Grand Isle State Park | Lake Champlain Camping Guide
Photo Credit : Photo by Matt Parsons/courtesy Vermont State Parks
While there are many fine lodging options to be found in and around Burlington, Vermont, there’s something extra-special about sleeping on or near the shores of this area’s famous body of water. Our Lake Champlain camping guide highlights our favorite options for getting a little closer to the great outdoors.
For many New Englanders, of course, Champlain is their “great lake,” as its 314,000-acre sprawl dwarfs Maine’s 118-square-mile Moosehead Lake and New Hampshire’s 72-square-mile Lake Winnipesaukee. And in a state renowned for outdoor recreation, Champlain does not disappoint. The truly ambitious can even make their stay on the lake itself via a houseboat rental. Ready for a visit? Then read on to explore our Lake Champlain camping guide for ideas on where to stay and play.
Grand Isle State Park | Lake Champlain Camping Guide Photo Credit : Photo by Barry Solman/courtesy Vermont State Parks
All kinds of lodging options abound at this plush destination, from RV sites and cottages to cabins and tent spots. But wait, there’s more: a nine-hole golf course, a general store, a fitness center, pool, and a community center. Hiking trails, boat rentals, and free Wi-Fi round out the experience.
Is it urban or rural? Actually, North Beach is a little of both. Set on 45 wooded and beachfront acres, this popular campground features 137 sites for RV, trailer, and tent stays. When a day of outdoor fun is over and you want a little more city action, you’re just minutes from the scene in downtown Burlington.
Lone Pine Campsites | Lake Champlain Camping Guide Photo Credit : Courtesy Lone Pine Campsites
Since 1973 this well-loved campground has offered families unfettered access to Lake Champlain. Just a short walk to Malletts Bay, Lone Pine offers a robust 265 campsites. Family stays come easy here, as the property’s amenities include a camp store, free Wi-Fi, two pools, and laundry facilities. Have a ball playing on Lone Pine’s basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.
Set on six waterside acres, the Anchorage has sweeping views of Champlain’s Paradise Bay and Cedar Island. For those of us who just aren’t ready to commit to a night of sleeping on the ground, the Anchorage is a nice option. Twelve “glamping” cabins are scattered across the property, all of which include private baths. Visitors also get access to free Wi-Fi in the main lodge, fire pits, family-style breakfasts, and a sandy beach for the kiddos.
As the name suggests, this place caters to senior citizens and couples without children. Full hook-up RV sites as well as lean-to and tent sites are offered. And for those who want a few more creature comforts, the campground’s furnished one-bedroom cottage on the west shores of Champlain is available to rent.
Grand Isle State Park | Lake Champlain Camping Guide Photo Credit : Photo by Matt Parsons/courtesy Vermont State Parks
There’s a reason Grand Isle is the most visited campground in Vermont’s state park system, and it begins with 4,150 feet of Champlain shoreline. In all, Grand Isle features 115 tent/RV sites, 36 lean-to sites, and four cabins spread across 226 acres. Boaters can take advantage of the park’s launch, while the nature center offers something for kids of all ages, such as night hikes, crafts, and amphibian explorations.
Which Lake Champlain camping spots are your favorites?
Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.
