The best camping in Lake Champlain with climbing

·

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.

97% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Champlain

2. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%
(76)
5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paul Smiths, NY
Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$75
 / night

7. Adirondack Magic

100%
(86)
4 sites · RVs · Elizabethtown, NY
We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night

9. ADK Saddle Hill

99%
(293)
9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Elizabethtown, NY
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
from 
$50
 / night

13. Wilmington Terrace Barnyard

100%
(26)
1 site · RV · Wilmington, NY
* I'm only able to host FULLY SELF-CONTAINED rigs currently. This means that you must have a toilet on-board * WTB is part of an old Wilmington apple orchard with views of Whiteface Mountain and access to the Au Sable River. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Wilmington Terrace Barnyard! It's a half acre plot of land located behind my house "Wilmington Terrace Ranch" (on Air B+B). It's a quiet neighborhood on a dead-end street. We're in close proximity to copious hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing on the Au Sable river, 'the flume' swimming hole, pubs and restaurants, and nearby Adirondack towns including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Keene.  Aside from the lean-to located in the back corner of the property, there is access to electricity and water, a fire pit and outdoor seating. I can only accommodate fully self-contained rigs! Feel free to contact me with any questions!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$49
 / night

16. Willow Hill Farm and Mountains

93%
(289)
23 sites · Tents, RVs · Keeseville, NY
Willow Hill Farm is a family-run working horse farm. We train , teach, board horses, and run a day camp. We had a resident camp for 40 years. We have mountains in our backyard and the Au Sable River with world class fishing bordering our meadow for a half mile. Great swimming there, also! We are 45 minutes from Lake Placid and 30 minutes from Plattsburgh. Montreal and Burlington, VT are a 1.5 hour drive. Lake Champlain is 15 minutes away. Hiking, boating, and swimming are all close, and riding lessons are available on the farm. Most hip camp sites are near where resident campers stayed. There are two sleeping cabins with many bunks. Each has two small rooms where a counselor slept and one large room. There are screened windows with shutters on all sides and screen doors without locks on each end. There are electrical outlets and over head lights in the cabins. We have plans to improve the cabins. Past the cabins is the Green with 4 loose stone firepits. Across from the cabins is the shower house with four hot showers, sink, and toilets. Showers and toilets have closed stalls. Currently, the water system is above ground and will not work in freezing temps. We have installed an outhouse for year round use. All water is from our excellent well. On each side of the former(closed) dining are spots. There are electrical outlets on the outside of the dining hall. People with campers may like to park in the riding arena near the barnyard. There are outlets, but no toilets. Good water is available from the barns. Lovely views of sky and mountains! We also have a beautiful 50 acre field with a household type outlet, but no well. There is an outhouse there. Excellent sky viewing here. This is where we jump and train our horses. Horses may be turned out in this field.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night

17. Lake Tenting/Sm. RV Hyde Park VT

99%
(150)
1 site · Tent, RV · Hyde Park, VT
You have your choice of camping with your van or small RV, small trailer or tent, in a level, forested area (not lakeside) with picnic table and fire pit, or tenting lakeside with water views, picnic table and fire pit, or both! You have access to both, one reservation comes with both spots, so you can enjoy the lakeside regardless of where you sleep. Vehicles cannot reach the tent site, it is a steep trail about a 150 feet. Although our campsite is near the lake, you cannot drive to the water from the campsite. It is a steep, short hike down to the water. There is one canoe at the campsite you are free to use or bring your own canoes, kayaks and/ or paddle boards to enjoy the superb water. There are no motor boats on the lake, so the paddling and swimming is great. There are three private homes on the lake, adjacent to where your site it located so we ask that no loud partying, play music only quietly and no generators. There are no campers on either side of your campsite, we only offer one, campsite. There is a nice, clean outhouse and no other amenities (Tier D in HipCamp-speak). No on-site water but it can be obtained at our house, just ask. We have a dog on the property, who is friendly and off leash. If having a dog come visit would be a problem for you, please don't make a reservation. If you plan on bringing a dog please let us know. No more than two dogs allowed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

18. Hogback Homestead

95%
(180)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Johnson, VT
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 Hogback Homestead 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
from 
$29
 / night

20. Private 4 Season Yurt Close to Town

100%
(5)
1 site · Lodging · Montpelier, VT
Our clean, spacious yurt is a unique retreat that guests love in any season. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, we are in the country yet just ten minutes to Montpelier and the interstate. Nearby historic sites, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants make your time in Vermont memorable. The yurt is nestled in a private space with fields and forests out the door. If privacy is what you are seeking, look no further. Enjoy morning coffee on the Aidrondack glider, get a good night's rest in a queen-sized bed with beautiful linens, or relax in the loveseat by . A microwave, electric kettle, induction burner, french press, and small fridge/freezer make it easy to prep a meal. Potable drinking water, fair-trade coffee and tea provided. Guests use a beautiful composting toilet just steps from the yurt, our outdoor shower, or indoor shower in colder months. A pellet stove and backup propane heater make the space cozy in any season. East Montpelier is home to nearly 15 miles of walking trails through rolling farmland and forest. Camel's Hump, Mount Hunger and Mt. Mansfield are all within a half 45 minute drive. The local parks department maintains lovely ski trails with panoramic views, and nearby ponds offer wonderful spots for swimming and boating. If you love life on two wheels, treat yourself to the miles of dirt roads and nearby mountain biking trails. I'm an avid outdoorswoman and will happily point you and your adventurous spirit to the best spots in the area! In addition to being close to several state parks (Little River, Groton, Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield), East Montpelier hosts a dozen miles of walking trails through woods and fields. Montpelier maintains miles of trails behind the state capitol, along the North Branch River and in fields and forests just minutes away.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$99
 / night

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.

97% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Champlain

2. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%
(76)
5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paul Smiths, NY
Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$75
 / night

7. Adirondack Magic

100%
(86)
4 sites · RVs · Elizabethtown, NY
We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night

9. ADK Saddle Hill

99%
(293)
9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Elizabethtown, NY
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
from 
$50
 / night

13. Wilmington Terrace Barnyard

100%
(26)
1 site · RV · Wilmington, NY
* I'm only able to host FULLY SELF-CONTAINED rigs currently. This means that you must have a toilet on-board * WTB is part of an old Wilmington apple orchard with views of Whiteface Mountain and access to the Au Sable River. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Wilmington Terrace Barnyard! It's a half acre plot of land located behind my house "Wilmington Terrace Ranch" (on Air B+B). It's a quiet neighborhood on a dead-end street. We're in close proximity to copious hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing on the Au Sable river, 'the flume' swimming hole, pubs and restaurants, and nearby Adirondack towns including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Keene.  Aside from the lean-to located in the back corner of the property, there is access to electricity and water, a fire pit and outdoor seating. I can only accommodate fully self-contained rigs! Feel free to contact me with any questions!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$49
 / night

16. Willow Hill Farm and Mountains

93%
(289)
23 sites · Tents, RVs · Keeseville, NY
Willow Hill Farm is a family-run working horse farm. We train , teach, board horses, and run a day camp. We had a resident camp for 40 years. We have mountains in our backyard and the Au Sable River with world class fishing bordering our meadow for a half mile. Great swimming there, also! We are 45 minutes from Lake Placid and 30 minutes from Plattsburgh. Montreal and Burlington, VT are a 1.5 hour drive. Lake Champlain is 15 minutes away. Hiking, boating, and swimming are all close, and riding lessons are available on the farm. Most hip camp sites are near where resident campers stayed. There are two sleeping cabins with many bunks. Each has two small rooms where a counselor slept and one large room. There are screened windows with shutters on all sides and screen doors without locks on each end. There are electrical outlets and over head lights in the cabins. We have plans to improve the cabins. Past the cabins is the Green with 4 loose stone firepits. Across from the cabins is the shower house with four hot showers, sink, and toilets. Showers and toilets have closed stalls. Currently, the water system is above ground and will not work in freezing temps. We have installed an outhouse for year round use. All water is from our excellent well. On each side of the former(closed) dining are spots. There are electrical outlets on the outside of the dining hall. People with campers may like to park in the riding arena near the barnyard. There are outlets, but no toilets. Good water is available from the barns. Lovely views of sky and mountains! We also have a beautiful 50 acre field with a household type outlet, but no well. There is an outhouse there. Excellent sky viewing here. This is where we jump and train our horses. Horses may be turned out in this field.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night

17. Lake Tenting/Sm. RV Hyde Park VT

99%
(150)
1 site · Tent, RV · Hyde Park, VT
You have your choice of camping with your van or small RV, small trailer or tent, in a level, forested area (not lakeside) with picnic table and fire pit, or tenting lakeside with water views, picnic table and fire pit, or both! You have access to both, one reservation comes with both spots, so you can enjoy the lakeside regardless of where you sleep. Vehicles cannot reach the tent site, it is a steep trail about a 150 feet. Although our campsite is near the lake, you cannot drive to the water from the campsite. It is a steep, short hike down to the water. There is one canoe at the campsite you are free to use or bring your own canoes, kayaks and/ or paddle boards to enjoy the superb water. There are no motor boats on the lake, so the paddling and swimming is great. There are three private homes on the lake, adjacent to where your site it located so we ask that no loud partying, play music only quietly and no generators. There are no campers on either side of your campsite, we only offer one, campsite. There is a nice, clean outhouse and no other amenities (Tier D in HipCamp-speak). No on-site water but it can be obtained at our house, just ask. We have a dog on the property, who is friendly and off leash. If having a dog come visit would be a problem for you, please don't make a reservation. If you plan on bringing a dog please let us know. No more than two dogs allowed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

18. Hogback Homestead

95%
(180)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Johnson, VT
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 Hogback Homestead 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
from 
$29
 / night

20. Private 4 Season Yurt Close to Town

100%
(5)
1 site · Lodging · Montpelier, VT
Our clean, spacious yurt is a unique retreat that guests love in any season. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, we are in the country yet just ten minutes to Montpelier and the interstate. Nearby historic sites, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants make your time in Vermont memorable. The yurt is nestled in a private space with fields and forests out the door. If privacy is what you are seeking, look no further. Enjoy morning coffee on the Aidrondack glider, get a good night's rest in a queen-sized bed with beautiful linens, or relax in the loveseat by . A microwave, electric kettle, induction burner, french press, and small fridge/freezer make it easy to prep a meal. Potable drinking water, fair-trade coffee and tea provided. Guests use a beautiful composting toilet just steps from the yurt, our outdoor shower, or indoor shower in colder months. A pellet stove and backup propane heater make the space cozy in any season. East Montpelier is home to nearly 15 miles of walking trails through rolling farmland and forest. Camel's Hump, Mount Hunger and Mt. Mansfield are all within a half 45 minute drive. The local parks department maintains lovely ski trails with panoramic views, and nearby ponds offer wonderful spots for swimming and boating. If you love life on two wheels, treat yourself to the miles of dirt roads and nearby mountain biking trails. I'm an avid outdoorswoman and will happily point you and your adventurous spirit to the best spots in the area! In addition to being close to several state parks (Little River, Groton, Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield), East Montpelier hosts a dozen miles of walking trails through woods and fields. Montpelier maintains miles of trails behind the state capitol, along the North Branch River and in fields and forests just minutes away.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$99
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Lake Champlain

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in and near Lake Champlain

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

The best camping in Lake Champlain with climbing 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. 

Top cities in and near Lake Champlain