Burton Island State Park RV & Campground Guide
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You can only access Burton Island State Park in Lake Champlain off the coast of northwest Vermont from the water. The park offers a 100-slip marina, or you can take a 10-minute ferry ride leaving from Kill Kare State Park. Once at the park, connect with the park interpreter to see what fun activities are planned, hike on the hiking trails, visit the museum, dine in the café, and shop in the nature store. This park is located about 70 miles north of Montpelier, 33 miles north of Burlington, and five miles southwest of Saint Albans. This state park is only open from the end of June to mid-September.
Spring 28-47 F
Summer 49-57 F
Fall 45-62 F
Winter 13-27 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Burton Island State Park
There are many delightful camping choices in northern Vermont where you need to catch the ferry to go to Burton Island State Park. To enjoy the trip in comfort, bring your RV. If you do not have one, get a rental on RVshare.com.
Sunset Rock RV Park
On the shores of Lake Champlain in La Motte, Vermont, Sunset Rock RV Park, offers a public boat ramp, fishing pier, and swimming. Rates start at about $25 per night at this campground, offering plenty of space for outdoor games.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: boat ramp, fishing pier, outdoor games
Maple Grove Campground
If you are looking for a quiet place to go camping, then Maple Grove Campground near Fairfax, Vermont, may be perfect for you. Rates start at about $40 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Pull-through spots, laundry room
Campbell's Bay Campground
Campbell's Bay Campground offers very convenient amenities to travelers. Shop for supplies at the general store before heading out in a boat rented on-site. Rates start at about $25 per night at this campground in West Swanton, where you can play horseshoes.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Boat rental, general store
What to Do at
Burton Island State Park
Inside Burton Island State Park
After you cross Lake Champlain to arrive at Burton Island State Park, you can find many different recreation opportunities. Be sure to connect with the park’s interpreter to see if they have special activities planned for the day. You can also enjoy a stroll along the hiking paths. Get a bite to eat at the Blue Bistro before touring the museum and shopping at the nature store.
Outside Burton Island State Park
Once you take the ferry back to Saint Albans, you'll find many attractions in the area. There are also plenty of good places to dine. This area also has many shops you'll want to visit that feature unique local crafts.
Restaurants
Jeff's Maine Seafood
You can find delicious seafood, steak, chicken, pasta, salads, and more at Jeff's Maine Seafood. This upscale restaurant is in the historic downtown area.
Type: Seafood, American
Location: 65 N Main St, Saint Albans, VT 05478
84 Main Sports Grill
If you are looking for the flavors of the Caribbean, check out 84 Main Sports Grill. You will find a variety of main entrees on the menu, including burgers, salads, chicken, steaks, and seafood. They also offer a full cocktail menu and many local Vermont beer choices.
Type: Pub
Location: 84 N Main St, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Maple City Diner
Stop in for fresh pastries, one of their signature egg skillets, or pancakes served with Vermont maple syrup to get your day started. Then, head back later for outstanding hamburgers or your favorite comfort foods. Be sure to try their delicious cheesecakes.
Type: American
Location: 17 Swanton Rd, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Pie in the Sky
Get your favorite pizzas at this restaurant that makes each order as it comes into Pie in the Sky. This restaurant has been delighting guests since 1988 and is a bona fide local favorite.
Type: Pizza
Location: 267 Swanton Rd, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Mill River Brewing BBQ and Steakhouse
Taste the freshness in every dish prepared at Mill River Brewing BBQ and Smokehouse because each entrée is made with produce and meat grown by local farmers. Wander to the brewhouse next door and taste the brews prepared with Vermont hops.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 10 Beauregard Dr, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Shopping
Artist in Residence
Find artwork of all types from over 45 participating artists at Artist in Residence. Pick up photography, pottery, glasswork, and more for yourself or to give as gifts.
Location: 10 S Main St, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Village Frame Shoppe
Find all types of vintage pottery at Village Frame Shoppe. They also offer framing services for many different types of wall hangings. You can also find art from local artists at this shop.
Location: 50 N Main St, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Breezy Acres
Step inside the post-and-beam barn at Breezy Acres to find a variety of rustic home décor. Then, head next door to the garden center for seeds and healthy plants.
Location: 1904 Sheldon Road #1, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Guy's Farm and Yard
Treat your four-legged friend to food, snacks, and toys from Guy’s Farm and Yard. They also carry a wide range of clothing and gifts for the animal lover. You can also find great gear and tools for hobby beekeepers and small farmers at this store.
Location: 555 Fairfax Rd, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Boat Headquarters Inc.
Shop the inventory of new and used cruisers, pontoon boats, runabouts, powerboats ane fishing boats at Boat Headquarters Inc. You can also get your current model worked on, and they winterize boats.
Location: 183 North River St, Swanton, VT 05488
Sightseeing
Bakersfield Country Club
The 6,458-yard, 18-hole at The Bakersfield Country Club is challenging to play, especially with its quirky back nine. Stop at the pro shop for some new golf equipment or some pointers to improve your game before you start playing.
Location: 7595 Boston Post Rd, Bakersfield, VT 05450
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Fish at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. Hike along 7.5 miles of trails to see a variety of wildlife and migratory birds. Special events focused on environmental stewardship occur throughout the year.
Location: 29 Tabor Rd, Swanton, VT 05488
Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is a mixed-use trail that runs for 26 miles between Saint Albans and Richford in Franklin County. Once the snow starts flying, you can ski along this trail.
Location: Saint Albans, Vermont
The Opera House at Enosburg Falls
The Opera House at Enosburg Falls originally opened in 1892. Shows and other cultural events often occur within it.
Location: 123 Depot St, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450
Kill Kare State Park
Named after the long-time summer camp operated at this location, you can use the boat dock at Kill Kare State Park. This park is also where you will catch the ferry to go to Burton Island State Park. Explore the museum filled with lots of local history.
Location: 2714 Hathaway Point Rd, Saint Albans, VT 05481
How to Get to
Burton Island State Park
You will need to take a boat or the ferry to get to this state park. If you are in Saint Albans and want to catch the ferry, head to Kill Kare State Park by taking Vermont Route 36 to Saint Abrahms Bay. You will cross a bridge while on Route 36, and you should watch for Hathaway Point Road. Turn left and follow it until it comes to a dead end. You are in the park. The ferry runs intermittently throughout the day.
Entering Burton Island State Park
This park is open from 10 a.m. to the official sunset.
Burton Island State Park Per person older than 14 : $4.0
Burton Island State Park Per person ages 4-13 : $2.0
Must be accompanied by an adult
Burton Island State Park Per person under 4 years old : $0.0
Must be accompanied by an adult
Burton Island State Park is an exciting place to visit near the borders of Vermont, New York, and Quebec. If you have visited this state park, share your experiences on social media. Be sure to tag RVshare in your comments. More of your friends may want to go here after they read what you have to say. You can also share your stories and photos by emailing them to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Burton Island State Park
The climate of Burton Island State Park is generally mild. The summers are warm, and the winters are cool. The average temperatures for the park are 49 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 13 to 27 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.
Some animals that call the park home include deer, squirrels, and groundhogs. Different fish species, such as the smallmouth and largemouth bass, can be found in the waters around Burton Island.
There aren't any RV spots in Burton Island State Park because the park is only accessible by boat. The ferry that commutes to the island several times a day only holds people and bicycles.
Pets are allowed at Burton Island State Park but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. Note that pets are not allowed on the swimming beaches.
Yes, the park has a variety of accessible amenities, including restrooms and picnic areas. There are also wheelchair-accessible trails and beaches.