The landscape surrounding Craftsbury Common, Vermont offers camping opportunities set among rolling hills with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet. The region receives approximately 40 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night. Campsites near Craftsbury Common vary from primitive water-access locations to family-oriented facilities with modern amenities.
What to do
Paddling access: 1-2 mile routes. At Green River Reservoir State Park Campground, campers must paddle to reach their sites. "The reservoir is 653 acres with 19 miles of shoreline. There are 27 campsites and two group campsites. Most sites are within a mile of the boat launch, a few require closer to a 2-mile paddle," notes a visitor.
Hiking: fire tower views. Elmore State Park provides trail access including a path to a fire tower. "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," writes one camper. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Water recreation: river tubing options. Tube rentals are available at Mountain View Campground for floating on the Lamoille River. "There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground," reports one visitor. The riverside location provides direct water access for multiple activities.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: direct lake access. Sites near lakes receive consistent praise for their convenience. "We stayed in 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," notes a camper at Mountain View Campground.
Natural surroundings: forest camping. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides a forest setting with spacious sites. "Pristine facilities, private camp sites and a beautiful area. Smuggler's Notch is close enough to Stowe to not be a hassle to drive to, but far enough away that it's quiet and remote," mentions one visitor.
Off-season experiences: quieter camping. Some parks offer different experiences outside peak season. "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," shares a Smugglers Notch visitor. Winter camping requires specific preparation but provides solitude.
What you should know
Site spacing: variable privacy levels. Some campgrounds have closely placed sites while others offer more seclusion. At Little River State Park Campground, "Some of the best sites are up on a bluff with views over the lake and towards sunrise." This contrasts with more compact arrangements at other facilities.
Bathroom facilities: coin-operated showers. Many campgrounds charge for shower access. "There are showers and toilets on property, only two for M/F. You pay $.25 for 5 minutes of hot water, which unfortunately isn't always hot," notes a camper at Belview Campground.
Reservation requirements: variable policies. Booking requirements differ significantly between campgrounds. "Check-in was a breeze. We picked up our packet from the office mail box and headed to our site. Very laid back, hands off, which is nice after a long drive and during a pop up storm," reports a Gold Brook Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: recreation options. Gold Brook Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites. Our dog loved swimming in the creek and meeting his first bullfrog," mentions one visitor. These facilities keep children occupied during campground downtime.
Pool facilities: swimming alternatives. Multiple pools serve different age groups at some locations. "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," explains a Mountain View Campground visitor.
Local stores: supply access. Elmore State Park benefits from proximity to retail. "The Elmore Store just down the road has everything you need including AMAZING pizza (Fire Tower) and a great deli. Fun summer activities happen in Elmore and neighboring towns," shares a visitor. This access reduces packing requirements.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: pad conditions. RV sites typically offer level surfaces. At White Caps Campground, "Campground was cozy and clean. Visitors were very friendly & courteous. Campground offered individual bathrooms, again well kept- very clean. Hosts were welcoming, present, and kind." Level sites simplify setup and stabilization.
Hookup limitations: electrical constraints. Some parks have minimal RV services. "When we first pulled into this campground and saw how close our site was to our neighbors, we were a little dismayed. But it turned out we had a really pleasant stay at the campground and came to like all the amenities and people and thought it was a nice campground," notes a Mountain View Campground visitor about adapting to site limitations.
Seasonal considerations: closures after October. Most campgrounds near Craftsbury Common close after mid-October. "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," advises a Mountain View visitor, highlighting logistical considerations.
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