Updated on September 29th, 2020
Burton Island State Park–Vermont, Lake Champlain
44.776635, -73.197353
Chart
How to Get There
Crown Point is on the southern part of the lake north of Ticonderoga and east of Port Henry at the base of the Lake Champlain Bridge on the New York side.
Staying There
Anchor in 8-15 feet of water between the steamship dock and the bridge. Some charts show a ferry terminal in this area. They removed the temporary terminal after the new bridge was completed in 2011. Avoid anchoring under the bridge due to debris from the old bridge that may snag your anchor. The bottom is mud/clay and provides excellent holding.
Quick Facts:
- When to Avoid: When the wind is from the north or northwest. If your mast height exceeds 75 feet you will not clear the bridge.
- Services: None
- Restrooms: None that we are aware of.
- Showers: None
- Dog-Friendly?: Sort of. A dog leash is required. Dogs are not allowed in certain areas including in buildings, or if you are camping.
Things to Do
Crown Point is the site of a French fort Fort Saint-Frédéric. The fort was built in the 1730s and later destroyed in 1759 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the British. The British built Fort Crown Point just up the hill from the destroyed french fort in 1759 and later abandoned in 1780.
To the east of the fort is the Samuel de Champlain memorial lighthouse which was built in 1912 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of his voyage on the lake.
The Lake Champlain visitors center is also on-site in the old tollkeeper’s house at the base of the bridge. The visitor center contains a small museum dedicated to the Lake Champlain bridge.
Both these forts, lighthouse and visitors center are accessible from the launch ramp at the southern end of the anchorage. You are not allowed to more on the ramp side (east) of the dock.
Restaurants and Provisions
None
