Camping sites near Winooski, Vermont span both sides of Lake Champlain, offering options within a 30-mile radius that extend from Vermont's Green Mountains to New York's Adirondack region. The area experiences average summer temperatures of 75-80°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights that often dip into the 50s. Fall campers should prepare for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, especially at higher elevation campgrounds.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Champlain: From Apple Island Resort, campers can easily launch watercraft and explore the lake's marshes. "Across the street is a marina with rental boats/kayaks and a boat launch. We launched our paddleboard and kayak there but it was pretty mucky getting in and out of our boats," notes Nancy W.
Hiking Mount Mansfield: The Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides direct access to Vermont's highest peak. "Great access to the whole Mt. Mansfield and Stowe area," reports Matthew H., while another camper mentions there are "nearby waterfalls are lovely!"
Golfing at campground courses: Some camping areas feature their own recreational facilities. At Apple Island Resort, visitors enjoy the par-3 golf course with putting green. "They have a par 3 golf course and boat docks on site," mentions Jason E., making it convenient for campers to enjoy a round without leaving the grounds.
Biking the Burlington area: Several campgrounds connect to regional bike paths. Mackenzie B. advises: "Bring your bikes! You're on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls." The Island Line Trail allows car-free exploration from multiple campgrounds.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The region's rural areas offer excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Mount Philo State Park Campground described the experience: "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."
Beach access amenities: The beaches at several campgrounds feature more than just swimming. At Ausable Point Campground, "The public beach in campground is beautiful," according to kimberly R. Another camper notes it's "popular with kite surfers, kayakers, boaters, and fishermen."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites despite being developed. At Grand Isle State Park, "We had a lean-to site that was just far enough from the bathroom that it felt far. I found the site to be well maintained," reports Ashley J. At Mount Philo, Drew Q. advises "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private."
Off-season tranquility: Late spring and fall offer quieter camping experiences. "We stayed there the last week of the season so things were very quiet," notes Susan & Kevin W. about Apple Island Resort. Another reviewer mentioned, "Love this state park and it was super quiet during the week."
What you should know
Shower systems vary widely: Most campgrounds charge for showers and have different setups. At Mount Philo, "Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30." At Grand Isle State Park Campground, "Showers are coin operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!"
Campsite selection matters: Research site layouts before booking. Susan & Kevin W. advise: "Study the sites carefully because our 'premium view site' looked into a boulder. If you squinted and closed one eye you could see a piece of the lake out of one sliver of our windshield."
Limited availability at smaller parks: Mount Philo has just 10 campsites (7 tent sites and 3 lean-tos). "Vermont's oldest state park has just 10 campsites... We've stayed there a few times, and even during high summer the campsites aren't usually full," explains Tara S.
Road access restrictions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Mount Philo, "because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs," warns one camper. Smugglers Notch has similar considerations for larger vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Beach-focused activities: North Beach Campground offers supervised swimming areas. "There are life guards on duty at the beach and a playground and grills (claim them early if you want them)," advises Meag F., making it easier for parents to monitor children.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature well-maintained play areas. At Lone Pine Campsites, a visitor noted, "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."
Educational opportunities: State parks often offer programs for younger visitors. At Grand Isle, one camper appreciated the "cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," noting it was a "quiet, family friendly campground."
Biking safety: The Island Line Trail provides traffic-free riding. John L. reports that "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," making it convenient for families with varied interests.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: At Ausable Chasm Campground, RVers should know about site layouts. One RVer warns, "We were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van. These sites were $13 more per night and we really did not need the hookups."
Site leveling considerations: The terrain at many campgrounds requires preparation. At Shelburne Camping Area, an RVer noted, "Had to drop my 30 trailer to fit my 24 ft RV in the spot. Mostly permanent residents."
Power reliability issues: Electrical systems can be problematic at some locations. One RVer at Shelburne noted, "Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose." Verify amperage before arrival since several campgrounds have both 30 and 50 amp options.
Seasonal site availability: Most campgrounds in the region close between mid-October and early May. Tucker B. recommends Grand Isle: "Great spot for week of working and exploring in Burlington and Grand Isle. Love this state park and it was super quiet during the week."
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