Mt. Philo State Park RV & Campground Guide
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When you see the spectacular views from the top of the 968-foot peak in Vermont's Mt. Philo State Park, you'll understand why adventurers have been visiting this spot for more than 100 years. From the west, the Lake Champlain Valley stretches to the Adirondack Mountains. If you walk over to the east side of the park, you'll be treated to vistas of the Green Mountains. In the autumn, the views of the fall colors are unforgettable. The charming town of Burlington is just 17 miles north, and you'll find all of the essentials nine miles away in tiny Shelburne.
Spring 20-60 F
Summer 55-75 F
Fall 30-65 F
Winter 5-30 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Mt. Philo State Park
Whether you're planning on hiking or relaxing, an RV is the most comfortable way to camp near Mt. Philo State Park. Make your trip even more convenient by choosing an RV rental. Though the park's campground isn't accessible to RVs, there are many exceptionally beautiful campgrounds in the region.
Shelburne Camping Area
One of the closest campgrounds to Mt. Philo State Park, Shelburne Camping Area lies just 10 miles north. Campsites here are tucked under the trees, offering plenty of shade on warm summer days. Choose RV sites with or without full hookups; no matter which you select, you'll have access to the swimming pool and dump station. Lake Champlain is less than 2 miles away, offering excellent fishing and boating. This spot offers nightly camping from April through November; after that, you must book in four-week increments. Nightly rates for no-hookup sites start at $36, while full-hookup sites range from $38 to $52 depending on your electric and cable TV needs.
North Beach Campground
Make the most of a summer visit to Mt. Philo State Park by booking a campsite at North Beach Campground. Located just across the road from Lake Champlain, this campground sits a short walk from a lovely sandy beach that's popular with local families. Spend your days swimming and playing on the beach playground or bring your bikes and jump on the bike path that runs nearby. After a day in the sun, the campground's hot showers and bathrooms are a great spot to clean up. Choose from 29 full-hookup sites or 39 sites with electricity and water. Every site comes with a picnic table, fire ring and free Wi-Fi access. North Beach Campground is open from May to mid-October, and you can expect to pay $45 per night for full-hookup sites and $41 for electric/water sites.
Appletree Bay Campground
If you love a full-service RV campground, head straight for Appletree Bay Campground. Located inside Apple Island Resort less than one hour from Mt. Philo State Park, this campground offers something for everyone in the family. Play a round on the golf course, take a dip in the pool or work out in the fitness center. You'll also find a general store, playground, community center and a museum, as well as a regular schedule of fun events. RV sites all offer full hookups. Some even offer patios and views of the lake. Rates start at $70 per night on weekdays and $80 per night on weekends and holidays.
What to Do at
Mt. Philo State Park
Inside Mt. Philo State Park
Beautiful Mt. Philo State Park is easy to explore in one day. If you're up for a gentle challenge, park at the bottom of the mountain and hike the trail to the top of Mt. Philo. The views along the way are spectacular, and the round trip is a lovely way to spend a few hours. There's also a road to the top, so you can drive to the summit. Bring snacks or a meal to enjoy in the picnic area; in the summer and fall, get there early to secure a parking spot and a picnic table.
Outside Mt. Philo State Park
Mt. Philo State Park is located near Lake Champlain in one of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of Vermont. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors or immerse yourself in local history, there's plenty to do in the area. The best part is everything is located within an hour, so you don't have to spend much of your vacation on the road.
Restaurants
Village Cafe & Tavern
Known for its delicious pizzas and burgers, the Village Cafe & Tavern is a family-friendly spot that's a quick drive from the park. Grab your food to go or dine in the casual dining area.
Type: American
Location: 6640 US-7, North Ferrisburgh, VT 05473
Starry Night Café
Reserve one of the stunning outdoor tables at the Starry Night Café, a tiny spot tucked into a lovely garden among historic buildings. With a menu that showcases organic Vermont ingredients, this is the perfect place for foodies and romantics alike. Be sure to try the oysters and the heirloom tomato pie.
Type: American
Location: 6640 US-7, North Ferrisburgh, VT 05473
Backyard Bistro
Dig into a wood-fired pizza at Backyard Bistro, which offers a variety of gourmet toppings. The menu also offers a small selection of seafood and mixed drinks.
Type: Pizza
Location: 3488 Ethan Allen Hwy, Charlotte, VT 05445
Hinesburgh Public House
Hinesburgh Public House offers a varied pub menu that includes everything from burritos to seafood, and most dishes showcase seasonal local ingredients. On warm days, be sure to request a table on the patio.
Type: American
Location: 10516 VT-116, Hinesburg, VT 05461
Pizza On Earth
Try a wood-fired pizza or a freshly made baked good at Pizza On Earth. Don't miss the fantastic wood-fired bread, which is made in limited batches every morning.
Type: Pizza
Location: 1510 Hinesburg Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445
Shopping
Shelburne Country Store
Set in a beautiful historic building from the 1800s, the Shelburne Country Store is a delightful spot for browsing. Pick up a souvenir and be sure to try the house-made fudge.
Location: 29 Falls Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Charlotte Village Winery
Pick up a few bottles of locally made wine at Charlotte Village Winery. This friendly spot also offers tastings onsite.
Location: 3968 Greenbush Rd #9306, Charlotte, VT 05445
Schip's Treasure Resale Shop
If you can't resist a bargain or an antique, don't miss the eclectic Schip's Treasure Resale Shop. This volunteer-run facility offers an ever-changing selection of goods.
Location: 5404 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Maple Tree Place
Find everything from groceries to guitars at Maple Tree Place. This laid-back shopping center lies about 18 miles from Mt. Philo State Park.
Location: 28 Walnut St Suite 260, Williston, VT 05495
CityPlace Burlington
CityPlace Burlington offers a range of national brands. With its indoor-outdoor layout, it's a fun spot to spend an afternoon.
Location: 49 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401
Sightseeing
Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
Once the home of one of Vermont's founding fathers, the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum offers a chance to step back in time. Check out the humble house where Allen lived in the late 1700s and explore the gardens to find out about Fanny Allen's exceptional botanical experiments. A series of exhibits details Allen's remarkable accomplishments. You can also learn about the local Abenaki people that lived in the area prior to the settlers.
Location: 1 Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington, VT 05408
Sail Lake Champlain
No trip to Mt. Philo State Park is complete without a tour of beautiful Lake Champlain. Head to the Burlington Waterfront to rent or charter a boat. During the summer, you can also book cruises, rent kayaks, go paddleboarding or hop on a ferry. If possible, take a sunset trip for the best views.
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Shelburne Museum
Walk through a historic steamship at the Shelburne Museum. The Ticonderoga, which steamed across Lake Champlain in the early 1900s, is the last boat of its kind in the world. After you check out the beautiful 1920s splendor on the boat, explore the museum's 39 different exhibition buildings. Watch a printer explain how historic prints were made in the print shop and see a demonstration in the blacksmith shop. Many of the buildings were moved to the park to preserve their historic value. Shelburne Museum is particularly great for kids, so don't miss the Circus Building, the Owl Cottage and the interactive art sessions.
Location: 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
If you have little ones, don't pass up a visit to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. Explore the factory with a Bear Ambassador to watch the teddy bear artisans work their magic. Kids love the Bear Hospital, where you get the chance to meet one of the company's Bear Doctors. End your trip with a visit to the factory shop to customize your own bear as a souvenir.
Location: 6655 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
William's Wood Natural Area
Hike through one of the last remaining mature valley clayplain forests in Vermont at the Williams Woods Natural Area. A kid-friendly 1-mile trail runs through the stand of oak and pine trees, creating a relaxing afternoon hike.
Location: Charlotte, Vermont
How to Get to
Mt. Philo State Park
Mt. Philo State Park sits just east of Highway 7 in western Vermont. To get there, head south from Burlington and take State Park Road east. Keep in mind that the park road is not suitable for an RV, so it's best to park at the bottom or take a passenger vehicle.
Entering Mt. Philo State Park
Mt. Philo State Park is open for day use from June 26 to October 18. In the winter, the lower parking lot is plowed.
Mt. Philo State Park Per adult : $4.0
Mt. Philo State Park Per child : $2.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mt. Philo State Park
If you're planning to hike to the top of Mount Philo, you'll want to visit Mount Philo State Park between June and August. These summer months are relatively sunny, and you won't have to worry about chilly temperatures.
Mount Philo State Park is in Vermont, which has a relatively wet, chilly, and snowy winter climate. In fact, winter temperatures can struggle to get out of the single digits. Summers are pleasant, with highs in the 70s.
Although black bears are found in Vermont, you're more likely to spot small mammals, such as red foxes, on your outdoor adventures in the park. However, you'll see plenty of birds, including broad-winged hawks, red-tailed hawks, and pileated woodpeckers.
There's a small campground in Mount Philo State Park, but it doesn't have RV-designated sites. While the seven primitive sites are geared toward tent camping, they can accommodate small RVs.
You may bring your pet for no additional fee to Mount Philo State Park. There aren't size or breed restrictions, and you must keep your pet on a leash in all public spaces, including nature trails.