vermontliving

Pack up your camping gear and see Vermont from a new angle.  Burton Island is a 253-acre island that sits in the middle of Lake Champlain just south of Saint Albans Point and east of Grand Isle County.  The island is accessible by boat, or you can take the small ferry (passengers only, no cars) from Kill Kare State Park in Saint Albans Bay.  Park you car at Kill Kare State Park and take the ferry over to Burton Island for a day trip or overnight if you’ve made reservations.

In the early 1900s, Burton Island was home to Sydney Burton who rented the rich soil to area farmers.  Remnants of these older farming days are still apparent in areas, but the use has changed.  Burton Island is a quiet, out-of-the-way area for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a soothing night’s sleep where only the area wildlife is heard at night.

On Burton Island, campers will find a 100-slip marina with electricity, fuel and a holding-tank pump-out facility.  There are fifteen boat moorings, seventeen tent sites and twenty-six lean-tos.  You can access the Internet through a Wi-Fi connection if there is need and public phones are available.  Restrooms on the island all have running water and offer hot showers for an additional cost.

For activities, you can stroll the three-mile shoreline, walk the miles of nature trails, visit the nature enter or pick up necessities at the island’s store.  Rowboat/canoe rentals, picnic sites and a food service building are also on the island.  Burton Island is handicapped accessible.

Along the nature trails you can find fresh raspberries, native plants, cedars and some white-tailed deer.  You will not find dangerous animals on the island, but mosquitoes and biting flies can be a nuisance so have insect repellent on hand.  Sunscreen is also a must!

If you want to stay on Burton Island, you must book in advance.  Reservations are taken up to eleven months in advance and space fills up quickly.  A two- or four-night minimum is required and rates are $16 to $18 per night for tent sites or $23 to $25 for lean-tos.

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