Button Bay State Park offers basic cabin accommodation located on the shores of Lake Champlain, 15 miles north of Vergennes, Vermont. These rustic waterfront cabins operate seasonally from late May through early October. Additional cabin options exist at Shelburne Camping Area, approximately 20 miles north of Vergennes, which remains open year-round with more extensive amenities including electric hookups and water access.
What to do
Hiking trails near water: Little River State Park Campground provides trails that connect directly to the reservoir with sites offering lake views. "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road! The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking," notes one visitor.
Cycling opportunities: Button Bay State Park Campground has open areas perfect for family cycling. According to one camper, it's a "Nice, clean, friendly park. Not a lot of trees for privacy, or for that wilderness feel, but the sites are spacious and the park has swimming pool with life guard. Nice park for cycling the Lake Champlain Byway."
Swimming options: Branbury State Park Campground offers lake swimming with a designated beach area. A visitor explains, "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available. The concession stand is open during day use hours."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: North Beach Campground provides direct access to Lake Champlain. A camper shares, "This has been one of our favorite campsites so far. We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here. You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options."
Spacious camp areas: Branbury State Park Campground offers roomy sites with excellent setup options. "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they arent super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are. Nice beautiful wooded area, we were able to put a tent and hang a hammock for sleeping," notes one visitor.
Year-round accommodations: Rogers Rock Campground provides cabins from spring through fall with prime locations. A visitor comments, "I was lucky to book a site on the water. Beautiful views and morning sun. There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline. Each site has a fireplace and table."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book cabins near Vergennes well in advance, especially at popular locations like Little River State Park Campground. "Some of the best sites are up on a bluff with views over the lake a towards sunrise. Book early for the best sites," advises one camper.
Bathroom facilities: Most Vermont state park cabins have shared bathroom facilities with varying levels of maintenance. At Silver Lake Campground, "The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off."
Seasonal differences: Cabin amenities can change throughout the operating season. "In October, you get a second night free! The only downside is that the campsites are pretty small and close together so noise can be an issue," notes a Shelburne camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Silver Lake Campground offers programs specifically for children. "They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground," explains a visitor.
Safety considerations: Family cabins typically have fire safety equipment but may require additional precautions. "We had a very relaxing and peaceful camping experience. It's a pack in pack out campground so only pack what you truly need for camping."
Playground access: Kampersville provides multiple recreation areas for different age groups. One grandmother reports, "I am a grandma in my seventies and took seven kids and my daughter to kampersville. There was definitely something for everyone. Teens hung out, boys used those RC cars to run on dirt roads. Little kids rode bikes."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Shelburne Camping Area provides year-round cabins with various utility options. A visitor notes, "This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities. Sides are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean."
Leveling requirements: Cabin and RV sites near Vergennes may require adjustment. "Sites aren't particularly level or large. Cell phone coverage is spotty, I was getting 1-2 bars with Verizon," reports a camper at Rogers Rock.
Off-season advantages: Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday offers cabins with fewer crowds during shoulder seasons. One visitor mentions, "We reserved a full hook up 50a pull through for 3 nights as we toured the northeast. Water pressure was good, road noise was minimal, sites are spaced apart well, enough mature tree growth for shade and hammock!"
