Cottonwood Camp Site, North Hero, VT

Introduction / Overview: Embrace the Wild on Knight Island

For the true Vermont adventurer, the call of the wild is best answered with a primitive, boat-in camping experience, and that's exactly what you'll find at Cottonwood Camp Site. This is not a typical RV park with manicured lawns and hookups; Cottonwood is one of only seven designated remote camping locations within the stunning Knight Island State Park, situated off the shores of North Hero, VT, in the heart of the Lake Champlain Islands.

Knight Island itself is a 185-acre natural treasure, preserved by the State of Vermont with the help of organizations like the Lake Champlain Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. This conservation effort ensures that a large expanse of scenic, undeveloped shoreland remains accessible to the public, offering a unique backcountry experience. Cottonwood Camp Site, like the others on the island, offers a secluded, tranquil escape where the focus is strictly on nature, self-sufficiency, and the raw beauty of Lake Champlain.

This is the destination for local Vermonters who prioritize solitude, waterside relaxation, and an unplugged getaway over conventional amenities. It is a place to fish, swim, hike, and simply watch the incredible sunsets that sweep across the lake, making it a truly magical and memorable spot.

Location and Accessibility: Boat-In Access to a Secluded Gem

Cottonwood Camp Site’s location at Knight Island, North Hero, VT 05474, defines its remote character. As a site within Knight Island State Park, the entire experience is shaped by the single, crucial fact: it is only accessible by boat.

For Vermonters, this accessibility challenge is part of the appeal, guaranteeing a low-density, quiet experience. Visitors must make their own arrangements for transport. Common mainland launch points are Knight Point State Park in North Hero (a crossing of approximately 3.5 miles) or Kamp Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans (about a five-mile crossing), with the latter offering free parking for Knight Island campers. While some unregulated boat taxis may be available for those without a private watercraft, campers must be prepared for the logistics of a true island venture.

Importantly, Knight Island does not have a formal dock. Campers should be prepared to beach their boats on the rocky shore or anchor offshore. Once on the island, the remote campsites, including Cottonwood, are dotted around the 2.5-mile shoreline and are connected by a trail system. You must be prepared to carry all gear—your tent, food, and water—from the landing area to your specific site, with a walk that can range from a third of a mile up to a full mile.

Services Offered: Essential Amenities for a Backcountry Stay

As a remote area campground managed by the Vermont State Park system, Cottonwood Camp Site intentionally provides minimal, essential services, reinforcing the backcountry atmosphere. Campers must be fully self-sufficient.

Camping Structure: Knight Island offers seven remote camping sites in total, with six featuring rustic log lean-tos and one being a designated tent site (it is highly likely Cottonwood is one of these seven and may feature a lean-to). Each designated site includes a picnic table and a fire ring or fireplace with a grill grate.
Sanitation: Composting outhouses are available for necessary facilities, maintaining the primitive nature of the park.
Water Supply: Crucially, there is no potable water supply in the park. All campers must pack in all the drinking and cooking water they will need for the duration of their stay.
Refuse Disposal: Following strict "Leave No Trace" principles, there are no trash removal services. Campers must "Pack It In, Pack It Out," meaning everything, including all garbage and waste, must be carried off the island upon departure.
Reservations: Camping is by reservation only between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with a fee applied. Bookings, which often have a two-night minimum, are highly recommended to be secured early due to the limited number of sites.

Features / Highlights: Solitude, Lakefront Beauty, and Hiking

The highlights of Cottonwood Camp Site and Knight Island State Park are entirely natural and recreational, offering an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the Lake Champlain environment.

Ultimate Privacy: With only seven sites spaced widely around the island’s shoreline and connected by a trail system, Cottonwood offers exceptional privacy and a truly quiet camping experience that is difficult to find elsewhere on the mainland.
Waterside Access: Every remote campsite is situated waterside, providing campers with immediate, fabulous access to Lake Champlain for swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
Scenic Hiking: The island features an easy-to-moderate, scenic 1.5-mile interior loop trail system, which allows campers to explore the protected forests and critical natural communities of the island.
Unplugged Experience: There is no electricity or cell service on much of the island, guaranteeing an authentic, distraction-free outdoor experience where the sounds of the lake replace the noise of modern life.
Rustic Lean-Tos: The presence of rustic, three-sided log lean-tos (at six of the seven sites) provides shelter from wind and rain, enhancing the traditional and rugged appeal of the primitive camping trip.

Contact Information

As a remote state park site, reservations and general inquiries are managed through the Vermont State Parks system.

Address: Knight Island, North Hero, VT 05474, USA (For GPS and mainland launch guidance, Knight Point State Park in North Hero is a nearby reference point).
Phone (State Park Reservations/Inquiries): The most reliable contact for reservations and detailed information regarding the remote campsites is typically the Vermont State Parks reservation call center or the Northwestern Vermont District office. (The provided numbers are not for the state park and thus cannot be used).
Reservation Note: While a direct phone number for the specific campsite is not applicable, all camping reservations must be made online or by phone through the official Vermont State Parks reservation system for Knight Island State Park.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Cottonwood Camp Site on Knight Island is the ideal destination for local Vermonters who are experienced in or enthusiastic about backcountry and primitive camping. For many, the required boat access and self-sufficiency are not obstacles but desirable filters that ensure a high-quality, secluded natural experience. It offers a true wilderness feel without requiring a trip deep into the Green Mountains, as it leverages the unique, stunning environment of the Lake Champlain Islands.

This is a place where local paddlers, boaters, and hikers can easily access a true island oasis for a weekend escape, knowing they are enjoying a carefully conserved portion of their own state. For the Vermonter looking to truly disconnect, practice "Leave No Trace" ethics, and experience the quiet majesty of a Lake Champlain sunset over a crackling campfire, Cottonwood Camp Site on Knight Island offers an unmatched, unforgettable regional adventure.