214 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Bristol, Vermont ranges from free dispersed sites in national forest to developed state park campgrounds with cabins and RV hookups. Mount Philo State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Bristol, offers secluded tent sites and lean-tos with views of Lake Champlain. The Green Mountain National Forest provides multiple dispersed camping zones including Lincoln Dispersed Camping and Austin Brook, allowing for more primitive experiences. Button Bay and Branbury State Parks feature developed campgrounds with cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites, covering the full spectrum from basic campsites to facilities with showers, picnic tables, and hookups.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability in the region, with most established campgrounds operating from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. "We visited and camped here 3 years ago with children. We love how private the camp sites were," noted one visitor about Mount Philo. Dispersed camping areas like FR 291 present access challenges, with one camper reporting: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle." Winter conditions may render some forest roads impassable, while spring runoff can affect campsite conditions, particularly at primitive sites near streams and brooks. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at developed campgrounds near towns.
Campers consistently mention waterfront access as a defining feature of the region's camping. Several dispersed sites along Austin Brook receive positive reviews specifically for their proximity to water. As one reviewer noted, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings." The developed campgrounds at state parks balance natural settings with amenities like showers and picnic tables, while the more remote national forest sites offer increased privacy but fewer facilities. Green Mountain National Forest areas provide free camping options with fire rings but typically no toilets or other infrastructure. Mixed-use campgrounds like Shelburne Camping Area operate year-round, unlike the seasonal state park facilities, providing camping opportunities during the shoulder seasons when weather permits.
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"the best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"The first is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy."
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
"If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."
"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site."
ScoutMy brother and I hadn’t camped together since we were teenagers. Decided to bring the tents out again and see if we still knew what we were doing. Setup took longer than either of us would admit, but we had a blast.
ScoutAusable Pines was our first stop on a much longer RV trip, so there was a lot of excitement when we pulled in. We got connected, opened a bottle of wine, pulled out the map and started talking about everywhere we were headed next. Great way to start the trip.
ScoutMy parents joined us and the kids for this trip, which meant five people sharing a camper and somehow still getting along by the end of it. The grandparents took mornings slow while the kids were ready to go almost immediately. Everyone eventually met back at the campsite for meals. It was a different kind of family vacation for us and one we’ll probably remember much longer than another hotel trip.
TravelerMultiple small fire ring, camping spots with an outhouse down a trail by site 3.
GuideSimply said, if you like a well maintained place with a swim beach, floating dock, grass galore, space to stretch out, and more, this is the place. It’s beautiful. As a bonus, it’s cost effective over other RV parks. If you want free, nope. If you want wild open spaces, nope. You a great lush big clean park that feels like your Owen estate, then come check this place out. We will be back.
ScoutWe wanted to visit Lake Placid but preferred bringing our RV instead of booking a hotel for the whole trip. We spent a full day around Lake Placid and the surrounding area, then drove back to Ausable Pines that evening. I liked having some separation between the busy sightseeing part of the day and where we were staying. The next morning we took our time making breakfast before heading out again. It gave the trip a nice balance between exploring and camping.
ScoutThis was our first longer trip with our new fifth wheel and we were definitely nervous about taking it somewhere unfamiliar. We had plenty of room for our setup and having full hookups made the whole experience much easier than expected. By the end of the stay we were already talking about where to take it next.
GuideIt’s a nice relatively small campground in a pretty setting. Sites are fairly close, and there’s definitely some longer tempura residents, but it’s well kept and seems like a nice place to stay.
ScoutWe stayed here because we wanted to spend a few days exploring the Adirondacks without moving the RV every night. It worked perfectly for that. We headed out early each morning, explored somewhere new, and had our camper waiting for us when we got back.
Dispersed camping sites near Bristol, Vermont provide diverse terrain options within Green Mountain National Forest. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, creating cooler overnight temperatures even in summer months. Winter access to remote sites typically requires snowshoes or cross-country skis from December through March.
Paddle at Waterbury Reservoir: Little River State Park Campground offers direct access to the reservoir with boat rentals and paddle-in campsites. "Canoeing or kayaking on the lake is great and there are paddle only sites available. Some of the best sites are up on a bluff with views over the lake towards sunrise," notes a camper.
Mountain biking at Moosalamoo: The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area features dedicated biking trails with moderate terrain. "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest," according to a 10-year-old reviewer.
Stargazing at FR207: Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides elevated, open field sites for exceptional night sky viewing. One camper reports: "At night, you can go out to the bicycle pump track and lay a blanket on the grassy hill against the track and look at stars in COMPLETE darkness."
Private, well-spaced sites: Moosalamoo Campground receives consistent praise for site spacing. "The campsites are well spaced and it's nice and quiet with great privacy. The campground is conveniently located less than 20 minutes from Middlebury and still is down a long access road, therefore has no road noise."
Clean facilities: State parks maintain high standards for bathrooms. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc. The toilets are composting toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet."
Waterfront access: Button Bay State Park Campground offers premium lakeside sites. "The waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake. Easy access to the lake. Book early for the best sites."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings at dispersed sites often yield wildlife sightings. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, one winter camper "woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Seasonal availability: Most established campgrounds operate from late May through mid-October. Branbury State Park operates "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend," while Little River State Park Campground extends slightly longer from "May 19 to October 22."
Weather variability: Spring brings mud season to forest roads. One visitor to Lincoln Dispersed Camping noted: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping requires planning. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, "The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks."
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Bring essentials for primitive camping. At Austin Brook, expect "fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."
Swimming options: Choose campgrounds with dedicated swim areas. Branbury State Park features "a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available."
Playground access: Several state parks offer play structures. At Branbury State Park Campground, families appreciate the "spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground."
Early reservations for lean-tos: Sheltered sites book quickly. At Mount Philo, "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit," with lean-tos in high demand.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs. At Branbury State Park, "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities."
Limited hookup options: Most state parks offer basic services only. At Shelburne Camping Area, "We had a full hookup, pull-thru corner space for us. Offered parking for our truck right across lane on separate site."
Site sizes and clearance: Many campgrounds can accommodate modest-sized RVs only. At Button Bay State Park Campground, "No hookups but have a dump station."
Year-round options: For camping outside peak season, consider private campgrounds. Shelburne Camping Area operates "All year," unlike state parks which close after Columbus Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Bristol area campgrounds?
Mountain View Campground offers numerous family-friendly amenities including two swimming pools, a well-stocked camp store, and tent sites along the Lamoille River. For a unique experience, Art and Health Chill Camping provides various camping options including cabins, hives, and open locations for RVs or tents on 8 acres of private land. Many state parks in the region offer basic facilities like restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, while private campgrounds typically provide additional amenities such as showers, electrical hookups, and on-site activities for children.
Are there any free or budget-friendly camping options near Bristol?
Moosalamoo Campground offers a rustic, budget-friendly experience with sites accessible from the Silver Lake trail head on Vermont Route 53. While amenities are minimal (just a picnic table and fire ring), the natural features include cascading waterfalls, mountain views, and a swimming hole. For those seeking free options, Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provides dispersed camping opportunities. Lincoln Dispersed Camping areas also offer no-fee options for those willing to hike in and practice Leave No Trace principles.
What are the best campgrounds near Bristol, Vermont?
Silver Lake Campground is highly regarded for its private yet spacious sites and clean lake with a concrete dock that's perfect for swimming. The campground offers boat rentals and ranger-led nature tours on the lake. Another excellent option is Little River State Park Campground, located near Waterbury, which serves as an ideal base for exploring the region. For those seeking lakefront views, Branbury State Park offers scenic camping near Lake Dunmore, while Button Bay State Park provides beautiful sites overlooking Lake Champlain.
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