The Northeast Kingdom region of Vermont offers distinctive camping spots near Greensboro, Vermont with elevations ranging from 870 to 1,500 feet. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with July and August providing the most reliable weather conditions. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer, especially at higher elevation campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking with views: From Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, access Mount Mansfield's trail system, Vermont's highest mountain. "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. Nearby waterfalls are lovely!" notes one camper.
River activities: The Lamoille River offers tubing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities near Mountain View Campground. "Nice family campground nestled in between route 15 and the lamoille River. Great car accessible tent sites right on the water and plenty of amenities that the kids will love," reports a visitor.
Winter camping: Experienced winter campers can access Smugglers Notch during off-season months. One reviewer explains: "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. 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."
What campers like
Remote paddle-access sites: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground features 27 primitive campsites only accessible by water. "We try and make our way north to Green River Reservoir every summer. It's a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife," shares one camper. "The reservoir is 653 acres with 19 miles of shoreline."
Cleanliness and privacy: Many campsites maintain high standards of cleanliness. At Moose River Campground, "Our site was pristine and backed by the river. Extremely clean and well kept Campground," according to a review.
Dark skies for stargazing: Some campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing. "Because our lean-to was in a meadow with no tree coverage, we were treated to the most awesome night sky we've ever seen at a Vermont state park. It was mesmerizing! I only wish that I had the skills with a camera to capture it!" writes a visitor.
What you should know
Amenities vary widely: While state parks typically offer basic facilities, private campgrounds may include more amenities. At Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground, "Lots of great sites, clean, lots of amenities (almost everything) and activities. Can be tough to get into because so nice and popular in a good location."
Coin-operated showers: Many state park facilities charge for showers. "Very clean and outdated. The sinks are cold water only, which I normally wouldn't mind, but the temps dropped into the 20s during our trip, which made washing up a little bit painful," mentions one visitor.
Site selection matters: Campsite layouts and privacy levels differ significantly. "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. Other sites in the campground have a similar feel. Some of the wooded tent sites are quite private, but most are not."
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: For families concerned about wet weather, consider lean-to sites. "Elmore state park is perfect for all types of campers. The lean-tos are on a sunny open hill. Bathrooms are clean, staff is friendly. Great hiking trails from easy to difficult," explains a reviewer from Elmore State Park Campground.
Fire tower hikes: Kid-friendly hiking destinations include fire towers. "Nice quiet space on a beautiful lake. Easy hiking trails with a fire tower on the mountain. Stayed in a lean to as well. Perfect for families," notes an Elmore State Park visitor.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer lake or river swimming. "The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake. Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site, but still had a great time. Left kayak down at beach."
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Pay attention to site dimensions when booking. "Our site (#103) was long enough to fit our rig but we had to squeeze the car in front. The site was level and all the hookups were well-placed and worked fine. Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues."
Electric reliability: Despite remote locations, power is generally stable. At Mountain View Campground, "Updated, great amenities, level sites... The campground is updated with a new laundry room and shower house. There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub. There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground. The sites are gravel and seem pretty level."
Backing challenges: Few campgrounds offer pull-through sites. "The campground is located near the interstate for easy in and out but there are no pull-thrus so you will have to unhook no matter how long you are staying."
