Camping in Button Bay State Park, Vermont

During our summer road trip through New England (click here to see our itinerary), we decided to camp for a few nights at Button Bay State Park in Vermont.  Located at the western end of the state along the shore of beautiful Lake Champlain, we spent our days relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the area to recover from all the hiking we did in Maine and New Hampshire.  The campsites at Button Bay are in a wide, grassy open area that wasn’t very private but felt very soft and comfortable to sleep. Because of the openness, we visited with our camp neighbors more than we typically do while camping.  In fact, we arrived late in the evening after our summit of Mt. Washington and we were tired and cranky when a friendly guy came over to see if we needed help setting up. While chatting, we realized that he is a cousin of Naomi’s good friend’s dad.  The world really is a small place.Button Bay State Park

Camping in Button Bay State Park

We were lucky to have gorgeous weather during our stay and were really able to enjoy ourselves. The skies are unbelievably beautiful with bright blue during the day, pinks and oranges when the sun sets, and bright stars after dark. The kids had a great time at the pool which had a fun little water slide and was never crowded during our visit.  Laying out by the shore was wonderful and we spent a great deal of time lakeside- reading, skipping rocks and playing games.  It was fantastic. There is also a small nature center where Ranger Programs are held, a Junior Ranger Program, a volleyball net, a tiny playground and canoes and kayaks available for rent.Button Bay State Park

The sites had large fire pits where you could practically build a bonfire.  Firewood was available for $5 a armful. We cooked a couple dinners on the grill over the pit with food we picked up at a grocery in town. One morning we headed into Middlebury where we visited Otter Creek Bakery to pick up breakfast. Oh my goodness this was a feast! Not only do they have amazing pastries, we filled up on quiche, breakfast pizza and biscuits.  It was some of the best food we ate on our road trip. Definitely stop here if you are in the area! Another thing we loved about the area was the many road side fruit and vegetable stands.  We bought zucchini, tomatoes and some of the most delicious blueberry jam I have ever eaten at one little stand.  Sadly, I recently finished the last spoonful. Wish I would have bought more!Button Bay State ParkButton Bay State ParkButton Bay State ParkOverall, this is a wonderful state park and definitely worth a visit.  Uncrowded and quiet, it is a relaxing place to enjoy time outdoors with the family. With the beautiful green mountains in the distance combined with the sparkling blue water of Lake Champlain, it is a lovely destination.  There were wildflowers everywhere during our visit in August and we loved taking long walks to enjoy the views.

Button Bay State Park

Button Bay State Park

Button Bay State Park:

If you go:

–Coin showers are located at the bathroom area.  We picked up change at the check in gate with no problems. The water was hot with good water pressure and felt fantastic.

–There aren’t many tree around the campsites.  A pop up shelter for the picnic table would be a great addition to your packing list for shade and rain protection.

–Bring a canoe or kayak with you if you can!  While rentals are available, an extended paddle of Lake Champlain would be wonderful.

–Free Junior Ranger booklets are available at the entry gate. We love doing Junior Ranger Programs at both State and National Parks.

Vermont is a beautiful state and we can’t wait to go back! Have you been?  I’d love to hear about it!

Happy Travels!

 

 

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4 replies on “Camping in Button Bay State Park, Vermont”
  1. says: Salma

    We are planning to go by the last of August. Hoping for the best. And your blog makes my expectations even high.

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