Campgrounds near Winooski, Vermont cluster along Lake Champlain's shoreline with several developed options within a 15-mile radius. North Beach Campground in Burlington provides direct lake access with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations just 3 miles southwest of Winooski. Other nearby options include Mallets Bay Campground and Lone Pine Campsites in Colchester, both offering waterfront settings with various amenities. The Winooski area features numerous camping options ranging from full-service sites to more basic accommodations, with most providing convenient access to both natural attractions and urban conveniences.
Most campgrounds in the Winooski area operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to Vermont's northern climate. Reservations become essential during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. Grand Isle State Park and Mount Philo State Park have shorter seasons, generally opening Memorial Day weekend and closing by mid-October. Winter camping options are limited, with Shelburne Camping Area being one of the few year-round facilities in the region. Developed campgrounds typically provide water, electric hookups, restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor commented, "Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose. Clean easy to use dump with water."
Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer lake access and proximity to Burlington's amenities. Many campgrounds connect to the Island Line Trail (formerly Burlington Bike Path), allowing car-free exploration of the area. The location strikes a balance between natural settings and urban convenience, though this comes with trade-offs. Several visitors noted that sites at North Beach and other popular campgrounds lack privacy and can be crowded during peak season. According to one camper, "Sites are extremely close together," while another observed that North Beach Campground provides "direct access to the bike/walking path to the city, as well as a city bus stop at the top of the road." The developed campgrounds in the area generally prioritize amenities and location over wilderness experience, making them suited for travelers seeking both outdoor recreation and access to urban attractions.
$37 - $100 / night
"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."
"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."
$6 - $28 / night
"Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."
"Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."
"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."
$55 - $105 / night
"Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly."
"Brewery and vineyards close by"
$8 - $12 / night
"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."
"Cool little campground right in Mallets Bay on Lake Champlain. Campsites are kind of close together. Nice pool, game room, and little store. Its a fun place for families!"
"This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"
"Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors."
$22 - $40 / night
"Take a walk up the path next to the chasm. So relaxing listening to the water falls. Great place to watch the sunset! "
"They have some beach and river sites if you like to be close to the water. Showers and bathrooms were spacious."
$20 / night
"I’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!"
"They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"
"This is a smaller campground tucked away in the bayside of Colchester."
"Right on the water, a nice breeze coming off of the lake, close to everything downtown, but still felt like we weren’t on top of our neighbors. Run by some great people! Highly recommend!"
$23 / night
"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"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutWe camped on overflow 28 and riverside 32 from July 2025 to June 2026.Tim Mitchell is the best host and grounds keeper. We visited several camps in area before we decided to stay at Blue Heaven. Very family friendly park.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
ScoutSame name and google search, but new owner since 2024. We just wrapped up a stay at this campground and I can honestly say… we’ll be back.🙌 From the moment we arrived, you could feel the pride the owner has poured into this place. The new power and water hookups are a huge upgrade, and it’s exciting to see the vision for future expansion already coming to life. Everything about our stay felt easy, welcoming, and most importantly—safe. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly relax, enjoy your time, and feel right at home. Clean, well cared for, and clearly built with heart. Can’t wait to come back and see how it continues to grow.🌲✨
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Winooski, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Winooski, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 183 campgrounds and RV parks near Winooski, VT and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Winooski, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Winooski, VT is North Beach Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Winooski, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Winooski, VT.
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