Best Campgrounds near Bristol, VT

The Bristol, Vermont area encompasses several camping options ranging from state parks to national forest dispersed sites. 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, creating a spectrum of camping experiences from basic to more amenity-rich.

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 experience. 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.

Best Camping Sites Near Bristol, Vermont (207)

    1. Moosalamoo Campground

    16 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $15 / night

    "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."

    2. Mount Philo State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Charlotte, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 425-2390

    $23 / night

    "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."

    3. Button Bay State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Westport, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 475-2377

    "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."

    4. Austin Brook

    7 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Shelburne Camping Area

    17 Reviews
    Shelburne, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 985-2540

    "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."

    7. Branbury State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 247-5925

    "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."

    8. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7103

    $19 - $28 / night

    "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."

    9. Lincoln Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Lincoln, VT
    6 miles

    "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."

    10. Green Mtn Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Starksboro, VT
    3 miles
    +1 (802) 453-3123
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Recent Reviews near Bristol, VT

809 Reviews of 207 Bristol Campgrounds


  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Stuart M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Moscow Recreation Park

    Quiet & Safe in Stowe

    Quiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Nice Campground

    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. Sides are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean. Older couple is the staff, very friendly and unhelpful.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Woodbury Meadows Campground

    Family-Owned Campground Near Stowe

    With 6 sites, this family-owned campground was the perfect pit stop on our road trip to Stowe. Dig and kid friendly. Has showers, water, and electrical hookup.

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Crown Point Campground

    Nice with a view

    Pretty nice campground all things considered, bathrooms are definitely rustic but kept clean. Some of the campsites are very close together, and others have a decent amount of space between them, not necessarily a lot of trees in between campsites for privacy. Beautiful views of the water, and surrounding mountains. Staff was extremely friendly!

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    AuSable Chasm Campground

    Beautiful/Fun Campground

    I wish I had my bike!!! I didn’t know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground. Showers were clean, staff was very friendly. Sites and attractions within walking distance (but busy roads to cross).

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Austin Brook

    Site is mislabeled as FR 25

    There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.


Guide to Bristol

Camping near Bristol, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore nearby trails like the ones around Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Grand Isle State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in Lake Champlain. A visitor said, "Amazing park on Lake Champlain with a beach for swimming."
  • Disc Golf: If you're into disc golf, check out the course near Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. One camper noted, "1.7 miles from #7 Ranked World's Best Disc Golf Course: Fox Run Meadows."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Little River State Park Campground stated, "The restroom is a bit dated and dingy, but clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Quechee State Park Campground, offer roomy sites. One happy camper said, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts remarked, "Very friendly staff and the pool was amazing for the kiddos."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake George Escape Campground, may lack certain amenities. A review mentioned, "This campground was once thriving with activities and events and a real sense of community. Now, it seems hollow and unkept."
  • Noise Levels: Depending on the time of year, noise can be an issue. One camper at North Beach Campground noted, "Seemed really popular and a little loud until around 11."
  • Pet Policies: Many campgrounds are pet-friendly, but it's good to check specific rules. A reviewer at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "The dog park was very small."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with planned activities. One family at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts said, "There is so much for kids to do and activities were awesome as well."
  • Safety First: Ensure your kids know the campground rules, especially around roads. A parent at Lake George RV Park mentioned, "Some of the sites were not really level."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the little ones happy. A camper at Grand Isle State Park Campground suggested, "State Park camping is economical and relaxing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Lake George Escape Campground noted, "Some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs."
  • Plan for Connectivity: Wi-Fi can be spotty. One visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts said, "Zero Verizon service but Wi-Fi at the pool for getting some work done."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Little River State Park Campground mentioned, "You need to somehow fill water in some kind of bucket and then make a mess on your campsite."

Camping around Bristol, VT, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

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.