My wife and 4 kids are considering a lakeside vacation in July in the Adirondacks or Vermont. Wife and I stayed on Lake Champlain in North Hero 2 years ago. We loved it, but there doesn't seem to be much in the Champlain Islands that can hold the whole family. What lakeside spots would you recommend?

I camped each summer from age 5 to 16 with my family at a family camp in South Hero, on the west side of the island, looking back toward Plattsburg. From 16 through college I worked there, my brothers still go each year, and now their children and their families do as well. We are talking continuous family tradition from 1948 to present!

The tents are all set up at the beginning of the season, all have raised platforms, two beds, dresser, couple of chairs...tents high enough for adults to stand. They also have a few cottages. All meals are taken in a central dining hall family style.

When we were young kids, not old enough yet to have "our own" tents, we were in a double tent with our parents...they in one then walk through flaps to ours. It was a fabulous vacation and one we eagerly looked forward to each year. My Dad got 3 weeks vacation from GE and we took all 3 there, every year. Most campers return the same time each summer, so we always looked forward to spending time with friends we'd made from previous years. Most stays are Saturday to Saturday, with the majority staying 2 weeks, though some more and some less. I believe you pay by the week though, and that is a minimum.

The camp is called Eagle Camp, address used to be just "South Hero, VT", and that area is still so small, I imagine mail would get there if you are interested. It has been in operation since the late 1800's. Prime time, end of July, beginning of August fills quickly with return campers each year, but there may be more availability outside that period. The majority of campers come from MA, CT, PA, and NY, but a few from far flung areas as well. Great place for a family vacation, no stress, no work for anyone and relatively reasonable.

How old are the kids?

We have 4 kids: two 12 year olds and two 15 year olds (his and hers). I've read good things about Eagle Camp in South Hero, however we prefer solitude and to be on our own.

Never having stayed in the Adirondacks, I was overwhelmed last night by the sheer number of lakes and resorts available.

We go to a place called Morningside. Here is their web site:

http://www.morningsidecamps.com/index1.html

It's possible that your kids might be a little too old for it though. I have teenagers, but we've been going there for years and they have friends there etc. It is really a lovely place, but a VERY small lake (no motorboats). Some families with older kids stay there but do a lot of "day trips" - hikes etc. These cabins are also very booked up - repeating guests get first first pick, so you probably have to get on a wait list.

I'm sort of drawing a blank on other places. There is an inn we really like on Piseco Lake called the Irondequoit Inn. They have a web site too. That might give you all extra space. There is good boating (we like kayaking), swimming, fishing, hiking, and general relaxing there. Kids might still be bored unless they are outdoorsy types. If you end up on Piseco come back to the forum - there are a couple of good restaurants around there.