Nestled between Lake Champlain and the northern Green Mountains, Swanton camping areas feature elevations ranging from 95 to 200 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F while fall drops to 45-65°F. Most RV parks near Swanton, Vermont operate from May through mid-October with the first frost typically arriving by late September.
What to do
Kayaking Lake Champlain: Explore the shoreline near Apple Island Resort where one reviewer mentioned, "We launched our paddleboard and kayak there but it was pretty mucky getting in and out of our boats." The campground allows guests to store kayaks on racks at the marina between outings.
Visit local farms: Within 5 miles of most Swanton area camping sites, you'll find seasonal produce stands. A camper at Alburg RV Resort shared, "There was a farm stand on the main road we got the best lettuce, strawberries and cilantro from the stand."
Brewery tours: Several small craft breweries operate within 20 minutes of South Hero campgrounds. One visitor to Apple Island Resort noted, "Brewery and vineyards close by," making this an excellent base for sampling local Vermont beverages without a long drive.
Golf: Some campgrounds maintain their own courses. At Apple Island Resort, "My husband enjoyed his time at the golf course," according to one reviewer. The 9-hole par-3 course with putting green provides casual recreation without leaving the campground.
What campers like
Beach access: Sandy shorelines for swimming can be found at select locations. A Grand Isle State Park Campground visitor noted, "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs."
Fall foliage views: The islands provide spectacular autumn color displays from mid-September through October. One Apple Island camper shared, "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at most parks receive regular maintenance. A visitor to Smugglers Notch RV Village commented, "They offer a variety of different sites to fit each campers needs, a beautiful well kept bath house and a small but well stocked store."
Recreation options: Many campgrounds feature multiple activities. At Lone Pine Campsites, one camper mentioned, "The kids have a soccer field out in front of us to play in. This is the kind of campground I'd want to come and spend weeks at on vacation. Super nice people, multiple pools, activity center, playgrounds, ball courts."
What you should know
Seasonal sites dominate: Many campgrounds maintain a large percentage of seasonal residents. A visitor to Shady Oaks Camping Resort observed, "Mostly Seasonal area with some overnight spots. No tents allowed. But pet friendly."
Wi-Fi reliability varies: Internet access can be inconsistent across campgrounds. A camper at Iroquois Campground noted, "Wifi at campsite was inconsistent and unreliable. Had to work from rec center and pool which was ok but not what we were told."
Limited propane services: Few campgrounds offer on-site propane filling. Most require trips to nearby towns for refills, with St. Albans (12 miles) being the closest reliable source for most Swanton area RV parks.
Beach conditions: Lake Champlain shorelines vary significantly by location. A Grand Isle State Park visitor cautioned, "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in, a bit of a walk to the water."
Canadian visitors: The proximity to the border brings international campers. One Grand Isle State Park reviewer suggested, "Brush up on your French so you can converse with the many Canadian visitors while you charge your phone at the designated wi-fi/charging area."
Tips for camping with families
Book playground-adjacent sites: Some campgrounds offer premium locations for families. A Lone Pine Campsites reviewer shared, "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."
Youth programs: Look for organized activities for children. Grand Isle State Park offers a "nature center with youth programs" according to one family's review.
Plan for weather contingencies: Vermont's climate can bring sudden rain even in summer. A reviewer at Apple Island Resort noted, "Weather was cool and rainy the first two days. Friday was beautiful. Lots of things to do around here with dogs and kids."
Consider lean-to sites: Covered structures provide protection from rain. A Grand Isle State Park visitor explained, "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. The site drained well and was plenty big enough for our tent and needs."
Tips from RVers
Site hookup placement: Check hookup locations when booking. An Apple Island Resort camper noted, "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, not sure."
Water drainage considerations: Heavy rains can affect some sites. One Grand Isle State Park visitor mentioned their site "drained well" during rainy periods, suggesting terrain variation across campgrounds.
Sewer connection height: At some campgrounds, drain connections may sit higher than ideal. An Apple Island Resort camper reported, "The sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.'"
Premium vs. standard views: View quality can vary significantly within the same price tier. One Apple Island Resort camper noted, "The 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. Not sure why they charge the same when our site was overlooking two rows of RVs."
