North Beach Campground, located in Burlington's New North End, is a combination campground and public beach on the shores of Lake Champlain. With a rating of 3.9 from 564 reviews, it draws visitors seeking a convenient base for exploring the city and enjoying the water. This review compiles insights from public sources and visitor feedback to provide a balanced overview of what the campground offers and what past guests have experienced.
North Beach Campground at a Glance
Situated at 60 Seahorse St, Burlington, VT 05408, North Beach Campground sits in the New North End vicinity, just steps from the beach and a short distance from downtown Burlington. The campground operates as both a campground and a public beach, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation and urban access. For those interested in reaching out, the phone number is +1 802-862-0942, and the official website is https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/964/North-Beach-Campground. The site is pet-friendly, allowing dogs, and offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a bar on the premises. Payment options include credit cards and debit cards, though cash-only policies may apply in some cases. Parking is available with options for free parking, on-site parking, and a paid parking lot. The campground is accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet. Activities include RV camping, with a camping fee required. The location is geo-tagged at latitude 44.4946977 and longitude -73.2359929.
What Do Visitors Like About North Beach Campground?
Visitor feedback for North Beach Campground is mixed, with an overall rating of 3.9 from 564 reviews. Many reviewers praise the location, proximity to the beach, and friendly staff, while others express concerns about cleanliness, crowded sites, and maintenance. The campground seems to appeal to those prioritizing convenience and access to Burlington and Lake Champlain, though some visitors feel the facilities and site upkeep could be improved.
1. Prime Location Near Beach and Downtown
Numerous visitors highlight the campground's proximity to the beach and downtown Burlington. Nathan Eckstrom, a repeat visitor for six years, loves the closeness to downtown and the beach on Lake Champlain. Elisabeth Ste-Marie mentions walking distance to the beach and biking distance (1.4 miles) to the center with a bike path right beside. Chris Dolan notes the location is great for beach access and 1.5 miles from Church St./downtown. Jan Hershberger finds the location hard to beat with the beach/lake right across the path. This easy access to both natural and urban attractions is a recurring positive theme.
2. Cleanliness and Maintenance Concerns
Several reviewers point out issues with cleanliness and upkeep. Nathan Eckstrom describes the bathrooms as old and not too clean. Gianna Nuckols states the bathroom facilities and dish washing stations are not clean. Chris Dolan found trash in the fire ring and litter on the ground, and the tent loop looked neglected. Serg mentions the bathrooms and showers are very dirty. M M reports a spider infestation in the women's bathhouses. These comments suggest that cleanliness and maintenance are areas where the campground could improve.
3. Crowded and Close Sites
The close spacing of campsites is a common complaint. Gianna Nuckols describes the campground as poorly designed with sites placed very close together, and she had barely any room on weekends. Dan Mackenzie notes they squeeze in as many people as they can, so you're right on top of your neighbor. Stephen Linder also mentions sites are so close that he doesn't recommend it for a weekend. This theme indicates that privacy and space can be limited, especially during peak times.
4. Friendly and Responsive Staff
Despite other issues, many visitors appreciate the staff. Serg calls the staff very friendly. Mya Dodd had an incident where other campers disrupted her family, and the situation was handled great. Alan Brown says check-in was a breeze and staff were very pleasant. Chris Dolan notes staff members were responsive when he mentioned trash, allowing him to change sites. This positive staff interaction is a notable strength.
5. Safety and Security Perceptions
Safety experiences vary. Nathan Eckstrom felt it was relatively safe, though his charger pack was stolen from the bathroom. Gianna Nuckols didn't feel unsafe but noted not much noticeable security. Steve Kuehl and Kenneth Pangbourne express strong safety concerns, particularly regarding homeless individuals and traffic. Jan Hershberger, however, didn't notice any issues and felt the campground was very quiet. This theme shows that safety perceptions can differ widely among visitors.
6. Value and Cost Considerations
Opinions on value are divided. Steve Kuehl believes it is the most expensive campground in the area, calling the cost for a primitive site ridiculous. Jan Hershberger agrees the price is too high for what you get. Dan Mackenzie, on the other hand, considers it a very nice affordable campground. This suggests that perceived value depends on individual expectations and priorities.