Camping near Cambridge, VT

Cambridge, Vermont camping sites sit at elevations between 600-900 feet in the foothills of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,395 feet. Winter temperatures routinely drop below zero, while summer evenings cool to the 50s even after warm days. Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October with lean-to shelters providing extra weather protection at several locations.

What to do

Winter camping opportunities: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers rare winter access for the adventurous. "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. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed. No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing," notes Ed M. about Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.

Swimming in reservoirs: Little River State Park provides water recreation beyond just camping. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children. This is a great park to just relax," shares Hannah H. about Little River State Park Campground.

Lean-to camping: Several campgrounds feature traditional New England lean-to shelters. "We camped here last week in one of their shelters due to an impending storm. Great facility but a little pricey. Overall though a good experience," reports Kerry M. about their stay at Smugglers Notch. These three-sided structures typically cost $5-10 more than tent sites but provide significant protection from rain.

What campers like

Private campsites: Underhill State Park creates a wilderness feel while maintaining vehicle access. "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," explains Ali T. about Underhill State Park Campground.

Proximity to hiking trails: Many campers appreciate having direct trail access without driving. "The campground is in a perfect spot. About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain," notes Sam T. about Underhill State Park. Similarly, Mackenzie B. states, "We love hiking and this sweet campsite is the perfect spot to start or end a hike. It's well kept, private, beautiful, and right in the mountains."

Ranger programming: Some Cambridge-area campgrounds offer educational activities. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," mentions Harry H. about Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. Ranger-led activities typically run on summer weekends and include wildlife talks, guided hikes, and night sky programs.

What you should know

Shower availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. Underhill State Park has toilets but no showers, while Smugglers Notch provides coin-operated showers. "Shower area is nice and both restrooms were clean," notes Matthew H. about Smugglers Notch. "Great showers (coin operated) and bathroom facility. Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" adds Ben C.

Reservation timelines: Popular camping spots near Cambridge fill quickly, especially for prime summer and fall weekends. "The campground was full on a weekday at the end of September," reports Lee D. about Maple Grove Campground, highlighting the demand for fall foliage season. Most campgrounds accept reservations 9-11 months in advance through Vermont State Parks or private booking systems.

Off-grid options: Some campgrounds provide more rustic experiences. "Most quiet and peaceful place for camping. Such a great host. Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night. There's extra fire wood for sale along with a sink to do dishes. A very clean outhouse and shower right on site," shares Evan M. about Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape.

Tips for camping with families

Playground availability: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good--the actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M. about Little River State Park Campground.

Lean-to advantages: Shelters provide easier family camping setups. "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," explains Kiarra M. about Brewster River Campground.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds actively manage noise levels for family-friendly environments. "The staff was helpful and very good about controlling excessive noise from other sites," notes Ben C. about their experience at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: RVers report varying experiences with site levelness. "RV sites are arranged around an oval. Pads are gravel. Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly," explains Lee D. about Maple Grove Campground. Site maps rarely indicate slope, so calling ahead for recommendations helps secure a level site.

Reservation windows: For RVers wanting full hookups, early booking is essential. "We booked a site at this campground over 6 months in advance," mentions one camper about Gold Brook Campground, highlighting the need for advance planning. Most private campgrounds near Cambridge open their reservation systems in January for the upcoming season.

Full hookup availability: Only private campgrounds near Cambridge offer full hookup sites. "They offer a variety of different sites to fit each campers needs, a beautiful well kept bath house and a small but well stocked store. The sites are good size and come with full hookups. They also have great WIFI," reports Alan B. about Smugglers Notch RV Village.