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Best Campgrounds near Calais, VT

921 Reviews

The northeastern Vermont landscape surrounding Calais features several state parks and established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. Little River State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV spaces, cabin rentals, and glamping opportunities 25 miles west of Calais. Nearby Kettle Pond State Park provides more rustic experiences with tent and RV sites accessible via boat, drive-in, hiking, or walking trails. The region includes both developed facilities with full amenities and more secluded primitive camping areas throughout the Groton State Forest complex.

Vermont state park campgrounds in this region typically operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with many closing after Columbus Day weekend. Road conditions can become challenging in spring with mud season affecting access to remote sites. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Facilities like New Discovery State Park and Ricker Pond State Park maintain drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, but electrical hookups are limited to select locations. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, especially in lower-elevation campsites. A visitor noted, "This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together."

Waterfront camping opportunities represent a significant draw, with several campgrounds situated on lakes and ponds. Stillwater State Park Campground provides direct access to Groton Lake with designated swimming areas and boat launches. Many campgrounds connect to hiking trails and rail trails, creating opportunities for extended recreation beyond the campsite. Campers report high satisfaction with sites that balance privacy with access to water features. "The campground is right on the shoreline of Waterbury reservoir so there is boating and plenty of fishing. There is also ALOT OF HIKING," mentioned one reviewer. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews, with some campgrounds offering modern amenities while others maintain more basic composting toilets without shower access.

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Best Camping Sites Near Calais, Vermont (213)

    1. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    15 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."

    2. Ricker Pond State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Groton, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3821

    $19 - $110 / night

    "This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road. The lake is beautiful, clear and clean, and there is a beach with sand for swimming."

    "The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing."

    3. Kettle Pond State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Marshfield, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 426-3042

    "Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year. 3 night get away with son, and first time on Kettle pond."

    "Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest."

    4. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-4014

    $20 / night

    "I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"

    "They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"

    5. New Discovery State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Marshfield, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 426-3042

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.

    Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at."

    " There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."

    6. Gold Brook Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moscow, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-7683

    "While we were next to the creek at site 12, it was blocked by brush and trees.

    Check in was easy, and the staff were present enough in case you had questions or needed to buy firewood."

    "It’s centrally located to many wonderful sites around Stowe and Waterbury.

    Check-in was a breeze. We picked up our packet from the office mail box and headed to our site."

    7. Big Deer State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Peacham, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3822

    "Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer.

    For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy."

    "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them! Access to Boulder Beach is included, which is a short walk or drive down the road."

    8. Elmore State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake Elmore, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-2982

    $19 - $28 / night

    "Our lean-to, Hickory is situated in a lovely meadow, but quite close to other campers and a view that overlooks the campground road. There is very little shade and no privacy."

    "Great hiking trails from easy to difficult. Early and late seasons are quiet. It's quite busy during the summer months as the lake is great for families and swimming."

    9. Onion River Campground

    6 Reviews
    Plainfield, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 426-3233

    $30 - $55 / night

    10. Stillwater State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Groton, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3822

    "Tucked away in a beautiful part of Vermont, the campground is right on Groton Lake with a swimming area and designated boat launch."

    "**Campground Review **    

    Stillwater State Park in Groton VT is a delightful retreat, nestled on the shores of Lake Groton. The campground has a mix of lean-tos and tent sites."

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Recent Camping Photos near Calais, VT

533 Photos of 213 Calais Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Calais, VT

921 Reviews of 213 Calais Campgrounds

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountain Lake Camping Resort

    Great campground for families!

    If you're looking for a safe, family friendly, quiet campground this is it.

    Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship.

    Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up.

    Super clean restrooms and sites and a camp store with about everything in it.

    10 minute drive to the cute town of Lancaster which has coffee shops, brewery, restaurants, bakery and groceries.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • K
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    Hidden gem!

    Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained! Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents).

  • Jim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Happy Hill Maple Farms

    Offseason

    Quiet spot just off the Hwy. you can hear traffic but not many cars out this time of year(August). They had a fire pit and picnic table . No electricity so we used the generator. We the only one here so the noise should not bother anyone. Great pace for fall visits

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Great Location

    The best thing about this campground is definitely the location. Perfect place to explore the White Mountains. We stayed in a basic cabin. It was clean, but did smell very musty. It was still comfortable. The sites on the river look amazing. Unfortunately my tent is a little too big for some of those sites, but I could still hear the steam from my cabin/site. Bathrooms were okay. Not as clean as they could have been, but they not bad. Again, the location can’t be beat though. And the sites next to the stream look very nice.

  • E
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Indian Brook Reservoir

    Family of 4 tent camping

    I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over. Site was gorgeous and private, right on the reservoir. Really lovely setting!

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Oh My God. NO!

    Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct! Dan, one of the owners, said that somebody must have tried to hook a 50 amp into the 30 amp. box. He went about a half block to check breaker said that it was not flipped but it was wobbling pretty loose in there.

    My husband is a licensed electrician and of course had his own testing equipment. It showed 25 amp coming out of it. So he said move to spot 50. Well before we moved our vehicle, we went down there and checked it. He took off before we could. And guess what the exact same problem. We did not even hook into the second one. (#50)
    So he proceeded to tell us that it was our equipment that had gone bad. Even though we never plugged into spot 50!

    I had planned on one night thank God! He did refund our $52. we had to drive down the road and try to find someplace else at 7:00 in the evening. Another thank God, the Walmart about 10 or 15 miles down the road would allow overnight.

    So we are now on our way to our next location which is about a 7 hour drive. We are just hoping that they did not damage our equipment. It has been extremely stressful if you go there you better watch out!

Guide to Calais

Camping near Calais, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Little River State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history)."
  • Boating and Swimming: Enjoy the Waterbury Reservoir at Little River State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The park is beautifully maintained and there are many more trails to explore."
  • Fishing: Kettle Pond State Park is perfect for fishing. One visitor shared, "The fish were biting all day long for catch and release fishing."

What campers like:

  • Wooded Sites: Campers appreciate the nice, wooded sites at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Nice, wooded sites. Staff was great and very helpful."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the clean restrooms and showers at Shelburne Camping Area. One camper mentioned, "The bathrooms with showers were fresh and clean."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers love the quiet and serene environment at Ricker Pond State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "It's peaceful and quiet."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kettle Pond State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A camper pointed out, "There is not ANY running water."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds, including Elmore State Park Campground, are only open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. One reviewer mentioned, "Perfect for all types of campers."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Gold Brook Campground advised, "Book in advance for the best availability!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. At Crazy Horse Family Campground, one parent said, "The pool and playground were a big hit."
  • Group Sites: Consider group sites for larger families. A reviewer at Kettle Pond State Park Campground mentioned, "Our group site had direct access to the camper kayak/canoe launch."
  • Wildlife Watching: Kids will love spotting wildlife. One camper at Ricker Pond State Park Campground shared, "We were able to watch the Loons teaching its chicks to hunt for food."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for RVs. A camper at Gold Brook Campground noted, "The plots are level, grassy, and seemingly well maintained."
  • Amenities for RVs: Check for amenities like electric hookups. One reviewer at Shelburne Camping Area mentioned, "Electric hookups and clean showers were a plus."
  • Road Noise: Be mindful of road noise at some sites. A camper at Gold Brook Campground said, "Road noise was moderate; I wouldn’t want to stay in sites 1-11 due to the proximity to the road."

Camping near Calais, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors in this beautiful part of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Calais, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Calais, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 213 campgrounds and RV parks near Calais, VT and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Calais, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Calais, VT is Little River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calais, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Calais, VT.

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