CAMPING in Chi enden County

Vermont is designed for camping. Beautiful lakes, clear streams, mountains, and picturesque towns all invite people to venture outdoors for a summer of family fun.

Chittenden County, anchored by Lake Champlain (known as the sixth Great Lake), offers a wide array of places to camp, from rustic to resort. ome sport water views. ome are nestled in the woods. ome highlight lots of activities, and some encourage a quieter atmosphere. Whatever your list of preferences for a few days or weeks in a campground, you will have an engaging variety of choices.

Camp Skyland in South Hero overlooks Lake Champlain. “My husband’s great grandmother, Mabel Norton, started it in 1927. We are the fourth generation to run the campground,” said Shira Arnold. “It is right on the lake and has beach access.

A lot of our campers are third and fourth generation. People enjoy the peace and quiet. We are at the end of the island. At the end of the world.” Skyland is small, family-oriented, and rustic. People enjoy swimming and kayaking. Some campers have biked from Burlington. There is a recreation building featuring activities such as ping-pong and indoor and outdoor games that are available to borrow.

Campers can select from three options: rustic cabins in two sizes, grassy campsites for tents or small trailers with no hookups, and a few trailer sites for trailers under 24 feet.

Camp Skyland’s Cliffside Cabins overlooking Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains sleep two to four persons in one room with private bathrooms. Adding to the camaraderie of the uaint cabin row is a group fire pit with panoramic views of sunrise and sunset.

Camp Skyland opened this year on Memorial Day Weekend and closes the last weekend in September. Pets are not allowed. For more information, visit www.campskylandvt.com.

Shelburne Camping Area is also a fourthgeneration business. “My parents rented the first site in 197 , said hris Bissonette. “We are a great destination for day trips in Vermont. t is located one mile north of Shelburne Village in the heart of the hamplain Valley. The summer 0 3 season started pril 1 and closes ovember 30. helburne ampground is open yearround with limited off-season facilities from

December 1 to March 31. The campground offers a full range of options, from no hookup to full hookup. There are also one- and tworoom kitchenettes. For more information, visit www.shelburnecamping.com.

unlap Riehle, the owner of ine aven co- ampground located by the amoille River in olchester, described it as a bouti ue campground. hidden gem. e stumbled across it in 011 while searching online for an RV he could comfortably travel the in with his mother. lthough it hadn t been operating for 10 years, ine aven seemed like an interesting pro ect to take on as a way to combine his love for the outdoors and meeting adult travelers. My family has always been a steward of Vermont and all it has to offer, he said. wanted to create an eco-friendly, no-frills destination geared toward adults, and that embraces everything Vermont. RV and tent sites are available and renting uickly . There is a deck for water activities. Campers describe this natural area as very quiet and peaceful. For more information, call (802) 355-5566.

Grassy lakeview tent sites are available, each with a picnic table and fire pit. RVs and tent campers alike enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Pine Haven Eco-Campground. Situated along the Lamoille River, it’s nestled between beautiful Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.

North Beach Campground, operated by the City of Burlington Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront, is located on almost 45 acres