Best Campgrounds near Craftsbury Common, VT

Camping areas near Craftsbury Common, Vermont include several state parks and private campgrounds offering a range of accommodation options. Green River Reservoir State Park provides primitive boat-in campsites for tent camping, while established facilities like Mountain View Campground offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The region includes both family-friendly campgrounds with amenities and more remote locations for those seeking a wilderness experience. Elmore State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles southwest of Craftsbury Common, features spacious tent and RV sites without hookups but provides access to Lake Elmore and hiking trails.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-October, with Vermont's state parks generally closing after Columbus Day weekend. Summer months bring comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor recreation, while early fall offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Green River Reservoir State Park requires paddling to reach campsites, making advance planning essential. The primitive nature of some sites means limited amenities, with vault toilets being the standard at more remote locations. A camper noted, "Green River Reservoir is a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife. Most sites are within a mile of the boat launch, a few require closer to a 2-mile paddle."

Campground experiences vary significantly across the region. Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings, with locations like Green River Reservoir offering secluded paddle-in sites where visitors can enjoy pristine waters. Family-oriented campgrounds such as Mountain View and Tree Corners provide extensive amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and camp stores. Several visitors mentioned the balance of natural beauty and convenient facilities. According to one review, "Mountain View Campground is beautifully maintained with meticulously kept buildings and friendly staff." For those seeking a quieter experience, state parks generally offer more spacious sites with natural surroundings. Some campgrounds experience road noise, particularly those near major routes, so selecting sites deeper within campground loops is recommended for those prioritizing tranquility.

Best Camping Sites Near Craftsbury Common, Vermont (146)

    1. Mountain View Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake Elmore, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-2178

    "It can get a bit noisy due to the proximity to the highway, but it's still a good option for car camping in this part of Vermont."

    "Nice grass site with a large field behind, and Just a short walk to the river. Clean facilities and proximity for exploring Stowe and surrounding areas. Would love to camp here again."

    2. Elmore State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake Elmore, VT
    10 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."

    3. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    21 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"

    4. Green River Reservoir State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hyde Park, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-1349

    $20 - $50 / night

    "I love this location because you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It‘s private, quiet, and really gives you that “forest bathing” escape."

    "Each campsite includes a fire pit and access to an outhouse. Usually the outhouse is shared between 2 to 3 campsites, but there is plenty of space between each site."

    5. Eden Rec Area Camping

    1 Review
    Eden Mills, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 635-7725

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Camper.on the beach on a friends property on the lake, canoed and enjoyed the area. There are campgrounds on or near the lake as well. It was a very peaceful retreat."

    6. White Caps Campground

    9 Reviews
    West Burke, VT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 467-3345

    $35 - $75 / night

    "But the grass area and view of lake right in front of you is priceless. We were able to just walk our kayaks across street and put in right there."

    "Cheaper than a hotel for kingdom trails though and right next to lake Willoughby"

    7. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    26 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."

    8. Tree Corners Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Orleans, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 754-6042

    $42 - $100 / night

    "Great place to go if you’re looking to go trail riding- trail is right across from the campground alongside the corn field."

    9. Belview Campground

    2 Reviews
    Barton, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 525-3242

    "We got space 14 which is an easy drive through site for beginners like us. The bench around the fire ring and the spacing between other sites where great. The short walk to the beach was a plus."

    "Lastly, there is a grill and picnic table at every site and they even have a waterfall on property with an available tent site nearby."

    10. Gold Brook Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moscow, VT
    22 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."

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Recent Reviews near Craftsbury Common, VT

569 Reviews of 146 Craftsbury Common Campgrounds


  • Stuart M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Moscow Recreation Park

    Quiet & Safe in Stowe

    Quiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Nice Campground

    This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities. Sides are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean. Older couple is the staff, very friendly and unhelpful.

  • Panvira T.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fransted Family Campground

    Good location

    The place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Woodbury Meadows Campground

    Family-Owned Campground Near Stowe

    With 6 sites, this family-owned campground was the perfect pit stop on our road trip to Stowe. Dig and kid friendly. Has showers, water, and electrical hookup.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Riverside Camping & RV Resort

    Impeccibly Maintained

    Easily one of the most well maintained sites we have visited. The host was attentive and gracious. Beautiful nature trails behind the campground. I found one that lead to a beach by the river, perfect for reading and relaxing.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Austin Brook

    Site is mislabeled as FR 25

    There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites — Waterbury Center State Park

    State park

    Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. Use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming5th to campground. Very quite. cell phone t mobile works fine. Site could hold big rig we have a 28ft 5th wheel plenty of room for 35/40

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Brewster River Campground

    A regular

    Been coming here for a few years now and it’s my favorite place to go in Vermont so far.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Beach Campground

    Ok for the night

    It’s basically a public park with beach access. The views on the beach are absolutely beautiful. No frills sites.


Guide to Craftsbury Common

Camping near Craftsbury Common, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy hiking the Dalley Loop Trail, which is noted for its historical significance. One visitor mentioned, "We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history)."
  • Boating and Swimming: Enjoy the water at places like Ricker Pond State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "Paddling and swimming on site" made their stay memorable.
  • Fishing: Cast a line at various lakes and ponds. A camper at Lake Carmi State Park Campground noted, "Walleye fishing has always been good here."

What campers like:

  • Wooded Sites: Campers appreciate the privacy offered by the wooded sites. One visitor at Little River State Park Campground said, "Nice, wooded sites with good space between sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Brighton State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are always exceptionally clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground said, "Staff was great and very helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Gold Brook Campground noted, "Public campgrounds are pretty limited in this part of VT."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during specific seasons. For example, Ricker Pond State Park Campground operates from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend.
  • No Cell Service: Be prepared for limited connectivity. A visitor at Maidstone State Park mentioned, "There is no cell service, even with a booster."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A camper at Crazy Horse Family Campground said, "The pool and playground were a big hit."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A reviewer at Kettle Pond State Park Campground advised, "Bring Deet; the bugs are thick."
  • Pack for Water Activities: If your family enjoys swimming or paddling, make sure to bring the necessary gear. A visitor at Lake Carmi State Park Campground highlighted, "The large lake is being revitalized by an aeration system."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at White Caps Campground mentioned, "The spots are so close to each other that I could hear my neighbor flush their toilet from inside my RV."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A visitor at Gold Brook Campground appreciated the "level and extremely spacious" sites with full hookups.
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Gold Brook Campground noted, "Road noise was moderate."

Camping around Craftsbury Common, Vermont, provides a great mix of nature and community. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities are available around Craftsbury Common?

Craftsbury Common offers diverse outdoor recreation year-round. In summer, enjoy water activities on nearby lakes and rivers, with Stillwater State Park Campground providing access to Groton Lake for swimming and boating, plus connections to the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail for hiking and biking. The region is known for its extensive network of hiking trails, mountain biking paths (including the renowned Kingdom Trails network), and excellent fishing opportunities. Winter transforms the area into a paradise for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The surrounding Green Mountains provide scenic drives with numerous lookout points for photography and wildlife viewing.

When is the best time to visit Craftsbury Common for camping?

The prime camping season for Craftsbury Common runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures (70-80°F days) and lowest chance of frost. June features lush greenery and fewer crowds, while September brings spectacular fall foliage and cooler temperatures perfect for hiking. Little River State Park Campground and Grand Isle State Park Campground typically open in late May and close in mid-October, following Vermont's general camping season. Many campgrounds offer reduced rates in the shoulder seasons (late May-June and September-October), with more availability and less crowded conditions.

Where can I camp near Craftsbury Common, Vermont?

Several excellent camping options exist near Craftsbury Common. For a unique experience, Art and Health Chill Camping offers various accommodations including cabins, hives, and open locations for RV or tent camping on private land. The property spans 8 acres with beautiful views. For water-focused camping, Mountain View Campground provides tent sites along the Lamoille River, plus amenities like a camp store and two pools. State park options include Maidstone State Park and Green River Reservoir State Park, the latter offering peaceful, boat-in campsites perfect for paddlers seeking solitude.