Nestled between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, Williston, Vermont sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and snowy winters. The surrounding campgrounds offer diverse accommodation options from primitive tent sites to full-service yurt camping near Williston, Vermont. Several state parks maintain seasonal operations from May through October, though a few offer year-round camping opportunities.
What to do
Paddle the reservoir: At Little River State Park Campground, water activities dominate recreation options. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat," says Hannah H. The park features boat-in sites and swimming areas along the shoreline.
Climb rock formations: AuSable Chasm Campground offers rock climbing opportunities alongside tubing and hiking trails. "They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course," notes Susan S. The area provides an excellent day trip option from Williston.
Winter camping experiences: For cold-weather enthusiasts, some yurt camping options near Williston remain accessible year-round. "Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area," explains Ed M. about Smugglers Notch. "Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag."
Geological exploration: Lake Champlain's shoreline presents interesting rock collecting opportunities. "Water was clean & clear. Fantastic lake for rock collecting! Very pretty and diverse geological landscape," reports Whitney W. after camping at Camp Skyland. Many visitors find unique geological specimens along the lakefront.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Mount Philo State Park Campground maintains a small footprint with limited camping spaces. "We love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views," notes Rita M. The park's limited capacity creates a more intimate camping experience.
Car-free island camping: Burton Island State Park Campground offers a unique experience away from vehicles. "It's a car free paradise that requires a boat or ferry to get to but yield the rewards of peace, nature, and gorgeous shoreline," says Rita M. The island maintains specialized yurt and cabin accommodations accessible only by water.
Convenient cycling access: The region features excellent biking infrastructure connecting natural areas with urban amenities. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls," advises one camper. The Island Line trail provides direct lake access with ferry connections.
Waterfront views: Many campers specifically request lakeside accommodations for sunrise and sunset views. "Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site," notes Cindy L. about Little River. More accessible waterfront yurt camping near Williston provides direct lake views with minimal hiking required.
What you should know
Advance reservations essential: Popular sites book far in advance, particularly waterfront locations. "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 one reviewer about Burton Island.
Ferry transportation required: For island camping, plan transportation logistics. "You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," notes Tara S. The ferry costs about $8 per person with no extra charge for gear, though boats incur a $2 fee.
Seasonal bathroom facilities: While many campgrounds offer showers, availability varies by season. "The water pressure is barely enough to rinse the soap off," mentions Michael L. about Burton Island showers. Others note coin-operated systems: "Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes."
Insect preparation: Particularly in summer months, Camp Skyland and similar waterfront locations experience significant insect activity. "Mosquitos were intense here, so bring spray & plan accordingly! Our screened-in tent area saved us from being eaten up," advises Whitney W. Bug nets and repellent prove essential during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas for children. "Great campground for families that are not too rowdy. There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities," explains Lacy C. about Button Bay State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly swimming: Look for designated beach areas with lifeguards when traveling with children. "There is a day area with a beach as well as many places around the island to swim. Just wear water shoes since it is mainly a rocky coast," advises Doris B. about Burton Island.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs and nature centers. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," notes Harry H. about Smugglers Notch. These activities provide structured learning experiences between outdoor adventures.
Family-sized yurts: For families seeking glamping options near Williston, several locations offer multi-person yurt accommodations. Look for units with separate sleeping areas and electricity for charging devices. Reservations typically include picnic tables and fire rings outside the structures.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many state parks near Williston offer primitive camping only. "No hookups but have a dump station," notes Barbara Y. about Button Bay. Plan accordingly with battery capacity and water storage for stays without services.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly," notes Lee D. about Maple Grove Campground.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to remote campgrounds may present challenges for larger vehicles. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," observes Lee D. about AuSable Chasm Campground.
Size-appropriate site selection: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. "We didn't advance book, so we were in one of the last available spots. Site 2 is a flat, gravel back in, 30 amp, full hookup," notes one reviewer. Most yurt accommodations near Williston provide vehicle parking separate from the camping structure.
