Kings Bay Campground sits on the western shore of Lake Champlain in Champlain, New York, and the surrounding area is packed with more adventure than most families can fit into a single trip. Between the on-site activities, the lake itself, and the towns scattered along the New York-Vermont border, a weekend at Kings Bay quickly turns into the kind of vacation your kids ask to repeat every summer. Whether your family came for the water, the trails, or the themed campground weekends, this guide covers everything worth doing within a short drive of your campsite.
Book your lakeside campsite at Kings Bay.
On-Site at Kings Bay Campground
You do not need to leave the campground to have a great time. Kings Bay is built for families who want plenty to do between their campsite and the lakeshore.
- Direct Lake Champlain waterfront access for swimming, wading, and sunbathing
- Kayak and paddleboat rentals on-site
- Heated pool and splash area for younger kids
- Recreation hall with games, crafts, and rainy-day activities
- Themed weekends throughout the season: Pirate Takeover, Christmas in July, Halloweekend, and more
- Playground, sports courts, and campground-wide scavenger hunts
- Evening campfire programs and DJ entertainment on select weekends
The themed weekends alone are worth planning your trip around. Check the Kings Bay events calendar before booking so you can line up your visit with the themes your family will love most.
Water Activities on Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States, stretching over 120 miles along the New York-Vermont border. For camping families at Kings Bay, the lake is essentially your backyard.
- Swimming: The campground beach provides calm, shallow water ideal for families. Public beaches along the lake offer more options.
- Kayaking and canoeing: Launch directly from Kings Bay. Explore the shoreline, coves, and inlets at your own pace.
- Paddleboarding: Calm morning waters on the lake are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, even for beginners.
- Fishing: Lake Champlain is renowned for bass, walleye, pike, and landlocked salmon. Shore fishing is available right from the campground area.
- Boat tours: Scenic cruises operate out of nearby marinas, offering narrated tours of the lake’s history and wildlife.
Outdoor Adventures Within 30 Minutes
The Champlain region sits at the crossroads of the Adirondack Mountains and the Lake Champlain Valley, creating a landscape built for outdoor exploration.
- Point Au Roche State Park (15 minutes south): Hiking trails through forests and along the lakeshore, plus a nature center and swimming beach.
- Ausable Chasm (40 minutes south): Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” this 500-million-year-old formation offers guided hikes, rappelling, tubing, and rock climbing.
- High Falls Gorge (about 1 hour southwest): A dramatic series of waterfalls accessible by walkways and bridges, perfect for families with kids of all ages.
- Biking: The Lake Champlain Bikeway offers flat, scenic routes along the lakeshore. Rent bikes locally or bring your own.
- Champlain Area Trails: Local nature preserves and walking paths wind through wetlands, forests, and lakeside vistas.
Family-Friendly Attractions
When you want a break from outdoor adventure, the Champlain region has attractions that keep kids entertained and adults happy.
- Ausable Chasm adventure park: Zip lines, rock climbing, and river tubing make this a full-day family destination.
- Local farms and orchards: Pick-your-own fruit, farm animal visits, and hayrides are available seasonally throughout the region.
- Mini golf and go-karts: Seasonal amusement spots along Route 9 offer classic family fun.
- Santa’s Workshop at North Pole, NY (about 1 hour south): A Christmas-themed amusement park that has been a family tradition in the Adirondacks since 1949.
- Great Adirondack Brewing Company: A stop for parents while the kids enjoy the waterfront nearby.
Historic Sites and Cultural Stops
The Champlain region is steeped in American history. A short drive from Kings Bay puts you at sites that span centuries.
- Fort Ticonderoga (about 1.5 hours south): One of the most significant military fortifications in American history. Living history demonstrations, museum exhibits, and scenic views of the lake.
- Crown Point State Historic Site (about 1 hour south): Ruins of British and French forts from the 18th century, set on a dramatic point overlooking Lake Champlain.
- Alice T. Miner Museum (Chazy, 10 minutes south): A hidden gem featuring colonial American decorative arts, furniture, and textiles.
- Local farmers markets and festivals: Champlain-area markets run throughout the summer, showcasing local produce, crafts, and live music.
Dining and Local Favorites
You do not need to drive far from Kings Bay to find excellent food and local character.
- Farm stands along Route 9 and Route 11: Fresh produce, local honey, maple syrup, and baked goods straight from area farms.
- Rouses Point: A small lakeside village with restaurants, ice cream shops, and waterfront dining just north of the campground.
- Plattsburgh dining (about 25 minutes south): A larger town with diverse restaurant options, breweries, and a lively downtown waterfront.
- Local ice cream shops: Ask campground staff for the nearest local creamery. There is always one within a short drive.
Day Trip: Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont is just across the lake, reachable by a scenic 45-minute drive via the Rouses Point bridge. It is one of the most charming small cities in the Northeast.
- Church Street Marketplace: A pedestrian-only downtown strip lined with shops, restaurants, street performers, and cafes.
- Burlington waterfront: Bike paths, parks, swimming access, and the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (a science museum and aquarium).
- Ben and Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury, about 1 hour from Burlington): Factory tours and tastings are a Vermont institution.
- Local craft breweries: Burlington has one of the highest concentrations of craft breweries per capita in the country.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary from Kings Bay
Day 1: Arrival and Settle In
- Arrive at Kings Bay and set up your campsite
- Afternoon swim at the campground beach or pool
- Evening campfire with s’mores and a walk along the lakeshore
Day 2: Lake Day and Local Exploration
- Morning kayak or paddleboard session on Lake Champlain
- Lunch at the campsite or grab takeout in Rouses Point
- Afternoon: Drive to Point Au Roche State Park for a family hike and beach visit
- Evening: Themed weekend activity (if scheduled) or campfire cooking and stargazing
Day 3: Day Trip and Departure
- Morning: Drive to Burlington, VT for Church Street shopping and waterfront exploration
- Lunch at a Burlington restaurant or cafe
- Afternoon: Return to Kings Bay, pack up, and enjoy one last swim before heading home
FAQs: Kings Bay Campground and Champlain, NY
Q: Can I kayak directly from Kings Bay Campground?
A: Yes. Kings Bay has direct lake access. You can launch your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the campground. Rentals are also available on-site.
Q: What fishing is available near Kings Bay?
A: Lake Champlain offers world-class fishing for bass, walleye, northern pike, and landlocked salmon. You can fish from shore near the campground or rent a boat at a nearby marina.
Q: How far is Kings Bay from the Adirondacks?
A: The Adirondack Park boundary is about 30 to 45 minutes south of Kings Bay. Popular Adirondack destinations like Ausable Chasm and High Falls Gorge are within an hour’s drive.
Q: Is there a grocery store near Kings Bay Campground?
A: Yes. Champlain and Rouses Point have convenience stores and small grocers within 10 minutes. For a full grocery store, Plattsburgh is about 25 minutes south.
Q: What themed weekends does Kings Bay host?
A: Kings Bay hosts several themed weekends throughout the season, including Pirate Takeover, Christmas in July, Carnival Weekend, and Halloweekend. Check the events calendar at https://camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/events-and-attractions/ for the full 2026 schedule.
Plan your Lake Champlain camping adventure. Book your campsite at Kings Bay today. Visit https://camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/ or contact the team.
