The best waterside campgrounds in Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain draws campers who want to wake up steps from the water. You’ll find over 1,200 waterside campsites here, with spots starting at just $20 a night and an average of $59. Top picks like Woodbury Meadows (258 reviews), Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat (218 reviews), and Islands Base Camp (189 reviews) get high marks from regulars. These sites offer direct lake access, often with toilets, showers, and campfires allowed. Bring your rod or binoculars—fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching are the main events. This is the place for anyone who wants to spend a night right by the water, not just near it.

98% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake Champlain draws campers who want to wake up steps from the water. You’ll find over 1,200 waterside campsites here, with spots starting at just $20 a night and an average of $59. Top picks like Woodbury Meadows (258 reviews), Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat (218 reviews), and Islands Base Camp (189 reviews) get high marks from regulars. These sites offer direct lake access, often with toilets, showers, and campfires allowed. Bring your rod or binoculars—fishing, swimming, and wildlife-watching are the main events. This is the place for anyone who wants to spend a night right by the water, not just near it.

98% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%

(75)

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.

2. Bridgeview Harbour Marina

95%

(98)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Port Henry, NY

Bridgeview Harbour Marina is a family owned and operated full service marina, event space, and camping area on the Adirondack shore of Lake Champlain. Established in 2020 the Marina provides seasonal and overnight slips and moorings to boaters, fisherman, and lake-goers, three camp sites, and an on-site cafe. Marina services are available May thru October each year, with other events and services available throughout the year. The marina is set on 33 acres along Lake Champlain and hosts ~4150 feet of lake-frontage, it is accessible via car, boat, or via the adjacent Amtrak rail line. Prior to becoming a marina in 1989, the property was home to a very large Iron Foundry, rail yard, and barge-loading operation known as Cedar Point. Cedar point, part of the larger Witherbee-Sherman Mining Company, operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries smelting iron ore to be shipped throughout the world via the Lake Champlain Canal and Hudson River, and is credited with providing iron to some of America's leading projects at the time. Some remains of the sites industrious past can be observed throughout the property. From Father's Day to Labor Day, the Marina hosts the Port Henry Waterfront Farmers' Market every Friday between 5PM and 8PM. The Market features farms, makers, artists, food trucks and Live Music every week

3. Kickin' Up Dust Farm

100%

(27)

3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Schuyler Falls, NY

Welcome to Our Charming Working Farm Retreat Nestled among towering pines and teeming with wildlife, our property offers a peaceful and adventurous getaway. Bordering the scenic Macomb State Park and just a short stroll from Davis Lake, it's the perfect place to reconnect with nature. 🌿 Outdoor Fun for All Ages Expansive playground and thrilling zip-line Disc golf, horseshoes, and kayaking Miles of hiking trails through pristine forest 🐾 Meet Our Friendly Animals Come say hello to our beloved donkeys, horses, goats, alpacas, and a delightful variety of birds. They're always happy to greet visitors! 🌄 Rustic Charm Meets Adventure Whether you're here to relax or explore, our farm is full of character and surrounded by natural beauty. Trails galore await your next adventure.

4. Grand Isle State Park

67%

(3)

74 sites · Vermont

As the name would suggest, Grand Isle State Park is located on an island. Of all the islands on Lake Champlain its home, South Hero, is the beefiest of the bunch, at 14 miles long and 3 miles wide. Not to worry, no paddling is necessary to get there. The park is easily accessible from Route 2, which runs right through South Hero and is only a 1/2-hour drive from Burlington. Grand Isle has the second largest state campground in Vermont, hosting many tent and RV sites, lean-to sites, and a few sweet cabin sites. Of its 226 acres, 4,150 feet run along the lake’s pristine shoreline where there are endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. And if you’re more into the idea of “getting away,” but actually have a millennial meltdown if you don’t check your ‘Gram every hour, then you’ll love Grand Isle! Equipped with an on-site Wi-Fi cafe, you can post as many #nofilter nature shots as you want (becoming the envy of all your city friends). So move over Manhattan, there’s a new isle in town.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. La Lu Farm camp site

96%

(58)

6 sites · Tents, Lodging · Warren, VT

We live in 44 acres in beautiful Vermont! We are a family of 3 living in Warren, Vermont. We have 10 Goats Constancia, Lucia and Kevin. Years ago a friend gave us a belly goat, we called him Manolo. Then another friend gave us 3 girls, Maybe, Maggie and Ginger. Ginger was the mom, and they gave us 2 babies the first year. Sesame and Manolito, since then, we have been growing and growing, having now, 10 goats and Luckily we have been able to share our farm, with many woofers, with many schools, yurt lovers and community members, that enjoyed coming to the farm and l exploring Vermont. La Lu farm: Local Agricultural land use on lincoln Gap rd La Lu farm is a small goat farm located in the green mountains of Vermont , in Warren. The Argentinean Constancia Gomez and Ex Sugarbush executive chef Kevin Ritchie innovate everyday with new recipes. We are farming 48 acres mostly wooded both sides of Lincoln Brook, on Lincoln Gap rd. We are reclaiming some meadows. We have goats. Our goal is to preserve and protect the land. Thanks for supporting local farmers. Stop by for a visit, and pet the goats , feed them, and share the love for nature.

Public campgrounds in and near Lake Champlain

67%

(3)

Grand Isle Campground

74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grand Isle State Park

Stories from the community

Bryan

November 2025

Tent

6 nights at Kickin' Up Dust Farm

Holly has a great setup boardering state park land with trails that connect. The area has a lot to offer with some great hikes. They have potable water available close to the camp site and a porta potty at the site. If you like animals, they have all sorts of farm friends for you to watch and visit with. It was a wonderful place to stay.

E

Erin

October 2025

Weekend Trip to La Lu Farm camp site

La Lu Farm is a beautiful property! The Goat Yurt is comfortable and the wood-burning stove makes it very cozy. The yurt is a good base camp for exploring the cute nearby towns and hiking in the Green Mountains. On a cold night, be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag and extra firewood (also, bring toilet paper for the outhouse). My spouse and I had lovely stay and would recommend!

J

Justen

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at La Lu Farm camp site

My partner and I booked a camping trip at La Lu's Farm and we loved it. We were there in early October and the foliage around the property was beautiful. We stayed in one of the Yurts and it was super cozy. The goats were super friendly too! Also, I really appreciate how responsive Constancia was to all of our questions!

Jacob

October 2025

7 nights at La Lu Farm camp site

My partner and I spent a week at LaLu Farms for a getaway and to experience Vermont during the beginning of Fall. Constancia was a fantastic contact leading up to our trip, texting me various places we should try for local foods and trails. When we arrived, her husband, Kevin, greeted us and walked us down to the yurt(about a 3 minute walk from where we parked). We were provided a good amount of firewood for the week, and we're told to take any wood we found in the surrounding woods if we needed more. The yurt was nice and cozy, with a cast iron heater to keep us warm on the cooler nights. The view of Green Mountain National Forest from the porch was worth the trip in of itself!! Kevin and Constancia would check in if they were out when we returned, but let us be and enjoy the trip. The goats (8 of them) were such sweethearts. Very shy at first, but by the last day they were walking up to us and trying to be part of the family. The whole yurt and area we started felt like it was our own little goat farm. There was a compost outhouse near the yurt, which was very well kept and much better than we imagined! There is a shower and running toilet in the barn, which we used a few times. It does have a little smell of a barn, but nothing too overpowering and was very nice when coming back from a long hike. The village of Waitsfield was a hidden gem. About 10 minutes from the farm, it has everything you need.

Perfect sunrise coming over Vermont mountains

John

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

The plateau is a perfect getaway spot. Quiet overlooking Lake Champlain and the sailboats moored up. The night sky was a beautiful view of the milkyway. Host is very accommodating. We will be back again.

M

Marie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

It has the most beautiful view of Lake Champlain. A little cafe clean bathrooms and clean porta-potty’s and laundry

The Plateau site, shown in color, is located on a raised area, roughly 10 feet above the docks and marina.

Lynn

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

We always enjoy camping at Bridgeview it is quiet and friendly!

Lots of beautiful, quiet, privacy in the pines.

J

Jennifer

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Adirondack Adventure Base

Woodland Grove Camping at Adirondack Adventure Base is such a gem. The property is calm, pristine, and full of charm with cute little trails to wander right on-site. It feels like a perfect mix of peaceful and fun. Bob and Sheila are the kindest, most thoughtful hosts, and it was such a treat getting to spend time with them. Mim is just the coolest human being ever and made the stay even more special. We also got to try their maple syrup, which truly was the best we’ve ever had. The spot is also in an ideal location, just a short drive to Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and some of the most beautiful hiking and sightseeing in the Adirondacks. We left already talking about when we’ll come back. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable Adirondack stay.

J

James

September 2025

26 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

This was a great weekend with friends and family it was the most beautiful spot.

S

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

We have four dogs, and absolutely loved the private off to the side campsite that the Pumphouse was. We had plenty of space to spread out, lovely view of the lake and boats. Fun to watch the farmers market Friday night. Enjoyed the live music and vendors. Quiet and peaceful at night, Tje noisiest neighborhoods were the delightful owls. Beautiful view of the Champlain Bridge and amazing sunrise views. Bathrooms were clean and comfortable. Showers were clean and lovely water- perfect pressure and easy temperature adjustment. This is a great campsite for privacy and space. We had fun cycling down to the marina with the dogs.

R

Robin

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kickin' Up Dust Farm

We loved camping at Hee Haw Haven! My kids loved all of the different animals, play areas, zip line, and camping for the first time. Holly and her husband were so welcoming and generous. They want to return soon (in their minds all camping happens there) and wonder if they can build a portal to get there faster.

M

Michael

August 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Beautiful view from the pump house site. Very private. Checkin was easy.

A

Adam

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Nice view on a secluded spot away from other campers.

E

Eddie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Pump House site was a great secluded spot with view of the marina. Was a little worried initially as there is also a famers market/live music hosted at the marina on Fridays during the summer, but was able to find the site with the signage.

M

Maria

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Thank you Sarah for enabling my husband and I to camp on your wonderful site. Excellent views, clean bathrooms, cool little cafe (need some vegetarian or vegan options). Friendly staff and Vibe at Dockside Cafe and open to suggestions.

M

Mike

July 2025

29 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Great views and great customer services. Friendly people and very family friendly atmosphere.

J

Jacob Wixted

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Kickin' Up Dust Farm

Hee Haw Haven is an awesome camping spot! Flat, sandy ground, fire pit, and plenty of room for our two vehicles. Picnic table, outhouse and garbage can at the campsite. They supplied us with a water cooler too, and had fill spots around the property. They have additional picnic tables in the shade next to the donkey pastures. A 3-5 minute walk through the woods to showers and lake at a public campground. Holly gave us a tour of the property and introduced us to all of their farm animals. We opted for the donkey clinic, and it was so much fun! Brushing, cleaning, and leading the donkeys on a walk through the woods. The site and their farm is a short drive from Plattsburgh, other Lake Champlain beaches, and Adirondack hikes. Ultimately it was a fantastic camping spot, and I would recommend it to anyone!

M

Matt

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at La Lu Farm camp site

We loved our tent site at Constancia's farm. The land is incredibly beautiful and we loved seeing the goats throughout our stay. All directions and instructions were very clear and we really appreciated the effort Constancia goes through to make our stay enjoyable. I highly recommend staying here.

J

Jenny

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Beautiful site , view of the lake and sailboats . Enjoyed our time there , will be coming back! Clean and spacious, dogs had a great time swimming and relaxing .

M

Mike

June 2025

29 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Bridgeview Harbour Marina

Great place to camp and great people to do business with. Great views and good food; bring your kayaks and bikes.