Cedar Cove, North Hero, VT

Introduction / Overview: Your Solitary Retreat on Lake Champlain

For the Vermont resident whose ideal getaway involves a sturdy canoe, minimal amenities, and absolute solitude, Cedar Cove Camp Site is a jewel of the Lake Champlain Islands. Cedar Cove is one of the distinct, highly-sought-after remote camping spots within the picturesque Knight Island State Park, near North Hero, VT. This is primitive camping at its finest, where the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.

Knight Island is a 185-acre conservation success story, maintained by the Vermont State Park system to preserve its undeveloped shoreland and natural communities. Cedar Cove, specifically, is often remembered for its close proximity to the scenic Oak Bluffs, offering elevated views of the Lake Champlain valley and the Green Mountains beyond. Visitors who have experienced Cedar Cove speak of its unique charm, excellent views, and the ample, natural feel of the site.

The camp site provides an essential escape from the modern, digital world. There are no paved roads, no Wi-Fi, and no noise—just the tranquility of the Lake Champlain waters and the dense forests of the island. It’s an authentic, rugged Vermont adventure tailored for those who are prepared to pack in everything they need and pack out everything they bring.

Location and Accessibility: A Boat Ride to True Seclusion

Cedar Cove is located on Knight Island, North Hero, VT 05474, a location that dictates the primitive nature of the experience. Being an island state park, the site is only accessible by private boat or pre-arranged water taxi. This limited access ensures a low-impact and genuinely secluded camping environment.

Local access points include Knight Point State Park in North Hero (a crossing of about three miles, ideal for kayaks and canoes) or Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans (about five miles away, a better option for powerboats, offering free parking for island campers). For those without a boat, licensed water taxi services operate in the area, but these must be arranged by the camper.

Upon arrival at Knight Island, campers must be prepared. There are no formal docks, meaning you will need to beach your watercraft on the sometimes rocky shore. The campsites, including Cedar Cove, are spaced around the island's perimeter, requiring a walk of up to a mile from the main landing area to the site. This "hike-in" aspect ensures that campers only bring what they can comfortably carry, maintaining the site’s unspoiled feel.

Services Offered: Lean-To Shelter and Backcountry Essentials

Cedar Cove Camp Site, as part of the remote Knight Island State Park, offers strictly essential, primitive services, consistent with a high-quality backcountry experience.

Rustic Lean-To Shelter: Cedar Cove is one of the six sites on the island that features a rustic, three-sided log lean-to, providing essential shelter from the elements. This allows campers to sleep out of the weather, with many opting to use only sleeping bags or mosquito netting.
Individual Site Features: Each designated site comes equipped with a picnic table and a designated fire ring or fireplace with a cooking grate, allowing for safe and proper cooking outdoors.
Sanitation Facilities: The site is served by composting outhouses, which are the only provided restroom facilities on the island.
Potable Water Policy: It is critical to note that there is no potable water supply in the park. Campers must pack in all drinking water necessary for their entire stay.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are permitted in the park, but owners must adhere to state park rules regarding leashes and are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.

Features / Highlights: Secluded Cove and Panoramic Views

Cedar Cove is distinguished by its specific geographical advantages and the natural environment that surrounds it.

Proximity to Oak Bluffs: Cedar Cove lies just north of the island’s scenic Oak Bluffs, offering campers easy access to a high, rocky vantage point with wide-open, stunning views of Lake Champlain and the distant Green Mountains.
Waterfront Tranquility: The site offers direct, waterside access, making it excellent for swimming, launching a kayak, or simply sitting by the water and enjoying the silence that comes with island camping.
Trail System Access: Campers at Cedar Cove have access to the island's 1.5-mile interior loop trail, providing opportunities for moderate hiking and wildlife watching across the 185 acres of protected forest.
Abundant Firewood (Seasonal): Some past visitors have noted an ample supply of natural, fallen wood in the area, which is a significant convenience for the primitive camping experience, provided local policies on collecting dead and downed wood are followed.
Total Disconnection: The intentional lack of modern hookups, electricity, and cell service ensures a full disconnection, allowing visitors to deeply immerse themselves in the natural rhythms of the Lake Champlain environment.

Contact Information

Cedar Cove Camp Site is part of the Vermont State Parks system. All bookings and official information are handled centrally, as there is no on-site office for reservations.

Address: Knight Island, North Hero, VT 05474, USA
Reservation Call Center: 1-888-409-7579 (Available Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
Reservation Note: Camping at Cedar Cove is by reservation only. Due to the limited number of sites (only seven on the island), it is strongly recommended that local Vermonters book online or via the call center well in advance, as popular weekend slots sell out quickly. A two-night minimum stay is typically required for advance reservations.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Cedar Cove Camp Site on Knight Island is a premier destination for local Vermonters who embody the state’s rugged, outdoor ethos. It is the perfect spot for experienced campers, kayakers, and boaters living in the region who cherish unspoiled nature and privacy. The effort required to access the island—the boat trip and the hike-in—serves as a natural barrier against large crowds, guaranteeing the quiet, high-quality solitude that many locals seek.

Choosing Cedar Cove is choosing an authentic, sustainable slice of Vermont’s natural heritage. It allows residents a chance to escape the hustle of the mainland, practice responsible "Leave No Trace" camping, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of a sunset-viewing, lakefront lean-to, all within a short distance of home in the Lake Champlain Islands.