Camping on Lake Champlain

·

With 587 miles of shoreline extending across New York, Vermont, and Quebec, Canada; 71 islands and more than a dozen state parks to explore; plus a backdrop of the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks—Lake Champlain is a sprawling slice of paradise for outdoor adventurers. Boating, fishing, and water sports are popular lake activities, while the surrounding Champlain Valley is dotted with hiking and biking trails, day-use and picnic areas, and golf courses. Campers have options, too, whether you prefer an RV resort with full hookups, a cozy lakeside cabin, or a boat-in tent site.

98% (6.6K) • 3,524 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Lake Champlain

Saranac Lake River Camp

1. Saranac Lake River Camp

99%
(56)
Saranac Lake, NY · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Saranac Lake River Camp! Bring your canoes, kayaks, bikes etc? Escape to a scenic, waterfront getaway right on the beautiful Saranac River. Whether you are looking to relax by the water or explore the local area, this spot offers the perfect balance of nature and convenience. The Space Camper-Friendly: The spacious campsite comfortably accommodates campers and RVs up to 34 feet in length. Prime Waterfront Location: Step right outside your door to enjoy direct access to the river. Explore the Area Step into History: Take a short, scenic walk or bike ride into Historic Downtown Saranac Lake to enjoy local shops, dining, and culture. Paddle the River: Launch your canoe or kayak right from the camp! Paddle upstream to head straight into town, or go downstream to explore the peaceful winding riverways.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Feel Good Farm

2. Feel Good Farm

99%
(302)
Wolcott, VT · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
This 150-acre property has been in our family for 32 years and now houses three generations. Built in 1900 it was a traditional dairy farm until the 50's and 60's when potatoes were planted on the fields for the Boston and New York markets. By the 70's and 80's it became a gentleman's farm for a retired couple from New York City and the dairy farmers nearby hayed the fields. When we purchased the property in 1993 we continued offering the hay, built greenhouses, planted vegetable and flower gardens, ran a traditional Bed and Breakfast, now airbnb. We leased some of the fields to a local organic seed company for 13 years until they purchased their own property. The farm remains certified organic and is still being hayed by a local dairy farm, the gardens are community managed using regenerative and sustainable practices when ever possible. In the commercial garden, seed crops are being planted once again. Much of the cultivated agricultural land is protected under the Vermont Land Trust, to ensure that it remains used for agricultural purposes. We love to share our farm and forest with others. In addition to our very intentional farming operations, you can find wild edibles tucked away on forest trails. Wildlife and wildflowers abound. Views and sunsets. Check out the 968 acre wildlife management area that abuts the property. Plenty of trails through the woods leading to Wolcott Pond and hidden beaver huts and dams. Children 12 and under no charge. Our little pond behind the big greenhouse has filled up a bit more this spring which you are welcome to use for dipping or frog watching. Carry in and carry out property, Drive on field's edge only. Adhere to quiet hours 10pm-8am We can host large parties with advance notice.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
- Ubuntu -

3. - Ubuntu -

100%
(140)
Keeseville, NY · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
“Ubuntu” Def: An ancient African word meaning “Humanity to others”. It is a reminder of “I am what I am because of who we all are.” We do our best to bring the spirit of Ubuntu to our lives and property that we have been graced with. We hope your visit to Ubuntu will be peaceful and rejuvenating. Ubuntu was the PERFECT place to observe the Northern Lights on Friday and Saturday (May 10-11). Campers at Ubuntu found the perfect spot to observe the April 8th TOTAL solar eclipse. There are no lights, no neighbors in sight, and they had the freedom to choose their campsite or observation point, whether it was on the flat, nestled in the trees, or on top of Carney Mountain. RV’s also easily found a spot to camp. New friends were made as everyone observed the eclipse. It was totally awe inspiring in so many ways!! The open areas and the top of Carney Mountain, which is a short hike with panoramic views of the area, were perfect spots to experience the solar eclipse, Northern Lights, sunrises and sunsets. The 115 acres of Ubuntu offer many opportunities for camping, hiking and enjoying the abundant wildlife. There is a wet area that sometimes becomes several ponds if the beavers have been at work. There is a path leading to the ponds and also one that runs through the woods to the right of the ponds. The location is private and quiet but still very accessible (only 10 minutes from Exit 34 off the Northway) to all the Adirondacks has to offer, such as biking, jogging, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Ubuntu is located only 45 minutes from Lake Placid and the high peaks areas, Saranac Lake is about one hour away, Lake Champlain is 20 minutes away, and Montreal is one hour away. The ferry to Vermont if you wish to cross over the pond (Lake Champlain) is about 45 minutes away. And Exit 34 off the Northway is only 10 minutes from Ubuntu. And if you love equestrian sports, the Willow Hill Equestrian Center is less than 1.5 miles away. Bring your horse and stable your buddy at the Willow Hill Farm, or sign up for a lesson with one of their accomplished instructors. Your furry pets are welcome, but we ask that you keep them on a leash if they tend to chase game or do not have a reliable recall. Please use good judgment. There are many deer on the property, so yes we do have ticks. Please take the necessary precautions. Generators are allowed but in keeping with the peace and tranquility of Ubuntu, please run them only between the hours of 12:00 - 2 PM, especially if other campers are present.. If there are no other campers then use at your own discretion. We hope that your visit to Ubuntu will be a great experience that you will enjoy and treasure! In Peace, Aisha and Moussa
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Adirondack State Park

4. Adirondack State Park

96%
(149)
State park in New York · 5193 sites
The Adirondacks lounge across a million acres only a 4-hour drive from NYC.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Green Mountain National Forest

5. Green Mountain National Forest

95%
(31)
National forest in Vermont · 123 sites
A peaceful woodland in the heart of New England filled with outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mount Norris Scout Reservation

6. Mount Norris Scout Reservation

99%
(101)
Eden, VT · 16 sites · Tents, Lodging
The pristine mountain trails and and panoramic views of Lake Eden beckon adventurers of all ages and abilities to enjoy year-round visits to Mount Norris Scout Reservation. With 1,000 acres of wilderness terrain, a dozen secluded campsites and numerous cabins, lean-tos and shelters to suit your needs, Mt. Norris is big enough for any private event but perfect for your family or group. Ascend the 1,482-foot vertical 5-mile round trail to the summit of Mt. Norris or carve your own path in snow shoes or cross country skis to the shores of Lake Eden. We have 75 years of experience helping introduce families to the outdoors. Let us know how we can make your next experience unforgettable! Mt. Norris is a strictly substance-free facility. Thank you for helping us maintain a tranquil environment for our guests.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Harold's View Farm

7. Harold's View Farm

99%
(755)
Westford, VT · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Former Dairy Farm but, the milking and hay barns burned many years Past. Harold's View Farm now camping. There are 4 entrances to the 80 acres of hay fields, now camping sites. Three entrances are for two sites each, the house entrance is for any questions. Please stop in if you have questions. The fields have been maintained to some degree until 2019 when Lee came up with the idea of primitive camping. The land turns out to be ideal because each site makes you feel like the only campers there. New this year you will find a picnic table for 6 and a 3 Ft. dia. fire pit with adjustable grill that flips out for open fire @ each site. Another new item is open to the sky "Hot Shower"
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Woodbury Meadows

8. Woodbury Meadows

99%
(449)
East Calais, VT · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We live on 52 wooded acres in a natural area surrounded by lakes and ponds just 14 miles north of Montpelier VT. We are located on the Green Mountain Gravel Growler bike packing trail and 7 miles south of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. We have lots of hiking , biking, boating and swimming opportunities nearby. Our amenitys include a bath house and laundry. We have two 30 amp RV sites with full hook ups and 4 tent/small RV non electric sites. We are 100% solar powered and have good WIFI but no cell service. We cater to small quiet groups who can enjoy our peaceful setting. If your are bike packing and our sites are booked just text or stop in we will accommodate you. The campground is located along our town road and the sites are 50 - 100 feet apart along our driveway. This is not a wilderness experience you will have neighbors, including us. We have a pond with a couple canoes for paddling and a .5 mile long nature trail along a stream on the premises. We are a family friendly, non smoking campground. We are open early May till late October. Pets on leashes are OK. Quiet time is all the time :~). 12 and under free, no Generators.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Keene Van Camp @ Stardust

9. Keene Van Camp @ Stardust

100%
(1)
Keene, NY · 4 sites
This is a low-key camping spot for vans and small campers. The site includes a composting toilet, fire pit, and hammocks where you can relax and unwind. A beautiful beach is located just across the main road, only a 5-minute walk away, where you can cool off and enjoy the water. This camp is located 2 minutes from the East Branch Mountain Biking Trails, 9 minutes from the Jay Mountain Trailhead, and 2 minutes from the Celmonds Pond Trailhead. It’s also just 5 minutes from the town of Keene and 12 minutes from everything Keene Valley has to offer. We live on the property and are always happy to chat, answer questions, and help make your stay enjoyable.
Button Bay State Park

10. Button Bay State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Vermont · 57 sites
Discover Button Bay State Park's scenic charm and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Elmore State Park

11. Elmore State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Vermont · 45 sites
Elmore State Park is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Branbury State Park

12. Branbury State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 37 sites
Discover Branbury State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Green River Reservoir State Park

13. Green River Reservoir State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Vermont · 28 sites
Discover Green River Reservoir State Park's serene waters and lush forests.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black Creek Maple Off Grid Camp

14. Black Creek Maple Off Grid Camp

98%
(217)
Cambridge, VT · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pitch your tent nestled along the edge of lush green forestry, surrounded in nature! Gorgeous views and the smell of the fresh Vermont air will amaze you. Start your day making coffee on the fire, sitting listening to the birds and watching the deer nibbling the grass. We welcome avid year round outdoors people to explore this land. Whether you love snow shoeing, hiking, biking or just sitting, spending evenings around the camp fire. Our family has the perfect getaway for your stay in a tent, cabin or van. During July and August the wild raspberries and blackberries make a wonderful treat. Try your culinary skills over the campfire while the children play and explore nature. As night falls, a campfire with smores hosts a wonderful end to the days fun. Afterwards, tuck the children in and listen to the night sounds under the stars! Your site is only 1/8 mile from "The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail" used year round as recreational fun for biking and also part of the VAST system for snow mobiles. Only ten minutes to restaurants, shops, zip line, bike rentals, swimming, kayaking, fishing, ski, attractions and more! We are located, so close to the ski resorts and resort villages. Also, less than thirty minutes from the Canadian border! Don't forget to check out the many extras available. Get back to basics and enjoy all that nature has to offer and create your own lasting memories!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
ADK Saddle Hill

15. ADK Saddle Hill

99%
(292)
Elizabethtown, NY · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This was a very old dairy farm owned by the Duntley Family. Old farming equipment dispersed throughout the property. An old foundation from a sugaring house. Beautiful old rock walls. Deer and wildlife galore. Pitch your tent or bring your camper to our 150-acre working farm oasis. Beautiful views of the Adirondack Mountains. Easy drive to great hiking spots. Easy access in Essex for the ferry to Vermont. Lake Placid, high peaks 30 minutes. Or just relax at your campsite with a fire. There is a water spigot to the left of the big brown metal building with easy access with the driveway in front of the building. Each site has its own outhouse, picnic table, two Adirondack chairs, fire ring with a cooking grate. Snow mobile access during winter months. Please use hashtag #saddlehill Happy Camping!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Peregrine Farm and Forest

16. Peregrine Farm and Forest

94%
(177)
Johnson, VT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Located on 109 scenic acres, we offer beautiful campsites, as well as RV parking and canvas tents for rent. Our property borders Vermont's Long Trail, less than 1/2 mile from the gorgeous vista of Prospect Rock. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is nearby for bicycle or foot travel, and the Lamoille river is easily accessed for fishing, tubing, kayaking etc. We feature a full-size professionally built Disc Golf course, Elevation Chains, on property. Beautiful views of river and mountains and a secluded yet very accessible location make this an ideal property for camping.  Our campground features a fully functioning outdoor kitchen available to all campers.  Propane stove, running water and cutlery are provided to make food planning and prep easier.  It also features a large firepit and serves as a great center for community gatherings.  Outdoor shower (room temp only) and composting toilets also available.  Biodegradable soaps and hygiene products only please! The frogs will thank you.  Ask us about canoe and paddleboard rental! About us: At Peregrine Farm and Forest we strive to be positive stewards to our land.  We actively farm and forage, and appreciate it when our guests take interest as well.  We graze sheep, pigs and sometimes other ruminants, keep gardens and perennials, and manage our lands with the most ecological practices available to us.  We believe that a strong and thriving community is foundational to a healthy, happy life and welcome all to come visit! Ask about long term camping and internship programs as well. Arriving on site: Don't follow your GPS, as it may send you to an inaccurate location. Instead, put our address (contact us if you're unable to find it on this site) in, locate our road, and then look for the street number on our mailbox on the left as you drive uphill. Once onsite, follow the drive straight until you reach the camping area and follow signage to your site. If you have questions or need assistance we live in the cabin with the blue roof and can usually be found around there.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Magikal trails

17. Magikal trails

97%
(17)
Paul Smiths, NY · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Two acres that back up to swamp land. Magikal trails to experience. Rough out house, rough outside shower and rough lean-to. All hand built. Fire pit with grill shelves, you can hang out near a fire and cook your meals. Lego wall, free library, geo caches on property. Internet, screened in porch if it is raining or buggy. Solar lantern that can charge your phone. Or you can plug in on the porch.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
The Meadows of Worcester View

18. The Meadows of Worcester View

93%
(30)
Morrisville, VT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Single camping site with great views of the Worcester Mountain Range with close proximity to Stowe & Morrisville! Central location to many different mountain biking areas, waterfalls, hiking trails, road cycling routes, picturesque Stowe, breweries, distilleries and of course epic foliage
Campfires
Picnic table
HOWL Women & Gender Justice Retreat

19. HOWL Women & Gender Justice Retreat

98%
(121)
Huntington, VT · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
HOWL (Huntington Open Women's Land) is a mission-driven nonprofit which stewards 54 acres of land bordering on Camel’s Hump State Park, creating a space centered on women, trans people of all genders, and nonbinary and agender people. We ask that if you camp with us, you respect our guidelines regarding gender and living in community with others. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, we offer a 15% off discount code. We are also seeking full-time residents! Please note that we are on a dirt road on a mountain well away from town. You will need reliable transportation to visit here; 4WD recommended in winter months.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brookview Cabin

20. Brookview Cabin

99%
(92)
Lewis, NY · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Off grid 10X14 cabin queen bed, solar power battery for charging small devices , coffee pot, toaster, grill with side burner for cooking, outside sink, hot outdoor shower, outhouse, fire pit, picnic table, no smoking, space heater for those cool nights, access to Mountain Brook, close to Adk Peaks . hiking ,biking ,ferry to VT 10 mi info, call or txt 5189353618.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lake Champlain camping guide

Where to go

New York Shore

Wild forests and dreamy lake views await on the west shore of Lake Champlain, and boaters and hikers will be in their element. Explore the Lake Champlain Valley by bike or on foot, enjoy some of the region’s best bass fishing, or come in winter to enjoy snowshoeing, ice fishing, and ice skating. Plattsburgh is the largest city on the New York side, from where ferries run to Vermont, but you’ll find RV parks and campgrounds dotting the lakeshore.

Adirondacks High Peaks

The forest-clad mountains and wilderness areas of the vast Adirondacks park lie just west of Lake Champlain, where you can scale the High Peaks, kayak or whitewater raft along the rivers, and marvel at some of New York’s best fall foliage views. There are RV sites with full hookups and glamping options to be found in the Adirondacks, but for a back-to-nature camping trip, opt for a backcountry tent site in the heart of the wilderness. 

Vermont

Lake Champlain’s eastern shore lies in Vermont, framed by the verdant hills of the Green Mountains. The lakeside towns of Burlington, Shelburne, and Colchester all make strategic basecamps from which to explore the lake, or you can take your pick of 13 Vermont state parks around the lake. Cruising out to the Lake Champlain Islands is a must, and Grand Isle State Park on South Hero Island has one of the region’s most popular campgrounds. An added bonus: Campers get free beach access in Knight Point State Park on North Hero Island.

Montreal & Quebec

Lake Champlain’s northern shore spills over into the Canadian province of Quebec, fringed by sandy beaches, lush parks, and marinas. Head to Venise-en-Quebec to enjoy water sports and boat cruises through the summer months, or base yourself in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu along the Richelieu River. Both have options for campers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Boating, fishing, and water sports are popular lake activities, while the surrounding Champlain Valley is dotted with hiking and biking trails, day-use and picnic areas, and golf courses. Campers have options, too, whether you prefer an RV resort with full hookups, a cozy lakeside cabin, or a boat-in tent site. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Champlain on Hipcamp.

Head to Venise-en-Quebec to enjoy water sports and boat cruises through the summer months, or base yourself in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu along the Richelieu River. Both have options for campers. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Champlain on Hipcamp.

The forest-clad mountains and wilderness areas of the vast Adirondacks park lie just west of Lake Champlain, where you can scale the High Peaks, kayak or whitewater raft along the rivers, and marvel at some of New York’s best fall foliage views. There are RV sites with full hookups and glamping options to be found in the Adirondacks, but for a back-to-nature camping trip, opt for a backcountry tent site. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Champlain on Hipcamp.

Plattsburgh is the largest city on the New York side, from where ferries run to Vermont, but you’ll find RV parks and campgrounds dotting the lakeshore. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Champlain on Hipcamp.

The lakeside towns of Burlington, Shelburne, and Colchester all make strategic basecamps from which to explore the lake, or you can take your pick of 13 Vermont state parks around the lake. Cruising out to the Lake Champlain Islands is a must, and Grand Isle State Park on South Hero Island has one of the region’s most popular campgrounds. An added bonus: Campers get free beach access in Knight Point State Park on North Hero Island. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Champlain on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Lake Champlain trips

Top national parks and forests in and near Lake Champlain