Hidden In Lake Champlain's 'Inland Sea' Is A Secluded Island State Park With Camping And Water Activities

Also known as the "Inland Sea," Lake Champlain's northeastern arm is naturally sheltered from the rest of the lake by a protective chain of large islands called Hero Islands. Hidden in these waters are three state parks: Burton, Woods, and Knight Island. The latter measures 1 mile from end to end and a ½ mile across, but its 185-acre surface area offers a secluded escape for those who'd like to reconnect with nature. Knight Island State Park is a remote and undeveloped wilderness destination, where you're free to roam across the entire place (with the sole exception of an off-limits enclave on the southern shore). Here, you get to take advantage of activities like off-the-grid camping, swimming, boating, and hiking on Lake Champlain.

Since it's both an island and a state park, you'll spend plenty of time out on the water. However, don't expect any marinas or other modern facilities; Knight Island is untouched in that sense. Instead, you can swim along the natural rocky shorelines, cast a line into the lake, and enjoy a kayak or canoe trip. True to its rugged nature, the state park has no rentals, so paddlers must come fully prepared.

You'll want to stay here after hours and set up camp. According to one visitor: "The sunrise and sunsets are amazing, and if you time it right, seeing a full moon is spectacular as well!" With only a few primitive backcountry sites scattered throughout the island, you can have an authentic rustic experience in the great outdoors. Getting to Knight Island State Park is half the adventure, because the only way to visit is via boat. You can use your own vessel if you're up to navigate the lake on your own. Better yet, take a water taxi from North Hero or St. Albans.

Getaways to Knight Island State Park mainly revolve around back-to-basics camping. As the island is remote and only accessible via boat, it makes for a quiet retreat for self-reliant outdoor enthusiasts. The camping season runs from the start of Memorial Day weekend to the close of Labor Day weekend. The state park features a total of seven sites dispersed along the island's perimeter, all of which are reachable exclusively by boating or paddling. Those taking a water taxi will be dropped off at the main dock on the southwest shore near the day-use area. From there, you can either walk or paddle to your site.

Out of the seven campsites, one is tent-only, while the rest are lean-tos. All campsites require advance reservations with a minimum of a two-night stay. Although overnight stays at Knight Island are completely primitive, it doesn't mean you can't bring hi-tech camping gadgets with you. The campsites can hold a maximum of eight campers. The sites are equipped with composting toilets, fire rings, and tables. You can only use downed deadwood for your fire, but if you need to stock up, the nearby Burton Island State Park has it for sale.

Not only that, but there are no water spigots at the state park, so carry enough with you to last you throughout your stay. But the good news is that your four-legged friend can join you. While the campsites are private, you can get from one spot to another via the trails. In fact, you can follow the Walk of Change Nature Trail, which loops around the island. This path takes you to maple and hemlock forests, pine plantations, and other points of interest in the park.

With Lake Champlain as your playground, water-based activities await at Knight Island State Park. Just like the primitive campsites, you'll find the same lack of modern facilities down by the water. But don't let it stop you from going for a swim. Visitors can take a dip in Lake Champlain right off the island's rocky shores. Or, make your way to the northeast side, where you'll come across a shale beach. Make sure you create the ultimate list for a successful beach trip while still packing light — remember that you'll be carrying everything with you.

As expected, there's a lot of fish to catch in Lake Champlain's "Inland Sea." Although there's no fishing pier on Knight Island, you can set your rod on the shoreline or from your boat. The water is teeming with largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as northern pike. While these three are the most common species, you might also reel in black crappie, yellow perch, and channel catfish. Other potential catches include chain pickerel, freshwater drum, and bluegill.

When it comes to boating, the water surrounding the island is ideal for human-powered vessels. Knight Island offers a decent challenge for paddlers, where you'll learn the key differences between taking a kayak in freshwater and the open ocean. You can take to the lake in a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. Two popular routes are paddling to and from the nearby Knight Point State Park or Hero's Welcome. Keep in mind that you'll be bringing your own watercraft, as the undeveloped state park doesn't provide any rentals. As for those who came with their boats, you can continue cruising on the lake.