Winooski sits in Vermont's Champlain Valley at an elevation of 177 feet above sea level, positioning it for mild summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Most RV sites near Winooski, Vermont operate seasonally from early May through mid-October due to the region's freezing winter temperatures, with many campsites closing after Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Lake Champlain access from Apple Island Resort offers excellent paddling opportunities. "Across the street is a marina with rental boats/kayaks and a boat launch. We launched our paddleboard and kayak there... we were allowed to leave our kayak locked on a rack at the marina so we didn't have to take it back to our campsite every day," noted one visitor.
Local breweries and wineries: Several within 15-minute drive of camping areas in South Hero. "Brewery and vineyards close by," mentions a camper at Apple Island Resort, while another adds, "Breweries near by for the so inclined."
Hiking and biking: Island paths and mountain trails surrounding Smugglers Notch RV Village provide excellent routes. "Very close to Smuggs and only a short but beautiful ride to Stowe," reports one visitor. Another camper noted, "Should have brought my roadbike, this is a bicyclers heaven."
Golf: 9-hole par-3 course available at Apple Island Resort with putting green. "My husband enjoyed his time at the golf course," reports one camper, making it convenient for those who want to golf without leaving their campsite.
What campers like
Lake views: Tiered camping sites at Alburg RV Resort optimize views. "There is a big long sandy beach... You're close to NY, facing the Adirondack Mountains," noted one visitor. At Apple Island Resort, "The rows are terraced and they do offset sites on each row which is good."
Spacious camping areas: Larger than typical sites in several campgrounds. At Brookside RV Camping, campers enjoy "nice flat sites and electric hookups." One reviewer mentioned "this is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathhouses and grounds appreciated by many campers. "The restrooms were clean, showers and a laundry room which was needed by us," reported a visitor to Alburg RV Resort. At Smugglers Notch RV Village, "a beautiful well kept bath house and a small but well stocked store" earned praise.
Seasonal color: Fall foliage viewing from campsites. "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory," advises an Apple Island Resort camper. "Color explosion" is how another described their autumn visit.
What you should know
Site configuration variations: Pull-through vs. nose-in layouts differ between campgrounds. At Apple Island Resort, "Most of the waterfront sites are nose-in and suited well for motorhomes. The hook-ups at our site were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.'"
Limited winter camping options: Nearly all RV parks close by late October. Seasonal operations typically run "May 1 to Oct 20" at Apple Island Resort and similar timeframes at other campgrounds in the region.
Wi-Fi and connectivity: Varies between campgrounds and by location within the same park. "The camp wifi was spotty," noted a camper at Brookwood RV Resort, adding "but hey, we were camping, right?"
Booking patterns: Weekends fill first during peak season. "Very close to Burlington and about an hour away from Stowe," notes one Apple Island Resort visitor, explaining the popularity of certain central locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple age-appropriate options for children. At Alburg RV Resort, "There is a big playground which keeps the kids busy," while Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks offers diverse activities: "The kids loved the gem mining and train rides!!"
Swimming options: Both lake and pool access at several campgrounds. "The pool was packed yet felt good," reported an Alburg RV Resort visitor, while Apple Island Resort offers "a nice pool with plenty of chairs and umbrellas."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Multi-generational appeal at most campgrounds. "We really enjoyed our stay here! Sites were really wooded, quiet, level, and spread out," noted a visitor to Brookwood RV Resort, making it comfortable for families of all ages.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bird watching particularly along lakeshores. Near Apple Island Resort, there are "plenty of nature preserves with short trails and within a mile is a swimming beach and free access to the water for exploring the marshes and the abundant birdlife."
Tips from RVers
Big rig navigation: Plan routes carefully when approaching campgrounds in mountain areas. At Iroquois Campground & RV Park, a camper noted "roadway a little rough but overall ok," which larger rigs should consider.
Hookup configurations: Check specific layouts before arrival as they can vary. "Campground is not too tightly packed, enough room. One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper," advised a visitor to Apple Island Resort.
Site selection strategies: Premium doesn't always mean best view at some campgrounds. "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," warned an Apple Island Resort visitor.
Electrical service variations: Not all campgrounds offer both 30 and 50-amp service. Smugglers Notch RV Village provides "full hookups (sewer, water, 50 AMP)" and has sites that are "level, shaded" according to campers.
