Looking for a destination where you can park your RV, soak in stunning water views, and fill your days with both adventure and relaxation? It may be time to consider pointing your rig toward Lake Champlain.
Stretching along Vermont’s western border, this surprising gem invites you to slow down and savor the journey. Picture crisp mornings as you bike along a causeway, surrounded by open water. Leisurely afternoons paddling into hidden coves. And soothing evenings unwinding to the sounds of live music drifting through a warm summer breeze…
Whether you stay for a weekend or settle in for a season, Lake Champlain offers endless ways to connect with nature, indulge in local flavors, and create memories that will have you coming back year after year.
How Do You Get There?
Lake Champlain is nestled between Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks, stretching about 120 miles from the Canadian border down to Whitehall, New York. The Vermont side, in particular, is a haven for RVers thanks to its scenic byways, charming small towns, and easy access to outdoor activities.
Getting there by RV is a breeze:
- From the south, follow Interstate 89 north through Vermont, with exit points leading to Burlington and the Champlain Islands.
- From New York, you can cross over the lake via the Lake Champlain Bridge near Crown Point or hop on one of the ferries (Burlington, Charlotte, or Grand Isle crossings are all RV-friendly). However, we always recommend checking with the individual ferries in advance to ensure they can accommodate your rig.
- Traveling from Canada? Lake Champlain is just a short drive south from Montreal, making it a perfect addition to a cross-border adventure.
For an especially scenic arrival, RVers can take U.S. Route 2, which winds through the Champlain Islands—Grand Isle, North Hero, and South Hero—providing breathtaking lake views right from the driver’s seat.
What Makes Lake Champlain So Special?
There’s something almost magical about Lake Champlain. The way the light dances across the water at sunset. How the distant peaks of the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains frame every view. And layers of history, folklore, as well as natural wonder.
Formed over 10,000 years ago by retreating glaciers, Lake Champlain is steeped in rich history. During the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, its waters served as a strategic corridor. You can still visit sites like Fort Ticonderoga and the remains of Fort St. Anne on Isle La Motte to feel the echoes of cannon fire and the resilience of early American fighters.
The lake was also home to the famous Battle of Valcour Island, where Benedict Arnold led a scrappy but crucial naval defense that helped delay British advancement down the lake.
But not all of Lake Champlain’s history is grounded in battles and forts. According to local lore, something mysterious still stirs beneath the surface. Meet “Champ,” the lake’s own version of the Loch Ness Monster. Sightings of the elusive sea creature date back to the 1600s, and while no one has captured definitive proof, that hasn’t stopped visitors and locals alike from keeping their eyes on the water. Whether you’re a true believer or just a fan of a good campfire story, Champ adds a fun and quirky twist to your lakeside stay.
All of this—layered with natural beauty, vibrant communities, and outdoor adventure—makes Lake Champlain more than just a scenic destination.
Where to Stay
When it comes to RV camping around Lake Champlain, you’re spoiled with so many choices. You can find everything from a quiet lakeside nook to a family-friendly spot with room to roam to full-service resorts.
One of the best places to begin is Grand Isle State Park, Vermont’s second-largest campground and a favorite among RVers. Perched on the eastern shore of South Hero Island, this park offers easy pull-through sites, electric hookups, and a peaceful setting where you can watch the sun rise over the lake as you sip your morning brew. It’s the kind of spot that could make you want to settle in a little longer than planned.
A little farther south, Knight Point State Park near North Hero is perfect for low-key picnics (no overnight stays, though), offering shaded areas, lake access, and easy biking connections to the Colchester Causeway. It’s small, quiet, and ideal for travelers who like to feel tucked away without venturing too far off the path.
For a different perspective, head to Button Bay State Park, located near Vergennes on the southern end of the lake. Here, you’ll find gorgeous views of the Adirondacks, wide open grassy spaces, and easy access to hiking trails and a nature center. It’s a great basecamp for families and birdwatchers alike.
If you’re in the mood for a few more amenities, Apple Island Resort in South Hero offers full hookups, a marina, a golf course, and even an on-site country store—perfect for longer-term stays or travelers who enjoy a touch of resort-style comfort with their lakeside serenity.
Adventures on and Around the Water
Once you’re settled, it’s time to explore! And around Lake Champlain, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days.
For many RVers, the ultimate highlight is hopping on a bike and cruising along the Colchester Causeway. This former railroad bed has been transformed into a spectacular bike path that juts straight out into the lake. With lake breezes and panoramic views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, it’s one of the most unique cycling experiences in the country. A seasonal bike ferry connects the causeway to South Hero Island, so you can keep pedaling your way through the islands or loop back to enjoy the ride all over again.
If you’d rather take to the water, Lake Champlain is ideal for paddling, sailing, or simply floating the day away. Rent a kayak or paddleboard (or bring your own) and explore peaceful inlets and quiet coves. You could also launch a small boat to go fishing for smallmouth, largemouth, or rock bass, northern pike, perch, trout, or numerous other species.
After a day outdoors, there’s no better way to unwind than by sampling a glass of locally crafted wine at a nearby vineyard. The Champlain Valley is home to several small wineries with tasting rooms and stunning views—perfect for a sunset toast. And if you time your visit right, you can catch a live summer concert in the area. From outdoor amphitheaters in Burlington to pop-up music events on the islands, the local music scene brings just the right mix of energy and charm to your lakeside evenings.
Want to keep it simple? Just take a walk along the shore, visit a local farmer’s market, or grab a maple creemee (Vermont’s soft serve specialty) and soak it all in.
Your Next Getaway
Lake Champlain isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. Pedaling across sparkling waters. Raising a glass at a local vineyard. Simply watching the sunset melt into the mountains. No matter what you choose, it’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the simple joys found in nature.
So, fuel up, chart your course, and get ready to discover one of Vermont’s most breathtaking treasures.
Things to Do in the Lake Champlain Area
- Bike the Colchester Causeway—One of the most scenic bike paths in the country.
- Kayak or paddleboard—Explore the lake’s quiet inlets and island shorelines.
- Catch a concert—Enjoy local music in Burlington’s Battery Park or at vineyard pop-ups across the islands.
- Taste local wines—Sip crisp whites or rosés at wineries like Snow Farm or East Shore Vineyard.
- Visit a farmer’s market—Pick up fresh produce, maple goodies, and handmade crafts in South Hero or Burlington.
- Watch for wildlife—Early summer is prime time for spotting eagles, loons, and herons along the lake.
- Swim and sunbathe—Relax at Alburgh Dunes or Sand Bar State Park’s sandy beaches.
- Enjoy a maple creemee–A must-have Vermont treat, best enjoyed lakeside.
