Welcome to Grand Isle State Park, located on South Hero Island in Lake Champlain. The Island, also known as Grand Isle, is 14 miles long and over 3 miles wide, making it the largest in Lake Champlain. It contains the towns Grand Isle (on the northern half) and South Hero (on the southern half). The North and South Hero Islands are named in honor of early pioneering Vermonters who served in the American Revolution.
Grand Isle State Park was opened in 1959 when 54 acres of land was purchased from Birchcliff, a private summer resort. The original acquisition included a hotel-like building, cabins and a recreation hall. Today's Nature Center is the last remaining Birchcliff building. Three additional property acquisitions brought the park to its current 226-acre size. Park development during the 1960's was spurred by a successful effort to attract visitors to the area by providing quality camping opportunities.
Facilities / Amenities:
There are 115 tent/RV sites, 36 lean-to sites, and 4 cabin sites, making the campground Vermont's second-largest. Restrooms have running water and coin-operated hot showers. There is an RV sanitary station but there are no hookups. Fifty percent of the sites are large enough to accommodate self-contained RVs.
Lakeshore areas permit water access for swimming and shore fishing. There is a boat launching ramp for registered campers and kayaks and rowboats for rent through the park office. Check the nature center for nature programs, games, or entertainment. There is sand-court volleyball, horseshoes, a play area and a nature walk, all within the park. Campers are also allowed free entry to the beaches at Knight Point State Park seven miles north and Alburgh Dunes State Park nineteen miles north.
ACTIVITIES
Camping: This is the second-largest campground in the state. There are 115 tent/RV sites and 36 lean-to sites. There are also 4 cabins available to rent.
Hiking: There is an easy nature trail in the park.
Swimming: Great swimming in Lake Champlain.
Boating: There is a boat launch available to campers and boats can be rented from the park office.
Fishing: Lake Champlain is home to a variety of species of fish. This park also participates in the Reel Fun Program. Click here to learn more about Reel Fun fishing at the park (PDF)
Nature Programs: This park offers nature programs. Please call the park directly for more information.
Horseshoes: There is a horseshoe pit at the park.
Volleyball: There is a volleyball net in the day use field.
