Camping in the Cambridge, Vermont area offers access to both the Lamoille River Valley and the peaks of the Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to over 4,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night. Many campgrounds remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with fall foliage peak typically occurring in late September to early October.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Located near Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, trails connect to Mount Mansfield's extensive network. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes Ben C. The area's trails range from beginner to advanced difficulty levels with varied terrain.
Winter camping opportunities: For experienced cold-weather campers, some sites offer off-season access. As Ed M. explains about Smugglers Notch: "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."
Waterfront activities: Little River State Park Campground offers reservoir access for water-based recreation. "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," reports Hannah H. The reservoir features several boat-in camping sites accessible only by water.
What campers like
Private campsites: Campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Underhill State Park Campground. "Campground with lean tos close to mount Mansfield," notes Seth K. Another camper, Ali T., shared, "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."
Historical hiking trails: Little River State Park offers more than water activities. Rita M. mentions, "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." These trails showcase remnants of abandoned settlements from the early 1900s.
Direct access to Burlington: North Beach Campground provides urban convenience with outdoor appeal. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls," recommends Mackenzie B. The campground connects directly to Burlington's bike path network, allowing car-free access to downtown.
What you should know
Campsite variations: At Smugglers Notch, sites have unique configurations. "Some of the campsites 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," explains Jess O. These walk-in sites often feature small platforms set back from the access paths.
Limited shower facilities: Some state parks have minimal or no shower facilities. Underhill State Park does not offer showers, and at other parks, showers may be coin-operated. Matthew H. notes about Smugglers Notch: "Shower area is nice and both restrooms were clean."
Seasonal reservations: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly, particularly during peak foliage season. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises Ben C. about Smugglers Notch. Many sites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance through Vermont State Parks' reservation system.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfront camping: Grand Isle State Park Campground offers family-friendly beach access. Jessica G. describes it as "a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs." The beach area provides swimming opportunities with gradual entry points suitable for children.
On-site activities: Several campgrounds offer organized programs for children. According to Harry H. at Smugglers Notch, "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking."
Pet exercise options: For families camping with dogs near Cambridge, various trails accommodate pets on leash. Brewster River Campground provides riverside sites where pets can hear the water all night. "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night," shares K M., making this location ideal for both families and their four-legged companions.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Gold Brook Campground provides complete RV amenities near Stowe. Kara W. reports, "Our site was level and extremely spacious, FHUs, and featuring a fire pit. There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites." The campground offers reliable utilities even during peak season.
Connectivity considerations: While most campgrounds offer some form of connectivity, reliability varies. "Wifi was great over the week (was able to work without a problem), but collapsed when more people showed up on Friday," notes Kara W. about Gold Brook Campground. RVers requiring consistent internet access should plan accordingly.
Site selection strategy: When booking RV sites, consider both location and accessibility. Whitney L. advises about Gold Brook: "Road noise was moderate; I wouldn't want to stay in sites 1-11 due to the proximity to the road." For pet friendly camping near Cambridge, Vermont, selecting sites away from high-traffic areas creates a more comfortable environment for animals.
