.
