The best camping near Grand Isle State Park

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.

1. Grand Isle State Park is one of Vermont’s most popular state parks so campground reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advance over the phone or online.
2. Some campsites are for tents only. Make sure you check the campsite’s driveway length before booking if you’re traveling with an RV or trailer.
3. Several lean-to sites and cabins are located right along the waterfront. Book reservations early to be guaranteed one of these prime camping spots.  

The Grand Isle State Park Campground is open from mid-May through mid-October. The park remains open the rest of the year but services are limited. July and August are the best time for camping, biking, and watersports on Lake Champlain weatherwise but it’s also the busiest season. Fall is also a great time to visit if you come prepared for chilly nights. Fall colors tend to peak between late September and mid-October. In winter, the road to the boat launch is plowed to provide ice fishing access.   

• Campsites have fire pits, picnic tables, and access to flush toilets and coin-operated showers. There is an RV dump station but no hookups. 
• The Grand Isle State Park Campground is open to overnight visitors only. The park does not have any day-use areas. 
• Dogs are allowed everywhere in the park except for designated swimming areas and most cabins. 
• Grand Isle State Park campers are allowed free entry to the nearby beaches at Knight Point State Park and Alburgh Dunes State Park.