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Burton Island is a bucolic 253-acre preserve in northern Lake Champlain that was farmed into the early 1900s. Today, its meadows, small forests and rocky points create a unique oasis of carless peace and quiet (broken every now and then by its bustling 100-slip marina, which is packed with boaters on weekends). A ferry boat makes six runs a day bringing campers and day visitors over to experience island life.
Burton's allures are many. Walk the pastoral trails to different rocky vantages looking out over the water (there's four nature trails totaling three miles). Catch big pike and bass off the rocks, and see wildlife such as deer, raccoons and waterfowl. If you get tired of making camper's casseroles, the island even has its own bistro for dinner and snacks. There's a grocery store, and a packed summer schedule of activities from kayak lessons to morning Tai Chi and nature walks.
But the best thing about Burton is the peaceful feeling that comes from being right on the water, serenaded by lapping waves, watching the sun set over the lake or thunderstorms roll in, seeing the lake in all its moods, from glassy quiet to frothy whitecaps. You can launch a canoe or kayak right from your leanto or anchor a motor boat just offshore for day trips - even night trips.
INFORMATION
Burton has 17 tent sites and 26 lean-tos, 100 marina slips and 15 moorings, marine fuel and electricity. Ferry rides leave between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. There's running water, and hot showers, a nature center and boat rentals. Open late May to Labor Day, 800-252-2363, summer 802-524-6353. From Burton one can paddle further out to visit or stay overnight on Woods Island, a 125-acre preserve with only five campsites.
Other state parks for paddling fun: Lake Elmore, North Hero, Grand Isle, Button Bay, Woods and Knight Island.
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