For our 3rd camping trip of the summer we visited White Caps Campground at Lake Willoughby!
This was a brand new, never before visited campground and area for us. It was one that had been on the list for many years and we were so excited to finally get the chance to book it and go enjoy this beautiful lake!
Some really fun facts about Lake Willoughby…
- It is a glacial lake and is over 300 ft. deep in some areas, making it one of the deepest lakes in New England and deepest in Vermont.
- An ancient valley ice lobe eroded the space between Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor creating the picturesque lake situated perfectly between towering rock faces.
- The once endangered Peregrine Falcon reside here.
- The world’s record trout was caught here through ice, weighing in at a whopping 39 pounds!
Family Camping Review #3 – White Caps Campground
Location: Orleans, VT
A tiny and quaint campground situated just across the road from Lake Willoughby this campground made for the perfect spot to take in the beautiful views and swimming in crystal clear Lake Willoughby.
The Sites – White Caps Campground
These sites are much tighter than most places that we camp, however clean and situated so that you have just enough room to make yourselves comfortable and set up camp.
We were situated in the area of the campground that has water and electric hook ups, with this we were able to use our camper at full function. There is a bath house located directly across from that row of campers. They are brand new, clean and the perfect amount of space. Each one individual with a toilet, sink and spacious stand up, coin operated shower.
There is no black water dump station here. You have to be aware of that when utilizing your camper. They do however give you the information for a campground just a couple of miles down the road that allows you to use their dump station for a fee of $30.
As you can see in the picture above, the graveled area is the next camp site! So you get enough gravel to pull your camper onto and a small space of grass to set up. Thankfully it is set so that your neighbor campers will be faced away from you, allowing more privacy.
Image credit: Tripadvisor
They also offer these sweet little cabins if maybe you don’t have a camper or tent camping isn’t your thing! This will provide you a more “indoor” feeling shelter.
Amenities – White Caps Campground
Coin operated showers and a brand new and beautifully maintained bath house/bathroom building is just across from where our site was. They give every site a key to access these restrooms, which I believe keeps them in tip top shape! There are also two porta pottys located outside of the building….in case you forget your key!
Next to the building is a dishwashing station, too!
The office/ General Store is a lovely tough. They have a deli serving breakfast and lunch options. They are very well stocked with all of the must haves or needs while camping. Also offering beer, wine and other refreshments. In addition, fresh baked goodies, ice cream and souvenirs!
Image credit: White Caps Campground Website
The Recreation – White Caps Campground
This campground doesn’t offer a lot of extras. Why? Well Lake Willoughby and the beautiful surrounding mountains is why! You can explore by just walking a short distance and then come back to have a lovely place to lay your heads!
The beach area directly across from the campground was the perfect spot to be with young children. It is almost like a zero entry pool, going out a long distance as shallow water. Our girls 2, 5 & 8 where able to explore a ways without being above their waist!
The water was crystal clear and the sand below your feet was soft. It was just beautiful! And the views? Wow!
In addition the Lake Willoughby store has your country store feel, they also offer scoops from a side window and “the bar” in the back where they serve adult beverages and some yummy food. They also have live music and cornhole on the weekends! There is another beach that has more room to spread out at the other end of the lake and some other great little places to pop in and eat!
You Might Also Like…
- Family Camping Review #1 – Waterhouses Campground
- Family Camping Review #2 – Silver Lake State Park Campground
- Fall Camping in Acadia National Park
Love, light and a little grace…
-Olivia
Olivia Whalen is mama to three young girls who is devoted to creative learning, exploration and free range imagination. Olivia enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to preparing homemade baby food or meals for her family. She most enjoys allowing the little minds in her life to flourish and with that you will see her write about creative kid crafts, recipes that fit a family budget and keep everyone asking for more, tips and tricks for a tiny babe, and beginner homesteader fun! Some of her hobbies include gardening, hiking, reading, cooking or just basking in motherhood.