Burton Island State Park

Car-free island camping on Lake Champlain.

A 253-acre island park reached only by boat, most often on the small Island Runner ferry from Kill Kare State Park. Campers get waterfront lean-tos, a few cabins, a marina and store, flat trails, rental boats and bikes, and big sunsets over the lake. It suits families and paddlers who want a summer camp feel with no cars around.

At a glance

Access

Boat only; Island Runner ferry from Kill Kare, $8 each way for campers

Lean-tos

26, many on the water

Tent sites

14, plus 4 remote tent sites

Cabins

3 (Mon–Thu or Fri–Sun stays)

Marina

100 slips and 15 moorings

Reservations

Open 11 months ahead, rolling daily at 9 am

What’s here

• Tent sites
• Cabins
• Lean-tos
• Paddle-in sites
• Showers
• Lake or riverfront
• Swimming beach
• Pets allowed

Gear, rentals and guides

• Burton Island rentals

  The park rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and bikes on the island.

• Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail

  Lake Champlain Committee’s network of paddle-in sites and guidebook, for linking the island into a longer trip.

Where to stay

• cabinBurton Island cabins

  Three pet-friendly park cabins with lake views; bring bedding and cook outdoors.

  On the island$73 / night · Vermont residents; $85 non-residents
• innNorth Hero House

  Lakefront inn and restaurant on North Hero with its own dock on Lake Champlain.

  55 min drive from Kill Kare
• innShore Acres Inn

  Family-run lakeside inn and restaurant with wide lawns on North Hero.

  50 min drive from Kill Kare

Nearby

• Kill Kare State Park · Ferry dock

  The ferry landing, with a small swimming area and picnic lawn on St. Albans Point.

• Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail · 15 min drive

  Long, flat rail trail from St. Albans toward Richford through farms and river valleys.

• Saint Albans Museum · 15 min drive

  Local history in a former schoolhouse, including the 1864 Confederate raid on the town.

• Snow Farm Vineyard · 55 min drive

  South Hero winery with tastings and summer evening concerts on the lawn.

• Hero’s Welcome General Store · 55 min drive

  North Hero country store and deli for sandwiches, maple goods and lake supplies.

Getting there

• Burlington International (BTV) · about 55 min drive
• Montreal · about 1.75 hr
• Albany · about 4.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps