Camping options surrounding Belvidere Center, Vermont sit in the heart of the Green Mountains at elevations between 850-1,500 feet. Winter temperatures often dip below 0°F while summer brings comfortable 70-80°F days and cool 50°F nights. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, closing during harsh Vermont winters when access roads become difficult to navigate.
What to do
Hike Mount Mansfield trails: Start directly from Underhill State Park Campground where campsites are just 0.3 miles from the main trail system. "Very primitive and quiet campground... one of the best weeks I had camping in a while," reports Michael V., who appreciated the campground's proximity to Vermont's highest peak.
Winter camping adventures: Experience the solitude of winter camping at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground during off-season months when fees are waived. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March... Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area," explains Ed M. He adds that you need to "Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed."
Kayaking and tubing: Spend time on the water at Mountain View Campground where river access provides relief during hot weather. "There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground," notes Michelle C., highlighting the variety of water-based activities available right from camp.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many visitors praise the secluded nature of sites at Little River State Park Campground. "Some of the best sites are up on a bluff with views over the lake and towards sunrise," according to Miccal M. For the most seclusion, Jess O. recommends camping on "the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping."
Remote paddle-in camping: Experienced campers enjoy the solitude at Green River Reservoir State Park Campground, accessible only by water. "I love this location because you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape," writes Mackenzie B. Most sites are within a one-mile paddle from the boat launch, though some require up to a two-mile journey.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies in this region make for exceptional night viewing. Tara S. reports from Elmore State Park: "Because our lean-to was in a meadow with no tree coverage, we were treated to the most awesome night sky we've ever seen at a Vermont state park. It was mesmerizing!"
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Some campgrounds offer full facilities while others provide rustic options. At Elmore State Park Campground, "The restroom in the campground loop we were in was very clean but outdated. The sinks are cold water only, which I normally wouldn't mind, but the temps dropped into the 20s during our trip, which made washing up a little bit painful."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. Ben C. advises regarding Smugglers Notch: "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it fills up quickly!"
Seasonal water quality issues: Lake conditions can change throughout the season. At Lake Carmi State Park, one camper noted: "Although swimming is allowed, the 'beaches' are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Mountain View Campground offers numerous kid-friendly amenities. "They have 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub. There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground," shares Michelle C.
Consider proximity to hiking trails: For families who enjoy outdoor exploration, Brewster River Campground provides convenient access to hiking. "Perfect place to camp before a big hike... I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night," mentions K.M., making it ideal for families wanting to combine camping with day hikes.
Choose lean-tos for camping with small children: Kiarra M. recommends the lean-to option at Brewster River: "My husband and I stayed in the lean-to with our two toddlers. It has 3 walls and netting on the fourth. Inside there are two queen sized platforms (we put an air mattress down) and it is right on the river."
Tips from RVers
Pet friendly camping near Belvidere Center, Vermont: For RVers traveling with pets, Smugglers Notch RV Village offers full-hookup sites in a convenient location. "This is new campground opened this past season. This is our 3rd visit and it gets better each time. They offer a variety of different sites to fit each campers needs," explains Alan B.
Expect smaller sites at state parks: While Vermont state parks accommodate RVs, they typically lack hookups and have smaller sites. At Lake Carmi State Park, Jessi C. notes the "drawback is lack of cell service & power... you can fill up the camper with water on the way in but no sites have any hookups. And there are few that are big enough for large RVs."
Consider weather conditions: RVers should prepare for variable weather. Nancy W. reports from Mountain View Campground: "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues," confirming the reliability of electrical service during peak usage times.
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