North Beach Campground

- 60 Institute Rd, Burlington, VT 05408

Introduction / Overview

For Vermonters and local New England outdoor enthusiasts, finding a camping spot that perfectly balances scenic wilderness access with urban convenience is a rare gem. North Beach Campground, located in Burlington, Vermont, is exactly that. It's truly one of the Queen City's treasured recreational offerings—a municipal park that delivers a decidedly "rural character" despite its city address.

Spanning nearly 45 wooded acres and boasting Lake Champlain’s premier municipal natural sand beach, North Beach Campground offers an incomparable setting. Campers can choose from a variety of site types, ranging from primitive tent spots to full hookup sites for larger RVs, all within steps of the region's most magnificent natural resource. This dual nature of being both a lakeside retreat and an urban basecamp is the primary draw. You can fall asleep to the sounds of nature and wake up to a short, easy bike ride into Burlington's vibrant downtown.

While the facilities, like any busy municipal campground, receive mixed reviews—with some sites noted for being unlevel and maintenance challenges in the bathhouses—the location itself is consistently rated as "fantastic" and "great." The staff is recognized for being friendly, responsive, and working hard to manage a highly popular and high-traffic destination. North Beach Campground is a pragmatic, well-loved choice for those who prioritize location, accessibility, and an unmatched blend of beach life and city exploration.

Location and Accessibility

The location of North Beach Campground is arguably its greatest asset, providing a unique “urban camping” experience that is a rarity in Vermont and the wider New England region.

The campground is situated at 60 Institute Rd, Burlington, VT 05408, USA.

• Direct Lake Access: The campground is nestled directly on the shores of Lake Champlain and features Vermont’s largest municipal natural sand beach, North Beach, which is accessible to all campers. This means swimming, sunbathing, and watersports are literally steps away from your site.
• Burlington Downtown Proximity: Downtown Burlington, with its famous Church Street Marketplace, world-class breweries, diverse dining, and vibrant waterfront, is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles away. This can be reached quickly by vehicle or, more enjoyably, via the adjacent bike path.
• Burlington Greenway Access: The campground has direct access to the nine-mile Burlington Greenway (also known as the Island Line Trail). This multi-use path makes it incredibly easy and safe to bike or walk to the downtown waterfront and continue north toward the Colchester Causeway and the Lake Champlain Islands, offering miles of scenic recreation.
• Regional Gateway: Due to its proximity to the city and major roadways, the campground acts as an ideal base for Vermonters planning day trips to nearby attractions like Shelburne Museum, the Lake Champlain Islands, or even a short drive to the ferry landing for a quick visit to upstate New York.
• On-Site Traffic Consideration: Due to the popularity of the public beach, campers should be aware that the main entrance and internal roads can experience heavy public traffic, especially on warm summer weekends. Check-in procedures can sometimes be backed up due to the volume of beach-goers paying their daily fee.

Services Offered

As a municipal campground, North Beach is well-equipped to handle a high volume of visitors, offering a range of services designed for both tent campers and large RVs, with staff noted for being friendly and professional.

• Campsites Variety: The park offers 137 well-maintained sites, which include approximately 69 dedicated tent sites, 39 water and electric hookup sites for smaller units, and 29 highly sought-after full hookup RV sites (water, electric, sewer), accommodating everything from small tents to large Class A motorhomes.
• Utilities: Power options include 15, 20, 30, and 50 amp electric service on various sites. Water hookups and full sewer connections are also available on designated sites.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides access to restroom and hot shower facilities. It is worth noting that while they are cleaned daily, some reviews point to the need for facility updates and better management of natural elements like insects, particularly spiders, in the communal areas.
• On-Site Retail and Food: A snack shack is available on North Beach, providing refreshments, ice, and basic beach necessities during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Firewood is also available for purchase on-site, as outside firewood is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi service is provided by Burlington Telecom, a valuable amenity for those who need to stay connected or stream their favorite content while camping.
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome at the campground, but must be kept on a leash at all times and never left unattended at the campsite.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of North Beach Campground are tied to its irreplaceable location and the recreational opportunities it enables.

• Premier Natural Sand Beach: The expansive, sunny North Beach is the biggest highlight, offering a clean, natural sand shoreline ideal for swimming in Lake Champlain, paddleboarding, and family fun, often with lifeguards on duty during the peak summer months.
• Unrivaled Bike Path Access: With the Burlington Greenway running directly past the campground, visitors have effortless access to nine miles of continuous trail, perfect for recreational biking, jogging, or simply commuting into the city or out to the scenic Causeway.
• Beachfront Amenities: The immediate vicinity to the beach offers a playground for children, a public shelter with electricity and picnic tables available for rental, and the convenient snack bar, creating a lively, vacation-like atmosphere.
• Campfire and Picnic Provision: All sites are equipped with picnic tables and a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy the quintessential Vermont experience of a campfire and s'mores under the stars.
• Friendly and Responsive Staff: Despite the operational challenges of a busy urban park, staff members consistently receive positive mentions for being pleasant, friendly, and responsive, which significantly contributes to a positive overall camping experience.

Contact Information

North Beach Campground is a highly popular destination, and reservations, particularly for the full hookup sites, are strongly recommended well in advance, often opening months before the season begins.

Address: 60 Institute Rd, Burlington, VT 05408, USA

Phone: (802) 862-0942

Mobile Phone: +1 802-862-0942

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

North Beach Campground is ideally suited for Vermont locals, offering an affordable, convenient "staycation" option that maximizes all the best elements of the state’s largest city and its magnificent lake.

For Vermonters, particularly those who live in the Chittenden County area and beyond, North Beach is the perfect basecamp that saves on expensive hotel costs while providing an immersive Lake Champlain experience. The direct access to the natural beach means immediate relief from summer heat and an easy way to enjoy the lake without the hassle of public parking. The connection to the Burlington Greenway is a game-changer, allowing local families to enjoy the cultural, culinary, and recreational highlights of downtown Burlington via a scenic, car-free route.

While campers should be aware of the minor trade-offs—the rustic nature of some facilities and the density of sites typical of an urban park—the value of this location is unparalleled. It allows local residents to effortlessly transition from relaxing on a sandy beach to dining at a downtown restaurant or exploring local breweries within minutes. North Beach Campground is a pragmatic, fun, and location-rich choice that encapsulates a true Burlington summer and offers a convenient escape that feels like a world away without the long travel time.

North Beach Campground

60 Institute Rd, Burlington, VT 05408, USA