Introduction: Planning the Perfect Lake Champlain Camping Trip
Lake Champlain is one of the most scenic natural destinations in the northeastern United States, stretching more than 120 miles along the New York-Vermont border and touching the southern edge of Quebec, Canada. Every summer and fall, thousands of families, couples, and RV travelers make their way to this breathtaking region in search of outdoor adventure, peaceful waterfront views, and the kind of unplugged relaxation that only nature can deliver.
But with so many campgrounds scattered across the Lake Champlain shoreline, how do you choose the right one? That’s exactly the problem this guide solves. Whether you’re driving up from New York City, crossing the border from Montreal, or road-tripping through Vermont, you deserve a clear, honest breakdown of the best campgrounds near Lake Champlain – ranked and reviewed so you can make the best decision for your trip.
At the top of our list is Kings Bay Campground in Champlain, NY – a quiet, well-kept waterfront retreat that checks every box for a memorable Lake Champlain camping experience. But we’ll cover all ten campgrounds so you have the full picture. Ready? Let’s dive in.
For more information or to reserve your spot, visit the Kings Bay homepage at camphappygrounds.com.
Understanding the Challenge: Too Many Options, Not Enough Clarity
Planning a camping trip near Lake Champlain is exciting – until you start doing the research. A quick search for campgrounds in the region turns up dozens of results, each promising the “perfect” outdoor experience. But not all campgrounds are created equal, and the details that matter most – water access, cleanliness, amenities, pet-friendliness, and value – are often buried or missing from basic listing sites.
Travelers planning a Lake Champlain camping trip often run into the following problems:
- Outdated information about campground hours, availability, and pricing
- No clear comparison between campgrounds with RV hookups vs. tent-only sites
- Lack of pet-friendly options despite traveling with dogs
- Uncertainty about which campgrounds actually offer waterfront or beach access
- Limited reviews from families vs. solo travelers vs. RV owners
- No guidance on campgrounds near the New York-Canada border for cross-border travelers
These gaps in information lead to poor booking decisions, disappointing arrivals, and wasted vacation time. That’s why we put together this comprehensive guide – to give you the clearest possible picture of the best campgrounds near Lake Champlain, starting with the one we recommend most: Kings Bay Campground in Champlain, NY.
When evaluating campgrounds for this guide, we considered the following signs that a campground truly delivers on its promises:
- Verified waterfront or lake access with a clean, maintained beach or swimming area
- Genuine on-site amenities like recreation rooms, laundry, and clean bathrooms
- Strong guest reviews mentioning peaceful atmosphere and helpful management
- Year-round operation or extended seasonal availability
- Easy access for both tent campers, pop-up campers, and full-size RVs
5 Common Mistakes Campers Make When Choosing a Lake Champlain Campground
Before we get to the top 10 list, let’s cover the most common mistakes travelers make when booking a campground near Lake Champlain. Avoiding these errors will save you time, money, and frustration.
- Booking based on price alone. The cheapest campground often means the least maintained. Always factor in the quality of amenities, cleanliness, and location.
- Ignoring proximity to the water. Not all “lakeside” campgrounds actually have beach or lake access. Always confirm whether you can swim, kayak, or simply sit by the water before booking.
- Forgetting to check pet policies. Many campgrounds in the region don’t allow dogs, which is a dealbreaker for pet owners. Kings Bay Campground in Champlain, NY is proudly dog-friendly – a big plus for traveling families.
- Overlooking RV-specific needs. Travelers with 30/50 amp RV hookup requirements need to confirm electrical availability before arrival. Not every campground in the Lake Champlain area supports larger rigs.
- Skipping the reviews. Guest testimonials reveal the real experience. A campground that looks great on a website may tell a very different story in actual reviews.
The 10 Best Campgrounds Near Lake Champlain – Our Full List
#1 – Kings Bay Campground, Champlain, NY (Top Pick)
Address: 13 Point Au Fer Rd, Champlain, NY 12919
Phone: 315-859-0535
Kings Bay Campground earns the top spot on our list because it delivers a rare combination of natural beauty, practical amenities, and genuine hospitality. Situated directly on the shores of Lake Champlain in northern New York, Kings Bay offers guests a quiet, community-focused camping experience that stands out from the crowd.
What makes Kings Bay the best campground near Lake Champlain? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Direct beach access and private lake frontage on Lake Champlain
- On-site kayaks, paddleboats, and paddleboards for guests
- Community recreation hall for gatherings and family activities
- Clean laundry facilities and updated bathrooms with showers
- 30/50 amp RV sites with full hookups
- Cabin accommodations for non-RV travelers
- Dog-friendly and pop-up camper welcome
- Open year-round with easy access from I-87 and the US-Canada border
Guest Kristina Dallas put it perfectly: “Kings Bay is one of the nicest campgrounds we have stayed at as a family. It is that perfect mix of being in nature while still feeling comfortable.”
Kings Bay Campground is ideally positioned for travelers coming from Rouses Point, Mooers, Plattsburgh, or crossing from Quebec, Canada. If you’re looking for the best campground near Lake Champlain for families, RV owners, or anyone who wants waterfront access without the crowds, Kings Bay is your answer.
Ready to book? Visit the Kings Bay booking page at
book.camphappygrounds.com/campgrounds/kings-bay
#2 – Cumberland Bay State Park Campground, Plattsburgh, NY
Cumberland Bay offers 130 tent and trailer sites with lake access and excellent facilities. It’s a great option for families who want a state park experience, though it tends to get crowded during peak summer months. Reservations are required well in advance.
#3 – Point Au Roche State Park, Beekmantown, NY
Located near Champlain, NY, Point Au Roche offers scenic waterfront beauty and hiking trails. Day-use access to the lake is available, and the park is popular with kayakers and birdwatchers. Limited camping compared to Kings Bay.
#4 – Plattsburgh RV Park, Plattsburgh, NY
A solid RV-friendly option in Plattsburgh with full hookups and easy highway access via I-87. Less emphasis on nature and lake access, more focused on convenience for road travelers. Good for an overnight stop.
#5 – Valcour Camping, Peru, NY
Valcour Camping offers a peaceful setting with boat launch access. Popular with fishing enthusiasts and those looking for a quieter Lake Champlain camping experience south of Champlain, NY.
#6 – Apple Island Resort, South Hero, VT
Located on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, Apple Island is a popular resort-style campground with marina access, a pool, and cabins. Higher price point than Kings Bay but appeals to those wanting a Vermont experience.
#7 – Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte, VT
A small Vermont state park with dramatic hilltop views of Lake Champlain. Tent camping only – no RVs – with a very limited number of sites. Best for minimalist campers.
#8 – Button Bay State Park, Vergennes, VT
Button Bay sits on the Vermont shore of Lake Champlain with swimming, boating, and nature center access. Campsite availability is competitive in summer. A solid alternative for Vermont-side camping.
#9 – Ausable Point Campground, Plattsburgh, NY
A popular state campground near Plattsburgh with excellent lake frontage and sandy beach access. Sites book up quickly in summer. Less intimate than Kings Bay but offers more capacity.
#10 – Saranac Lake Islands Campground, Saranac Lake, NY
A unique canoe-in only campground in the Adirondacks, great for adventurous paddlers. Not ideal for RVs or families with young children but makes the list for its breathtaking wilderness setting.
Quick Comparison: Top Lake Champlain Campgrounds at a Glance
|
Campground |
Lake Access | RV Hookups | Dog Friendly | Year-Round |
Watercraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Bay Campground | ✅ Private Beach | ✅ 30/50 Amp | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Kayaks/Paddle |
| Cumberland Bay SP | ✅ Beach | ✅ Partial | ✅ Yes | ❌ Seasonal | ❌ No |
| Point Au Roche SP | ✅ Day Use | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ Seasonal | ❌ No |
| Plattsburgh RV Park | ❌ No | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Valcour Camping | ✅ Boat Launch | ✅ Partial | ✅ Yes | ❌ Seasonal | ❌ No |
| Apple Island Resort | ✅ Marina | ✅ Full | ✅ Yes | ❌ Seasonal | ❌ No |
Why Location Matters: The Lake Champlain Champlain, NY Advantage
Not all Lake Champlain campgrounds are created equal when it comes to location. The northern stretch of the lake – where Kings Bay Campground sits in Champlain, NY – offers a distinctive combination of advantages that set it apart from campgrounds further south in Plattsburgh or on the Vermont side.
Champlain, NY sits at the convergence of three regions: New York State, Vermont, and Quebec, Canada. This means guests at Kings Bay Campground are within easy driving distance of:
- The historic city of Plattsburgh, NY (approximately 30 minutes south via I-87)
- Burlington, VT across Lake Champlain via ferry or the Champlain Bridge
- Montreal, Quebec – just 45-60 minutes north via the Champlain crossing
- The Adirondack Park and its vast network of trails, peaks, and waterways
- Rouses Point, Mooers, Chazy, Beekmantown, and Altona, NY – all within 30 minutes
The northern Lake Champlain shoreline also benefits from a slightly more temperate microclimate during the shoulder seasons (May and September-October), making it a great choice for fall foliage camping when southern campgrounds are already closing for the season. Kings Bay’s year-round operation means you can take advantage of the region’s stunning autumn colors without worrying about availability.
For travelers from Vermont or Quebec, the proximity of Kings Bay Campground to major border crossings and the lake ferry system makes it an ideal base camp for a multi-day regional adventure.
5 Practical Tips for Planning Your Lake Champlain Camping Trip
- Book early for summer weekends. Campgrounds near Lake Champlain fill up fast from late June through Labor Day. Reserve your site at Kings Bay at least 4-6 weeks in advance for peak summer dates.
- Bring your own outdoor cooking gear. While Kings Bay’s recreation hall provides a great communal space, having a camp stove or portable grill gives you maximum flexibility for meals.
- Plan water activities in advance. Kayaks, paddleboats, and paddleboards are available at Kings Bay – but if you’re visiting during peak season, arrive early to ensure availability.
- Check border crossing wait times if traveling from Canada. The Champlain, NY area border crossings can have longer wait times on holiday weekends. Use the CBP Border Wait Times app before heading to the crossing.
- Pack layers for evening temperatures. Even in summer, temperatures near Lake Champlain can drop significantly after sunset. Bring a fleece or light jacket for comfortable evening campfire sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Camping Near Lake Champlain
Q: What is the best campground near Lake Champlain for families?
A: Kings Bay Campground in Champlain, NY is our top recommendation for families. The combination of beach access, on-site watercraft, a community recreation hall, clean bathrooms with showers, and a dog-friendly policy makes it ideal for families of all sizes. It’s also one of the few year-round campgrounds in the region, so shoulder season family trips are totally feasible.
Q: Are there RV-friendly campgrounds near Lake Champlain with full hookups?
A: Yes – Kings Bay Campground offers 30/50 amp RV sites with full hookups. The campground is accessible for a wide range of RV sizes and welcomes pop-up campers as well. Located off I-87 near Champlain, NY, it’s easy to reach for travelers coming from both New York and Canada.
Q: Can I bring my dog to campgrounds near Lake Champlain?
A: Many campgrounds in the region have restrictions on pets, but Kings Bay Campground is proudly dog-friendly. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great choice for pet owners traveling through upstate New York.
Q: How close is Kings Bay Campground to the Canadian border?
A: Kings Bay Campground at 13 Point Au Fer Rd, Champlain, NY is located very close to the US-Canada border – making it an ideal stopping point for travelers crossing between upstate New York and Quebec. Montreal is approximately 45-60 minutes north via I-87 and the Champlain crossing.
Q: What water activities are available at campgrounds near Lake Champlain?
A: Kings Bay Campground offers kayaks, paddleboats, and paddleboards for guest use, along with direct beach access on Lake Champlain. Other campgrounds in the region offer boat launches, fishing access, and swimming areas, but very few provide on-site watercraft rental like Kings Bay.
Real Guest Experience: What Campers Are Saying About Kings Bay
| “I decided to choose this campground after a lot of research on different parks… The manager is amazing and very helpful! It’s very quiet, peaceful, and has a GREAT view of the lake which you are more than welcome to visit at their private beach! The campground has a laundry room, bathrooms with showers, and has a beautiful recreational room for your family and yourself to enjoy spending time in! I genuinely have not had any problems here and will continue to enjoy my future summers here at Kings Bay!”
– Hailey Oppel, Verified Guest |
Hailey’s experience reflects what Kings Bay Campground consistently delivers: a quiet, well-managed lakeside retreat that exceeds expectations for cleanliness, hospitality, and amenities. After comparing multiple campgrounds near Lake Champlain, she chose Kings Bay – and she keeps coming back. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the quality of the experience.
Kings Bay Campground Serving the Champlain Community and Beyond in Champlain, NY
Kings Bay Campground is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of travelers and campers throughout the Lake Champlain region. With our convenient location near the Clinton County and Franklin County border, we proudly offer beach access, watercraft rentals, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations to guests from throughout the area.
Located at 13 Point Au Fer Rd, Champlain, NY 12919, our campground is easily accessible from Rouses Point, Mooers, Chazy, Plattsburgh, Beekmantown, and Altona, NY, as well as cross-border visitors from Alburg, VT and the greater Montreal, Quebec area.
Quick Access Information
- 📍 Located directly on Lake Champlain in Champlain, NY 12919
- 🚗 Easy access via I-87 (Adirondack Northway) – Exit 42 toward Champlain
- 🌆 Serving Rouses Point, Mooers, Chazy, Plattsburgh, Beekmantown, Altona, and Alburg
- 🌎 Minutes from the US-Canada border crossing – ideal for Montreal-area visitors
We understand that finding quality camping close to Lake Champlain matters. That’s why guests from throughout upstate New York, Vermont, and Quebec trust Kings Bay Campground for a reliable, peaceful waterfront camping experience.
Get Your Kings Bay Camping Experience – Book Today!
Call us today at 315-859-0535 or visit us online to reserve your site.
Driving Directions to Kings Bay Campground
From Plattsburgh, NY: Head north on I-87 to Exit 42 toward Champlain. Follow NY-9N north to Point Au Fer Rd. Kings Bay Campground will be on your left at 13 Point Au Fer Rd, Champlain, NY 12919.
From Montreal, QC: Cross the US border at Champlain, NY (I-87 southbound). Take Exit 42 and follow signs toward Champlain. Continue south on NY-9N to Point Au Fer Rd.
[Google Maps Embed: Kings Bay Campground, 13 Point Au Fer Rd, Champlain, NY 12919]
Kings Bay Campground – Contact & Location Information
|
Contact Details |
Amenities Included |
| 📍 13 Point Au Fer Rd, Champlain, NY 12919
📞 315-859-0535 🌐 camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/ 🕐 Open Year-Round 🐕 Dog Friendly | Pop-Ups Welcome |
🏖️ Private Beach on Lake Champlain
🚣 Kayaks, Paddleboats & Paddleboards 🏠 Cabins & 30/50 Amp RV Sites 🎉 Community Recreation Hall 🧺 Laundry & Clean Shower Facilities |
Book Your Lake Champlain Camping Experience Today
| 🌊 RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT KINGS BAY CAMPGROUND
The #1-rated campground near Lake Champlain is ready to welcome you! 📞 Call: 315-859-0535 🌐 Book Online: book.camphappygrounds.com/campgrounds/kings-bay 📍 13 Point Au Fer Rd, Champlain, NY 12919 Open Year-Round | Dog Friendly | Pop-Ups Welcome | 30/50 Amp RV Sites | Cabins Available |
Conclusion: Your Lake Champlain Camping Adventure Starts Here
Lake Champlain is one of the most spectacular natural destinations in the northeastern United States, and choosing the right campground makes all the difference between an ordinary trip and an unforgettable one. After reviewing the top 10 campgrounds near Lake Champlain, Kings Bay Campground in Champlain, NY stands out as the clear leader for families, RV travelers, and anyone who wants genuine waterfront access, quality amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere.
From the private beach on Lake Champlain to the on-site kayaks, paddleboats, and paddleboards, from the community recreation hall to the spotlessly clean bathrooms, Kings Bay delivers the complete Lake Champlain camping experience. And with year-round operation, dog-friendly policies, and a warm, helpful management team, it’s a campground that earns repeat visits – just like Hailey Oppel, who comes back every summer.
Whether you’re driving up from New York City, heading south from Montreal, or exploring the region from Vermont, Kings Bay Campground in Champlain, NY is perfectly positioned to be your Lake Champlain home base.
Don’t wait – summer sites fill fast. Visit the Kings Bay amenities page at camphappygrounds.com/kings-bay/amenities to learn more, then book your stay today at book.camphappygrounds.com/campgrounds/kings-bay or call 315-859-0535.
