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Button Bay State Park Campground welcomes pets in both its camping loops, making it a popular choice for dog owners exploring Vergennes. Most campsites maintain adequate distance for pets that need space, with the first loop offering a dedicated dog trail and beach area where dogs can cool off in Lake Champlain. Campers note the waterfront lean-tos provide direct lake access for pets needing frequent water breaks. Mount Philo State Park Campground provides seven tent sites and three lean-tos where pets are permitted, all featuring private, shaded areas that protect dogs from summer heat. Shelburne Camping Area and Whispering Pines Campground also accommodate pets at their facilities, with most requiring pets to remain on leash throughout the campground. Most locations provide pet waste stations and enforce standard cleanup policies.
Dogs can access various hiking options at Mount Philo, with the short summit trail offering views over Lake Champlain where pets can rest while owners enjoy the scenery. The park's walking paths are well-maintained and suitable for all sizes of dogs, though some narrow sections require shorter leashes. Waters Edge sites at Button Bay provide direct shoreline access for pets that enjoy swimming, though no designated swimming beach exists for dogs. Campers should note that while pet-friendly trails exist throughout the area, summer temperatures can affect walking surfaces, necessitating morning or evening walks. Local pet supply stores can be found in nearby Burlington, approximately 25 minutes from most campgrounds. The campgrounds maintain quiet hours that apply to barking dogs, particularly important at Mount Philo where sites are closely situated.
"The first is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy."
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
"The toilets are composing toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet in that it's in a stall in a nice, well maintained proper bathroom (unlike some composting toilets in"
"the best part is every night its 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"
from $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
"The best part of this campground is the view of Lake Champlain and Vermont. We stayed here one night in our RV with no hookups. The site was gorgeous and the campground clean."
"On river border of NY & VT. Nice views from the campsites, some places to walk around including a bridge. Lots of room for big RV, good hookups. Pretty quiet. Clean and well cared for."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $37 - $100 / night
Check Availability"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Direct access to Lake Champlain. This is a hidden gem in that area! "
"Pam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly."
"The only thing I didn't like was that you can hear a train around 10:45 pm and again early in the morning. Other than that, great views of the lake and mountains!"
ScoutThis is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. 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. 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.
GuideI 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.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
ScoutWe visited this campground twice this summer after the switchover to KOA. They had lots of activities to take back to the campsite for rainy days. They do not have a dog park and this caused our pup to get a bit hyper.
GuideTo start off, we are avid KOA campers. So when we looked at this campground, we expected the typical layout which had a swimming pool and other stuff for the kids, however, this campground lacked all of the above. When we arrived here, check-in was easy we did drive along ways to get to our campsite which was nice to be wooded, but I did miss the typical activities and KOA usually has which when I booked the site, I usually expect them since the prices usually, fairly high compared to state parks. Our main reason for seeing KA versus state parks for these extra activities. With that said the bathrooms were clean, which we barely use since we have a full hook up camper. The dog park was very small and it looked like they did the very minimum to check the block. If you’re looking for a place to run your little guy around, he might be disappointed at this place. However, there are plenty hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire. As far as location, there is a lot of stuff to do in the area as we went and hike, the mountain, which was amazing.
ScoutI'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.
RangerI’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!
RangerMostly 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.
RangerWe 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.
Vergennes camping areas offer versatile terrain options along Lake Champlain's eastern shoreline at approximately 200 feet elevation. The region features wooded sites in the surrounding Green Mountains mixed with open meadow camping closer to town. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with cooling lake breezes, while fall camping brings temperatures between 40-65°F with vibrant foliage displays.
Cycling adventures: The Lake Champlain Byway near Button Bay State Park Campground provides excellent terrain for road biking enthusiasts. "Nice park for cycling the Lake Champlain Byway," notes one visitor who appreciated the paved roads throughout the park that are "good for bikes & scooters."
Nature exploration: Several sites offer walking trails with educational components. "Definitely hike the short nature trail out to Button Bay Point. It's especially lovely in the evening as the sun is setting," recommends a regular visitor. The trail includes interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.
Historic site visits: Crown Point Campground provides access to colonial-era fortifications. "This historic site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the ruins of 2 fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French, as well as the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse," explains a camper who used this location as a convenient base between the Adirondacks and Burlington.
Waterfront access: Many campsites at Moosalamoo Campground offer water features beyond swimming beaches. "The sites are just steps from incredible mountain views, an unbelievable swimming hole, and 3 amazing large waterfalls," writes one visitor who accessed the area via the Silver Lake trail head.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours provide opportunities for spotting local wildlife. "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness," reports a camper who stayed at Moosalamoo in late summer.
Site privacy: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers more secluded camping than many local options. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees," notes one visitor who appreciated the $23/night rate that includes "picnic table and fire pit" with "moderate cell service."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the Vergennes area operate on limited schedules. Most state parks including Button Bay and Mount Philo operate from "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend," closing during winter months when maintenance occurs.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer weekends, advance booking is essential. "Book early for the best sites," advises a camper who specifically recommends the waterfront sites at Button Bay which "are fantastic" and "wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake."
Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. North Beach Campground offers "bathhouses [that] could have used a good scrub," according to one visitor, while others like Moosalamoo maintain "very clean" pit toilets that were described as "the cleanest most order free toilet vaults we have ever seen."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Vergennes, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Vergennes, VT is Button Bay State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Vergennes, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 155 dog-friendly camping locations near Vergennes, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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