Best Campgrounds near Vergennes, VT
State parks and forests near Vergennes, Vermont feature diverse camping options along the shores of Lake Champlain. Button Bay State Park Campground, located 5 miles west of downtown Vergennes, offers tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations with views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. Mount Philo State Park Campground, Vermont's oldest state park, provides a more intimate camping experience with just 10 sites (7 tent sites and 3 lean-tos) on a small mountain with panoramic lake views. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with a few private facilities like Shelburne Camping Area remaining open year-round.
Most camping facilities require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months and fall foliage season. The camping season in the Vergennes area is relatively short but vibrant, with most state parks closing after Columbus Day weekend. According to Thomas B., who camped at Mount Philo, "The best part is every night it's only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and Lake Champlain as the sun falls behind the Adirondack Mountains." Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F and occasional thunderstorms. Fall brings cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage, though nights can drop into the 30s by October.
Lake access represents a defining feature of camping in the Vergennes region. Campers consistently mention the views across Lake Champlain to the Adirondack Mountains as a highlight of their stay. Several campgrounds offer direct water access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Barber Homestead Park in nearby Westport, NY provides "direct access to Lake Champlain" according to reviewer Andrew M., who used it as "base camp for adventures in the area" including visits to Burlington and Lake Placid. The region also features extensive biking opportunities, with rail trails and bike paths connecting many lakeside communities. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with Mount Philo offering secluded, shaded sites while some RV-focused areas place units closer together.
