Most state parks ask you to park the car and walk in. Knight Island State Park asks for something more: a boat. Sitting in the sheltered northeastern arm of Lake Champlain — a stretch locals call the Inland Sea, protected by the chain of Hero Islands — this 185-acre island in Vermont is about a mile long and half a mile wide, and it's about as undeveloped as a state park gets. Seven primitive campsites, composting toilets, no spigots, no rentals, no marina. That's the whole offer, and it's exactly why people go.
Camping here runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. All seven sites sit along the island's perimeter and are reached only by paddling or boating; one is tent-only, the rest are lean-tos. Reservations are required in advance, with a two-night minimum, and each site caps out at eight campers. Fire rings and tables are provided, but you can only burn downed deadwood — if you need more, neighbouring Burton Island State Park sells firewood. Bring all your own water, and note that water taxis from North Hero or St. Albans drop you at the main dock on the southwest shore.
Once you're there, the island is yours to wander, bar a small closed-off area on the southern shore. The Walk of Change Nature Trail loops the island, passing through maple and hemlock forest and pine plantations, and connects the campsites. Reviewers rave about the sunrises, sunsets and full-moon nights over the water.
The lake itself is the main event. Swim off the rocky shoreline or head to the shale beach on the northeast side. Fishing is excellent from the bank or a boat: largemouth and smallmouth bass and northern pike are the headline species, with black crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, chain pickerel, freshwater drum and bluegill also in the mix. Paddlers can bring kayaks, canoes or paddleboards and use the island as a base for trips to Knight Point State Park or Hero's Welcome — freshwater paddling comes with its own challenges compared to the open ocean, so plan routes accordingly. Just remember: nothing is rented on the island, so everything you use, you carry in.
Who is this for? Self-sufficient campers who like their nights quiet and their amenities minimal. If you want showers and a camp store, look elsewhere; if you want an island almost to yourself an easy drive from Montreal or Burlington, Knight Island is a rare find.
