Camp Skyland, LLC

- 398 South St, South Hero, VT 05486

As a Vermont resident, you understand that the true gem of the Green Mountain State often lies just beyond the mountain ranges—on the beautiful waters of Lake Champlain. For over 90 years, Camp Skyland, LLC, has been a cherished institution at the southernmost tip of the Lake Champlain Islands in South Hero, offering an authentic, welcoming lakeside camping experience. It’s a classic, family-owned establishment that speaks directly to the heart of the Vermont outdoors lifestyle.

This is not a massive, commercial resort; it is a six-acre slice of paradise where the owners pride themselves on a clean, friendly, and view-centric atmosphere. The character of the campground is unique, with its grassy camping areas replacing the typical dirt or concrete lots, which instantly adds a pleasant, natural twist to your stay. Guests consistently praise the owner, Joey, for his helpful, easy-going nature, highlighting the personalized touch of this long-running family operation.

The main attraction is the truly “unending panoramic view of the bay, lake and mountains beyond,” including the Green Mountains, Camel's Hump, and Mt. Mansfield. This unparalleled scenery creates a relaxing atmosphere perfect for hitting the 'pause button' on your busy Vermont life.

While the campground is universally lauded for its immaculate public restrooms and free hot showers—a feature every camper truly appreciates—potential visitors should note that the campsite layout prioritizes the view. This means many sites are open in nature and not very private, with some even situated on a slight angle, which can present a minor challenge when setting up a camp stove or leveling a small trailer. However, for most Vermonters seeking a clean, safe, and friendly environment with direct lake access and phenomenal views, Camp Skyland is a clear winner for a quintessential Lake Champlain Islands getaway.

Introduction / Overview

Camp Skyland, LLC, is a historic, family-owned and operated campground established in 1927, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain in South Hero, VT. This six-acre property has cultivated a reputation over decades for providing a serene retreat with arguably some of the best water and mountain views in the state. Situated at the tip of the Grand Isle peninsula, the campground offers a variety of accommodation styles, catering to a range of Vermont locals—from solo tent campers to families seeking a rustic cabin experience.

The campground’s trademark features are its panoramic views of the lake and the distant Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. The focus here is on authentic, unplugged relaxation. While cell service is typically excellent for necessary communication, the overall environment, free from the distractions of in-site WiFi or cable TV, encourages guests to immerse themselves in nature. The operating season typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, perfectly aligning with the prime Lake Champlain recreation months.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Skyland is ideally situated at 398 South St, South Hero, VT 05486, USA. Its location in South Hero, one of the primary islands in the Lake Champlain Islands chain, makes it exceptionally accessible and strategically placed for Vermont adventurers:

• The Islands Scenic Drive: Located directly on the island chain, the drive to the campground is inherently beautiful, passing through local orchards, vineyards, and historic sites.
• Proximity to Burlington: It is a comfortable and quick drive from Burlington, making it an ideal weekend escape for Chittenden County residents. The easy access to the Interstate also allows for convenient longer-day excursions to other major Vermont attractions, such as Stowe, Montpelier, and the central Green Mountains.
• Cycling Hub: The campground is only a few miles from the celebrated Island Line Trail, a fantastic route for cycling, walking, or running that takes riders across the lake via the scenic Colchester Causeway.
• Ferry Access: The Grand Isle-Plattsburgh Ferry is nearby, providing a convenient cross-lake connection to New York, opening up opportunities for day trips to places like the Ausable Chasm.
• Nearby Parks: Local State Parks, including Sand Bar State Park, Grand Isle State Park, and Niquette Bay State Park, are all within a short driving or cycling distance, offering additional recreation opportunities.

Services Offered

Camp Skyland offers a comprehensive set of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Vermont camping experience:

• Camp Kitchen Facilities: Public restrooms feature free, hot showers and an outdoor sink station with drinkable water for washing dishes.
• Utilities: Select grassy sites are available for small RVs and tents with water and 15-amp electric hookups (Note: Larger RV sites with full 3-way hookups are currently seasonal rentals only).
• Laundry: On-site laundry facilities are available for a fee, a crucial service for longer stays.
• Rentals: Rowboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are available for rent at the office, making it easy to get out on the water.
• Small Boat Launch: A gravel boat launch is present for guests to launch smaller watercraft, though no slips or moorings are provided for short-term guests.
• Convenience Store: The office sells firewood, ice, ice cream, coffee, drinks, candy, and a selection of basic camping essentials and Skyland apparel.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of Camp Skyland center on its natural setting and the authentic camping experience it provides:

• Unbeatable Panoramic Views: The primary highlight is the stunning, wide-open views of Lake Champlain, providing spectacular scenes of both sunrise over the Green Mountains and sunset over the Adirondacks.
• Private Lake Access: Guests have private access to a shale beach, which is excellent for swimming, rock collecting, fishing, and launching personal watercraft.
• Immaculate Public Facilities: Customer reviews consistently emphasize the cleanliness of the flush toilets and showers, often calling them some of the cleanest they have experienced.
• Accommodation Variety: The park offers rustic tent campsites (no hookups), water/electric sites for small trailers, and unique rustic cabins (Cliffside and Housekeeping styles), some with private screened porches and small kitchens.
• Grassy Parking/Sites: The open, grassy nature of the tent and RV sites offers a soft, natural aesthetic that contrasts pleasantly with more conventional gravel or concrete lots.
• Recreational Space: A large open field is available for communal activities like throwing a frisbee, flying a kite, or playing ball games.

Contact Information

Vermont residents looking to book a lakeside stay or inquire about seasonal rentals can reach Camp Skyland, LLC, using the information below:

Address: 398 South St, South Hero, VT 05486, USA

Phone: (802) 372-4200

Mobile Phone: +1 802-372-4200

Conclusion: Why this place is Suitable for Locals

Camp Skyland, LLC, is exceptionally well-suited for Vermont locals as it encapsulates the best aspects of a classic Green Mountain State getaway—unspoiled natural beauty, friendly service, and a focus on outdoor recreation. For families and couples from Burlington, Montpelier, and other parts of Vermont, it offers a quick and easy drive to a true vacation setting on the beautiful Lake Champlain Islands. The campground’s long-standing history as a family-owned operation—celebrating over 90 years—gives it an authentic, trustworthy character that newer resorts simply cannot match.

The ability to rent a rustic cabin for a week or set up a tent with an uninterrupted lake view provides flexible options for any budget or style of camping. The easy access to biking on the Island Line Trail and the private beach access for swimming and paddling are major draws for active Vermonters. While the open site layout may lack extreme privacy, the trade-off is the spectacular, unparalleled panoramic views and the safe, community-oriented atmosphere fostered by an easy-going, helpful owner. Camp Skyland provides a clean, reliable, and genuinely friendly environment, making it the perfect local destination for an unforgettable Lake Champlain experience right here in your home state.

Camp Skyland, LLC

398 South St, South Hero, VT 05486, USA