RVing in Vermont: Camp in Style at Apple Island Resort

RV Life

There's water on all sides of the campground on Apple Island. — ***Photos courtesy RV LIFE Campgrounds.***

Many RVers may be tempted to overlook New England in favor of tropical getaways, but there’s a lot to love about this region! For starters, the temperate climate is perfect for anyone who wants a pleasant trip any time of the year. And if you plan to venture up to Vermont, be sure to stop by Apple Island RV Resort for a night or two.

As the name might suggest, this RV park is located on an island in the middle of the lovely Lake Champlain. You’ll be within walking distance of the shoreline, plus the views are hard to beat. This campground is also terraced, so there are multiple vantage points where you can overlook the water.

In addition to the prime location, the Apple Island RV Resort also offers some top-notch amenities and activities. You’ll have everything you need and more during your visit here. Read on to learn more about this resort and why it should be on your list of potential stops.

Overview

The Apple Island Resort is located at 71 US Rte 2 in South Hero, Vermont. The island itself is called South Hero Island and it’s a decent-sized chunk of land. A bridge connects it to the mainland, so you won’t have to worry about loading your RV onto a ferry to reach your destination.

Thanks to this location, you’ll have water on every side during your stay. The resort is located right on the edge of the lake, but you can also venture to other parts of the island if you want to find a more private and peaceful stretch of sand.

The island is also large enough to support a lot of visitors. This resort has 362 RV sites, although some of them are occupied by long-term residents. But even if you take those out of the equation, there are still 220 sites available for you to reserve.

Every one of the sites comes with full hookups for water, sewage, and electricity as well, so you don’t need to worry about missing out on a premium site. No matter where you end up, you’ll have all the hookups you need.

Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the campground, but it is somewhat limited. You may only have basic internet access rather than a high-speed connection, so plan accordingly. On the other hand, cell phone providers like AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon have decent coverage here. So even if your Wi-Fi is crawling along, you should still be able to use your phone without issue.

Many people stay in this park throughout the entire year, but many of the RV sites are only available on a seasonal basis. The park closes to guests from October through May, so be sure to stop by any other time.

Reservation Rates

The Apple Island Resort is just that—a resort! As a result, the prices here are a bit higher than the average campground. But you’ll still get a great value for your money and many visitors felt that the location and amenities made the price worthwhile.

Rates may fluctuate due to the season, day of the week, and holiday schedule, but the average prices are as follows:

Silver RV Site: $103.15 per night
Gold RV Site: $116.44 per night
Platinum RV Site: $134.55 per night

A two-day minimum reservation period is required for this campground, so be sure to keep that in mind as you plan your visit! If you’re interested in a long-term residence here, you can also browse the cottages and trailer homes that are listed for sale.

With the purchase of a piece of property, you’ll have access to all the same benefits as an RV camper, plus a permanent place to call home!

For more information about site reservation and real estate sales, visit the resort website at appleislandresort.com

Amenities

Location is a huge determining factor when it comes to picking an RV park. But don’t forget to check out the amenities as well! Fortunately, the Apple Island RV Resort has everything you need and more.

There are modern restrooms and bath houses where you can freshen up, as well as a laundry room. You can also refresh yourself in the pool or unwind in the hot tub/spa. The on-site community center has plenty of space for features like a fitness center, a library, and a large open area that can be used for group activities.

Additional amenities include:

Putting green
Lawn bowling
Electric Apple cart rentals
Marina docking
Boat rentals
Playground
Hiking trails
General store (Ice, propane, pet supplies, groceries, firewood, deli, etc.)
Site-to-site trash pickup
Personal escort to site
Classes, activities, and events hosted by the resort staff

As you can see, there are plenty of fun things to do during your visit here, even if you never leave the boundaries of the resort! You have everything you need for a comfortable, enjoyable trip.

Nearby Activities/Attractions

But of course, you probably didn’t travel to a beautiful island just to stay in your RV all day. So during your trip, why not explore some of the many activities and recreational options in the area

South Hero Island is packed with fun experiences and destinations. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting at the Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery, wander through fruit fields at Hackett’s Orchard, or indulge in their favorite hobbies at the Island Craft Shop.

Lake Champlain also provides plenty of opportunities for entertainment. You can rent a boat, ride a ferry, fish for your dinner, or just go for a swim in this gorgeous lake. There are miles of beaches and nature trails to walk as well.

And just because you’re on an island doesn’t mean you can’t find something delicious to eat! There are several dining options available nearby, whether you stay on the island or venture back across the bridge. Some of the local favorites include:

Blue Paddle Bistro
The Rest Stop
Cook Sisters Cafe & Catering
Victoria’s Cafe
Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar (opens for the season in late May)
Hero’s Welcome (Country store and deli)
McKee’s Island Pub & Pizza
Wally’s Place
Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe

Reviews

The reviews are in and they’re looking good! Apple Island Resort has scored 8.6/10 on RV LIFE Campgrounds, giving it the rank of a “Highly Favorited Park.” It also earned scores in the 4/5 star range fromGoogle Reviews. Across the board, visitors are largely satisfied with their experience at this park.

On the positive side, people complimented the spacious campsites, the responsive management, and the recently updated buildings. This campground has been well-kept throughout the years and it has several modern amenities that elevate its quality.

However, there are also a few drawbacks to cover. For starters, the Wi-Fi has been problematic for some campers, especially when it comes to downloading content or working remotely. A few of the sites can also be tricky to get in and out of, so park carefully.

Finally, the Apple Island Resort has a large population of full-time residents who live in their RVs and trailer homes all year long. This can be a pro or a con, depending on how you look at it. But some campers were frustrated by the residential setup and the fact that the campground was always fairly full as a result.

However, in general, most visitors were happy with their experience, and many even stated that they would love to visit again. To read more detailed feedback and browse campground photos, visit the park page on RV LIFE Campgrounds.

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