Campsites near Hyde Park, Vermont sit between the rolling Green Mountains and the Lamoille River Valley, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet throughout the camping areas. The region's camping season runs from mid-May through mid-October with nighttime temperatures often dropping below 50°F even in July. Most campgrounds require advance site preparation due to the varied terrain with a mix of open field and wooded sites.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Mansfield: Access Vermont's highest peak from Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. "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," reports Michael V. The trailheads for multiple Mount Mansfield routes are within walking distance of campsites.
Swimming in natural settings: Cool off in local waterways during summer months. "We are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," writes Ben C. about Smugglers Notch State Park. Many campers note the area's swimming holes are typically uncrowded on weekdays but fill quickly on weekends.
Paddling quiet waters: Little River State Park Campground offers reservoir access for watercraft. "Canoeing or kayaking on the lake is great and there are paddle only sites available. Some of the best sites are up on a bluff with views over the lake a towards sunrise," notes Miccal M. The reservoir has a boat launch facility with limited parking, so arrive early on weekends.
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds permit winter access with adjusted services. "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," explains Ed M. about Smugglers Notch State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the spaciousness at area campgrounds. At Underhill State Park Campground, "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," according to Ali T.
Riverside camping spots: Water proximity ranks high among camper preferences. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. 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," shares Jess O. about Smugglers Notch.
Lean-to shelter options: Many Hyde Park area campgrounds feature three-sided shelters. "Spent a few nights here as a base camp while hiking some of the mountains in the area. Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy, and the tent site had a great area to setup the tent," writes Bojangles R. about their Underhill State Park experience.
Night sky viewing: The area's limited light pollution creates stellar stargazing. At Elmore State Park Campground, "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!" reports Tara S.
What you should know
Campsite leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven ground. At Singing Wood Farm, "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer. While we were there, there were car campers, tent campers, and a class C rv, in addition to us in our travel trailer," advises Heather C.
Seasonal facility limitations: Most campgrounds have reduced amenities in spring and fall. "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," cautions Ed M.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill months ahead, especially for summer weekends. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" warns Ben C. about Smugglers Notch State Park. Most state parks open their reservation systems in January for the upcoming season.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require special transportation. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," explains Caitlin M. about Little River State Park's boat-in sites.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Families with children enjoy the swimming areas. "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 Desiree V. about Elmore State Park.
Campground programs: State parks offer ranger-led activities. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," shares Harry H. from Smugglers Notch State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness varies widely between campgrounds. At Brewster River Campground, "They have brand new toilets and provide hand soap, dish soap, and shower products. It really was such a lovely, secluded, and relaxing experience," reports Kiarra M.
Noise levels: Camping areas differ in sound control. "The staff was helpful and very good about controlling excessive noise from other sites," mentions Ben C. about Smugglers Notch State Park, making it suitable for families with early bedtimes.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Hyde Park offer partial hookups. At Mountain View Campground, "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," shares Nancy W.
Site length considerations: RV campers should check site dimensions before booking. "The campground features a nice pool and spacious level camp sites," notes Jeff W. about Gold Brook Campground.
Navigational challenges: Some areas have restricted vehicle access. "The roads are gravel and despite it being very dry were not very dusty. Our gravel pad had a slight slope to it but we were able to get level," reports Nancy W. about Mountain View Campground.
Winter closure timing: Most RV sites close earlier than tent sites. "We stayed in early June before the high season, so the crowds were minimal during the week but busy on the weekend," writes Whitney L. about camping near Hyde Park.
