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.