Lake Champlain is one of those destinations that hooks families the first time they visit. Stretching over 120 miles along the New York-Vermont border, the lake offers the kind of open-water beauty and shoreline adventure that makes people cancel hotel reservations and start looking at campgrounds instead. For families who want a real lakefront camping experience in upstate New York, Kings Bay Campground in Champlain, NY puts you right on the water with full campground amenities, themed weekends, and access to everything the Lake Champlain region has to offer. This guide covers why Lake Champlain is a top camping destination, what makes Kings Bay the ideal base camp, and how to make the most of your lakeside camping trip.
Explore lakeside camping at Kings Bay.
Why Lake Champlain Is a Top Camping Destination
Lake Champlain ranks among the most scenic freshwater lakes in the eastern United States, and its appeal for camping families comes down to a combination of factors that are hard to find anywhere else.
- Waterfront access: The lake’s western shore in New York offers beaches, boat launches, and swimming areas that campgrounds like Kings Bay take full advantage of.
- Mountain backdrop: The Adirondack Mountains rise to the west and the Green Mountains of Vermont frame the east, creating scenery that never gets old.
- Family-friendly vibe: The Champlain region has a relaxed, outdoorsy culture that welcomes families with kids, dogs, and RVs of every size.
- Seasonal variety: Spring wildflowers, summer water sports, fall foliage, and crisp autumn camping each offer a completely different experience.
- Cross-border exploration: Burlington, Vermont is a short drive across the lake, adding a second state’s worth of restaurants, shops, and attractions to your trip.
Kings Bay Campground: Your Lake Champlain Basecamp
Kings Bay Campground sits on the western shore of Lake Champlain in the town of Champlain, NY. Its location on the water is its defining feature, but the campground itself offers far more than just a lakeside view.
- Site types: RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and cottage/cabin rentals give every family a way to camp at their comfort level.
- Waterfront access: Direct access to Lake Champlain for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
- Heated pool and splash area: For days when you want to swim without the lake’s cooler temperatures.
- Recreation hall: Indoor games, crafts, and activities for rainy days or downtime between outdoor adventures.
- Themed weekends: Kings Bay hosts themed events all season, from Pirate Takeover to Christmas in July to Halloweekend.
- Community campfires and entertainment: DJ nights, live entertainment, and campground-wide social events.
Full site options and rates are available at https://camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/.
Best Water Activities at Lake Champlain
The lake is the star of any camping trip to Kings Bay. Whether your family prefers to swim, paddle, fish, or just sit on the shoreline and watch the sunset, the water is always within reach.
- Swimming: The Kings Bay beach area provides calm, shallow water ideal for families with young kids. Sandy entry and a designated swimming zone make it safe and accessible.
- Kayaking and canoeing: Launch from the campground and explore the coves and shoreline at your own pace. Mornings on the lake are particularly calm and scenic.
- Paddleboarding: Stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Champlain is a growing favorite. The lake’s surface is typically calm enough for beginners, especially in the morning.
- Fishing: Lake Champlain is a nationally recognized fishery. Bass (largemouth and smallmouth), walleye, northern pike, and landlocked salmon are all common catches. You can fish from shore at Kings Bay or rent a boat at a nearby marina.
- Boat tours and charters: Scenic boat tours operate out of nearby harbors for families who want to see the lake from the water without bringing their own vessel.
Hiking and Nature Near the Lake
Themed Weekends and Campground Events
One of the biggest advantages of camping at Kings Bay instead of a tent on public land is the campground’s packed event calendar. Themed weekends transform the campground into something different every visit.
- Christmas in July: Holiday decorating, Santa visits, and summer caroling
- Pirate Takeover: Treasure hunts, costume parades, and themed games
- Carnival Weekend: Games, prizes, face painting, and bounce houses
- Halloweekend: Trick-or-treating, haunted walks, costume contests, and pumpkin carving
- Drive-In Movie Night: Outdoor films under the stars with campfire snacks
- Labor Day Blowout: End-of-summer celebration with campground-wide activities
Many families book their Kings Bay trips specifically around themed weekends. Check the schedule early and reserve ahead, because these weekends fill up fast.
RV Camping Tips for Lake Champlain
If you are bringing an RV to Kings Bay, a few tips will make your arrival smoother and your stay more comfortable.
- Route planning: I-87 (the Northway) brings you up through the Adirondacks to the Champlain area. The final stretch on Route 9 is RV-friendly.
- Site selection: Kings Bay offers pull-through and back-in sites. If you have a larger rig, request a pull-through when booking for easier parking.
- Hookups: Full hookup sites include water, electric (30/50 amp), and sewer. Confirm your electrical needs when reserving.
- Leveling: Lakeside sites can have a slight grade. Bring leveling blocks to keep your RV stable and comfortable.
- Dump station: On-site dump station available for campers who are not on a full hookup site.
- LP gas: Check whether LP gas fill-up is available on-site or locate the nearest provider before you arrive.
Seasonal vs. Weekend Stays
Kings Bay offers both weekend camping and seasonal camping options. If you find yourself coming back weekend after weekend, a seasonal site may be the smarter choice.
- Weekend stays: Perfect for trying out the campground, attending themed weekends, or a quick escape from the city.
- Seasonal camping: Set up your RV at the start of the season and visit whenever you want. Your site stays ready with personal touches like outdoor rugs, string lights, and campsite furniture.
- Extended stays: Some families use seasonal camping as a summer home base, visiting every weekend and for extended stretches during vacation weeks.
- Community: Seasonal campers form tight-knit communities. Returning to the same neighbors every year is part of what makes seasonal camping special.
Learn about seasonal options at https://camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/ or contact the team at https://camphappygrounds.com/contact/ to discuss availability.
FAQs: Camping Near Lake Champlain at Kings Bay
Q: Can I kayak from Kings Bay Campground?
A: Yes. Kings Bay has direct Lake Champlain access. You can launch your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the campground. Rentals are also available on-site during the season.
Q: What fishing is available near Kings Bay?
A: Lake Champlain offers world-class fishing for bass, walleye, northern pike, and landlocked salmon. Shore fishing is available near the campground, and boat rentals/launches are accessible at nearby marinas.
Q: Is Lake Champlain safe for swimming?
A: Yes. Kings Bay has a designated swimming area with calm, shallow water suitable for families. Public beaches along the lake, including Point Au Roche State Park, offer additional swimming options.
Q: How far is Burlington, Vermont from Kings Bay?
A: Burlington is approximately 45 minutes from Kings Bay Campground via the Rouses Point bridge crossing into Vermont. It makes an excellent day trip for shopping, dining, and waterfront exploration.
Q: Does Kings Bay offer seasonal camping?
A: Yes. Kings Bay offers seasonal camping options for families who want a dedicated site for the entire season. Contact the team at https://camphappygrounds.com/contact/ for seasonal rates and availability.
Q: What themed weekends does Kings Bay host?
A: Kings Bay hosts themed weekends throughout the camping season, including Pirate Takeover, Christmas in July, Carnival, and Halloweekend. Visit https://camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/events-and-attractions/ for the full 2026 schedule.
Experience lakeside camping at its best. Book your stay at Kings Bay on Lake Champlain. Visit https://camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/ or contact the team at https://camphappygrounds.com/contact/.
