I’ve spent a lot of mornings on Lake Champlain with coffee getting cold because I forgot to drink it. The view does that to you, and after a while you stop fighting it. If you’re thinking about visiting in 2026, this guide will help you plan the trip without all the guesswork.
We’ll cover the best towns, how the ferries work, fishing license rules, local events, and itineraries that actually make sense for real trips. I’m writing this from Kings Bay, a lakeside campground in Champlain, NY that sits right where New York, Vermont, and Canada meet. It makes a good home base, and I’ll tell you more about it soon.
Let’s get into it.
Lake Champlain at a Glance
Lake Champlain runs about 120 miles along the New York and Vermont border, with the northern tip reaching into Quebec, Canada. According to the Lake Champlain Basin Program, the lake covers 435 square miles of surface water with 587 miles of shoreline and more than 70 islands scattered throughout. The deepest point drops to 400 feet between Charlotte, VT and Essex, NY.
Here is why this matters for trip planning. The lake sits in a valley between Vermont’s Green Mountains to the east and New York’s Adirondacks to the west, which means you get good views from almost anywhere you stand. The Britannica encyclopedia calls it one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States, and once you see it in person, that description makes sense.
Most visitors pick a home base on either the New York side (Champlain, Plattsburgh, the Adirondack Coast) or the Vermont side (Burlington, the Champlain Islands). Both work well because the ferries connect them throughout the day. The New York side runs quieter and costs less, while Vermont has more restaurants and shops, especially near Burlington.
What makes the trip worth it? You can swim in the morning and eat dinner in a real town by evening. The water stays clean enough that nearly 200,000 people use Lake Champlain as their drinking water source, according to the Lake Champlain Committee. That tells you something about the water quality here.
If You Only Have 48 Hours
Spend your first evening at the lake by swimming, walking the beach, and cooking dinner at your site. The next day, take the ferry to Burlington for lunch and some time walking around, then come back for sunset. On day two, paddle or swim before heading home. It’s a simple plan that works every time.
Kings Bay: Your Home Base on the Lake
Kings Bay sits in Champlain, NY on the northern end of Lake Champlain, and the campground sits right on the water. You can walk from your cabin or RV site to the beach in a couple of minutes, which is the main draw. You don’t have to drive somewhere to access the lake because it’s right there waiting for you.
The campground offers lake access with a beach area, plus kayaks, paddleboats, and paddleboards for guests to use during their stay. A recreation hall handles rainy days and evening hangouts when you want to get out of your cabin. Accommodations include cabins and RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, and pop-ups are welcome too. Dogs are allowed, which matters to a lot of families.
Kings Bay stays open year-round, and winter rates drop 20-30% depending on how long you stay. They also take seasonal applications for families who want to return throughout the year. The grounds stay well-maintained without feeling like a resort, which I think is a good thing if you’re looking for an actual campground experience.
Ready to check it out? See available dates and cabin options at camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay. Seasonal applications are available for those who want to make it a regular thing.
When to Visit in 2026
Each season brings something different to the lake, so here is what to expect depending on when you can make the trip.
Late Winter and Early Spring (February to April)
This is the quiet season when the lake feels like it belongs to whoever shows up. Ice fishing happens when conditions allow, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program notes that the lake freezes across its widest part around mid-February on average, though recent years show less frequent freezing. Cabin weekends feel like a real getaway during this time because you have the place mostly to yourself. Prices drop, and spring thaw brings dramatic changes as the ice breaks apart.
Late Spring (May to Early June)
The lake wakes up during this window as paddlers and anglers come back after the long winter. Days get longer while crowds stay thin, which gives you the best of both worlds. Water temperature runs cool for swimming, but everything else works fine. This is a nice time to visit if you want the lake experience without summer traffic.
Summer (Late June to August)
Peak season means warm water, long days, and full beaches everywhere you look. Ferries run complete schedules, and towns like Burlington get busy with visitors from all over. Festivals pop up around the region throughout the summer months. If you’re bringing kids, summer probably works best for your trip, but you’ll want to book early because sites fill up fast.
Fall (September to November)
Crowds thin out after Labor Day, and the leaves start to change color on both sides of the lake. The water calms down in a way that makes paddling feel almost meditative. September still allows swimming if you can handle cooler water, while October brings prime foliage season when the Adirondacks and Green Mountains put on a show worth seeing. November gets cold, but cabin stays feel cozy and prices drop again.
Things to Do on Lake Champlain
Let’s organize this by what kind of day you’re in the mood for.
Water Days
The lake is the main attraction, and swimming works well from late June through early September when the water warms up in the shallows. If you stay at Kings Bay, you can walk down to the beach and spend the entire day without touching your car, which changes the whole feel of the trip.
Paddling opens up the shoreline in a way that walking never could. Kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats let you move at your own pace and explore coves you’d never see otherwise. Mornings tend to run calmer before the wind picks up in the afternoon, so plan your paddle time accordingly. Having lake access at your campsite makes everything simpler because there’s no loading boats on the car and no driving to a launch ramp.
Town Days
Burlington, Vermont: This is the biggest town on the lake, with a population of about 44,743 people according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Church Street offers a pedestrian shopping area with restaurants, coffee shops, and local stores that keep you busy for hours. The waterfront has parks and walking paths that give you a different view of the lake. It’s about an hour’s drive from Kings Bay, so check their events calendar at before you go to see what’s happening.
Plattsburgh, NY: This town is closer to Kings Bay and less touristy than Burlington, which some people prefer. You’ll find good local restaurants, a nice downtown area, and access to Adirondack Coast beaches within a short drive. Check the Lake Champlain Region tourism board list of events if you want to plan around something specific.
Slow Days
Some days don’t need plans, and that’s one of the best things about staying lakeside. You can read a book, take a long walk, cook breakfast slowly, or hang out in the rec hall if it rains. Going to bed early feels right when you’ve spent the day doing not much of anything. The campground makes these days easy because you don’t need to leave to have a good time.
Easy Day Trips from Kings Bay
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington works great for a day trip whether you drive around the lake (about an hour) or take the ferry from Grand Isle. The downtown is walkable with plenty to see, and the food scene offers solid options for every taste. The waterfront gives you a nice way to spend the afternoon before heading back. You’ll have plenty of choices for lunch or dinner, and you can take your time without rushing.
The Champlain Islands
These islands stretch along the northern part of the lake on the Vermont side, and the drive is scenic enough to be worth the trip on its own. You’ll pass farms, orchards, water views, and small beaches along the way. Stopping at farm stands for local produce is part of the experience during the growing season. It’s a relaxed way to spend a few hours without any schedule or agenda.
Take the Ferry
The Lake Champlain ferries are worth the experience even if you don’t need to get anywhere specific. Lake Champlain Transportation Company has operated since 1826, making it one of the oldest ferry services in the country. The Grand Isle to Plattsburgh route runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round, and the crossing time is about 15 minutes. You can walk on as a foot passenger if you don’t want to bring a car. Check schedules at ferries.com since times change by season.
Canada
The Canadian border sits close to Kings Bay, and Montreal is roughly an hour from the crossing once you get through. Bring your passport or enhanced ID, and check current border requirements before you go because rules change more often than you might expect.
Getting Around: Ferries, Borders, and Supplies
Lake Champlain Ferries
Two ferry routes currently operate on the lake. The Grand Isle to Plattsburgh route is the northern crossing, while the Charlotte to Essex route is the southern crossing, offering about a 25-minute ride with good mountain views on clear days. Summer schedules run more often, and spring and fall bring reduced service. Check ferries.com for times and prices before you make plans. No reservations are needed for most crossings, but busy summer weekends can have waits.
Crossing into Canada
You need a valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license to cross the border. Check the official CBP (U.S.) and CBSA (Canada) websites for current entry requirements, and don’t assume last year’s rules still apply because they often change.
Groceries and Supplies
Plattsburgh has the best selection of grocery stores if you need to stock up before settling in. The town of Champlain has smaller options for basics if you just need a few things. My advice is to do your shopping on the way in so you can settle into the campground and skip errands for a few days.
Fishing and Boating on Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain holds 93 species of fish, according to the Lake Champlain Basin Program, with 78 native species and 15 non-native species in the mix. The lake ranks as one of the better bass fisheries in the Northeast, which brings anglers from all over the region. Here is what you need to know before you fish.
Fishing Licenses
Good news for anyone planning to fish: New York and Vermont have a reciprocal license agreement for Lake Champlain. The NY Department of Environmental Conservation confirms that a valid license from either state covers most of the lake, though some exceptions apply to specific bays and tributaries. Check the details and buy a NY license online at the NY DEC website before your trip.
What You Can Catch
Popular species include largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, yellow perch, lake trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and channel catfish. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department notes that 81 fish species live in Lake Champlain, giving anglers plenty of variety. Spring and fall produce the best lake trout and salmon fishing, while summer works well for bass.
Regulations
Seasons, size limits, and catch limits change year to year, so don’t rely on what worked last time. Check the current rules before your trip at the NY DEC fishing regulations page, which has all the official information you need.
Clean, Drain, Dry
If you bring your own boat, kayak, or paddleboard from another body of water, follow the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol to protect the lake. Invasive species cause real problems for Lake Champlain and other waterways. Clean off any plants or debris, drain all water from every compartment, and let everything dry completely before launching. You can find more information at the NY DEC invasive species page and the Lake Champlain Committee website.
2026 Events Worth Planning Around
Most 2026 schedules aren’t confirmed yet, but here is where to check as plans come together throughout the year:
Burlington Events Calendar covers festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and seasonal events on the Vermont side.
Lake Champlain Region Events covers the New York side and Adirondack Coast with everything from small town gatherings to larger festivals.
Champlain Valley Fair is the region’s big agricultural fair that usually runs late August to early September.
Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival puts on classical performances at venues around the lake for those who enjoy live music.
We update this guide as 2026 schedules get posted.
Sample Itineraries You Can Copy
Here are a few plans that work well for different trip lengths. Adjust based on weather and energy levels because no plan survives contact with a really nice sunset.
2 Nights: First-Timer Weekend
Friday: Arrive in the afternoon and get settled at your site. Walk to the beach and take a swim if you’re up for it, then make dinner at your site. Keep it simple because you just got here.
Saturday: This is your adventure day. Option A is to take the ferry to Burlington, walk around the downtown, have lunch somewhere good, and check out the waterfront before heading back for sunset. Option B is to drive the Champlain Islands for a scenic loop with farm stands and small beaches along the way.
Sunday: Take a morning swim or paddle before packing up, then leave feeling relaxed instead of rushed.
3 Nights: Summer Lake Trip
Day 1, Water Day: Paddle in the morning when the lake runs calm, then swim in the afternoon when the water has warmed up. Spend the evening at the campground with a fire, dinner, and sunset watching.
Day 2, Town Day: Head to Burlington or Plattsburgh to browse shops and eat somewhere good. Pick up anything you forgot, and take your time because you have all day.
Day 3, Slow Day: Stay at the campground and do whatever sounds good. Read, nap, swim again, or just sit. This is when the trip really sinks in and you start feeling genuinely rested.
Rain Day Plan
Rain changes the trip, but it doesn’t ruin it. Sleep in because you’re on vacation. Make a big breakfast in the cabin and take your time with it. Read, play cards, or just hang out and talk. If you need to get out, drive to Plattsburgh for a movie or check out a local museum. Have an early dinner somewhere, and appreciate that unplanned days sometimes turn out to be the best ones.
Planning a 2026 trip? Summer dates book early. Check availability at here.
Why Kings Bay Works as a Home Base
I’m biased because I like this place, but here is the honest pitch: Kings Bay puts you right on the lake, not just near it. You can walk to the water and borrow a kayak without loading one in your car. The sites are clean, dogs are welcome, and the location puts you close to Burlington, Plattsburgh, the Champlain Islands, and Canada.
Cabins work for families who want some comfort without giving up the campground experience. RV sites have 30/50 amp hookups, and pop-ups are welcome. Seasonal stays are available if you fall in love with the place and want to come back throughout the year.
The campground is open year-round, and winter rates drop if you want a quieter, off-season experience when the lake feels like it belongs just to you.
Book your stay: View cabins, RV sites, and dates here. Questions? Call 315-859-0535 or email kingsbay@camphappygrounds.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the quietest time to visit Lake Champlain?
Late spring (May) and fall (September to October) bring the calmest conditions with more space, fewer lines, and lower prices. Winter runs even quieter if you don’t mind the cold.
Do I need a ferry reservation?
Usually not because ferries run first-come, first-served. Busy summer weekends can have waits for vehicles, but foot passengers rarely have problems getting on.
What should I know about fishing licenses?
NY and VT have a reciprocal agreement for Lake Champlain, so a license from either state covers most of the lake. Buy online before you go to save time.
Are cabins available year-round at Kings Bay?
Yes, the campground stays open all year. Winter stays come with discounted rates of 20% off short-term and 30% off long-term stays.
Can I book summer 2026 now?
Yes, summer 2026 reservations are open. Popular dates fill up, so it’s worth checking availability early. Book here.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, Kings Bay is dog-friendly.
Sources
“Facts.” Lake Champlain Basin Program. July 2024. https://www.lcbp.org/about-the-basin/facts/
“Lake Champlain.” Britannica. July 1998. https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Champlain
“Lake Natural History.” Lake Champlain Committee. https://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/learn/natural-history-lake-champlain
“Lake Champlain Reciprocal Fishing License.” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/fishing-license/lake-champlain-reciprocal-fishing-license
“Reciprocal Licenses.” Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish/fishing-regulations/reciprocal-licenses
“Fish and Wildlife.” Lake Champlain Basin Program. January 2025. https://www.lcbp.org/our-goals/healthy-ecosystems/biodiversity/fish-and-wildlife/
“Grand Isle State Park on Lake Champlain.” Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. https://vtfishandwildlife.com/fish/fishing-opportunities/family-friendly-fishing/grand-isle-state-park-on-lake-champlain
“Vermont – New York Lake Champlain Ferry Crossing Overview.” Lake Champlain Transportation Company. 2025. https://ferries.com/vt-ny-ferry-routes/
“Lake Champlain.” Wikipedia. December 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Champlain
Lake Champlain looks better in person than it does in photos, which is saying something. Plan your trip, but leave room for the unplanned stuff too.
See you at Kings Bay.
