Carry Bay Campground, North Hero, VT

Introduction / Overview

For Vermont residents dreaming of a true escape to the tranquility of the Lake Champlain Islands, Carry Bay Campground in North Hero is often described as a cherished 'home away from home.' This well-established, small-scale destination offers a serene setting directly on the shores of Carry Bay, providing campers with exceptional lake access and breathtaking natural beauty. It operates seasonally, generally welcoming guests from mid-May through mid-October, allowing for the enjoyment of Vermont’s spectacular late spring, summer, and fall seasons.

Carry Bay Campground caters to a blend of long-term seasonal campers and short-term transient visitors, creating a strong, friendly community atmosphere. Customer reviews frequently highlight the dedication and genuine care of the owners, noting that they "go out of their way to make it a comfortable place to camp." This level of personal attention ensures a pristine, welcoming, and relaxed environment that sets it apart from larger, more commercial parks. Whether you are looking to dock a boat, spend a week fishing, or simply relax by a fire pit watching a famous Lake Champlain sunset, Carry Bay provides the ideal backdrop.

Beyond traditional RV and tent sites, the campground also offers cozy cabin rentals. These small, well-appointed units are a perfect alternative for those seeking a little more comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience. Carry Bay’s primary attraction remains its direct connection to Lake Champlain—a haven for birdwatching, fishing, and all manner of water-based recreation, offering a distinct and peaceful island vibe without ever truly leaving Vermont.

Location and Accessibility

Carry Bay Campground holds a prime location in the heart of the Champlain Islands, situated at the central town of North Hero, VT 05474, USA. This unique setting on the narrow part of the island chain means the campground is nestled directly on Carry Bay, offering fantastic views and easy water access.

Accessibility is straightforward for Vermont locals. The campground is located right off US-Route 2, the main artery that connects the entire island chain to the mainland. Driving from major Vermont hubs is manageable:

Approximately 35–45 minutes north of Burlington, making it a viable weekend escape from the state’s largest metropolitan area.
Easily reachable from Interstate 89 via the causeways that link the islands.

The islands themselves are a major attraction, and the location provides quick access to:

Local North Hero Village amenities, including the famous Hero's Welcome General Store and local eateries like the North Hero House Inn’s pier bar and Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant.
Nearby state parks such as Knight Point State Park and North Hero State Park, which offer beaches, boat rentals, and nature trails.
The Lake Champlain Bikeway, a popular route for cycling enthusiasts exploring the scenic, flat roads of the Islands.

Services Offered

Carry Bay Campground provides a range of essential services and accommodations designed to maximize the comfort and convenience of all guests, whether staying for a night or an entire season.

Diverse Accommodations: Offers sites for transient and seasonal camping, including spots for RVs and tents, as well as unique, furnished cabin rentals.
Cabin Rentals: Cozy, small cottages (such as Cabin #4) are available for weekly rental, typically featuring two bedrooms, a full bath, an open-concept living/kitchen area, and essential appliances like a refrigerator, stove, and microwave.
Full Utility Access: Sites are equipped with necessary hookups, although campers should confirm specific utilities (water, electric, sewer) for their reserved spot.
On-Site Water Access: Provides dock, boat launch, and direct access points for personal canoes or kayaks, ideal for exploring the calm waters of Carry Bay and Lake Champlain.
Pet-Friendly Options: Welcomes cats and dogs in designated areas, including some of the cottages, allowing the entire family to enjoy the vacation (pet guidelines should be confirmed with management).
Essential Amenities: Includes a communal outdoor fire pit, barbecue grills, and picnic areas available for guest use.
Internet Service: Wi-Fi access is available within the cottage rentals and often across the grounds, providing connectivity even in this remote location.

Features / Highlights

The distinct features of Carry Bay Campground are focused squarely on its stunning lakefront location and the high quality of guest experience provided by the owners.

Direct Lake Champlain Access: The most significant highlight is the easy, immediate access to the shores of Carry Bay for fishing, swimming, boating, and launching non-motorized craft.
Stunning Sunsets: The location on the western side of the bay ensures spectacular, unobstructed sunset views over Lake Champlain and the distant Adirondack Mountains—a signature Vermont Islands experience.
Seasonal Community: A large contingent of seasonal campers creates a close-knit, friendly, and reliable community environment, often cited by visitors as a reason they return year after year.
Owner Dedication: The hands-on involvement of the owners, Larry and Chris, who "go out of their way" for guests, guarantees a well-maintained campground and personalized service that is rare at larger resorts.
Wildlife Observation: The bay area is a perfect spot for nature lovers, offering opportunities to observe native birds like osprey, blue herons, and kingfishers, reflecting the rich ecology of the Lake Champlain Islands.
Biking and Hiking Base: The campground is an excellent starting point for exploring the extensive Lake Champlain Bikeway and the nature trails of nearby state parks.

Contact Information

To inquire about seasonal sites, cabin rentals, or short-term stays, Vermont locals can use the following information for Carry Bay Campground:

Address: North Hero, VT 05474, USA (For GPS, the address 5289 US Route 2, North Hero, VT, is commonly associated with the location).

Phone: The most reliably listed number for direct contact is (802) 372-8233, which is the historical number for the campground.

As a seasonal, local business with strong demand, especially for their limited cottages and prime spots, prospective visitors are strongly encouraged to contact the owners directly via phone or email for current pricing, specific site details, and to make reservations well in advance of the summer season.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Carry Bay Campground is uniquely suitable for Vermont residents because it offers a quintessential, accessible slice of the prized Lake Champlain Islands lifestyle. For Vermonters who value locally owned businesses and a strong sense of community, Carry Bay delivers. The "home away from home" feeling and the personal investment of the owners, Larry and Chris, create a superior camping experience that a large resort simply cannot match. It’s a place where you can easily transition from your daily life to full-on island recreation—whether you're towing your own boat, renting a cozy cabin, or simply pitching a tent steps from the water.

For many Vermont families, vacation time means reconnecting with the state’s greatest natural asset, Lake Champlain. Carry Bay provides the ideal launching pad for all water activities, from serious fishing to serene kayaking, and offers the nightly reward of those famous Adirondack-backed sunsets. Its location on Route 2 makes it easy to reach from both Chittenden County and Northern Vermont, allowing locals to spend less time driving and more time relaxing on the bay. It is the perfect blend of remote tranquility and comfortable convenience, solidifying its place as a beloved, local favorite on the Champlain Islands.