Recreational vehicle camping near Craftsbury Common, Vermont offers access to the rolling hills and mountains of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. This rural region sits at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating dramatic temperature swings between day and night even in summer months. Gravel sites are standard at most RV parks in the area, with campgrounds typically operating from May through mid-October.
What to do
Hiking at Burke Mountain: Access trails directly from Burke Campground where two lean-tos are available for overnight hikers. "Nice lean-to on the blue trail with a fire pit," notes one visitor who appreciated the backcountry amenities.
Lake activities at Elmore: Elmore State Park Campground provides beach access for swimming and paddling. "Nice quiet space on a beautiful lake. Easy hiking trails with a fire tower on the mountain," reports a camper who found it ideal for water recreation combined with views.
Mountain recreation: Winter visitors can access cross-country ski trails, downhill slopes, and snowmobile routes near Cannon Mountain. According to one camper, it's "perfect for ski bums. Access to xcs, downhill, and snow machine trails."
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution makes stargazing exceptional in the region. One visitor to Elmore noted: "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."
Riverside relaxation: Brookside RV Camping offers waterfront camping with minimal amenities. "This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river. Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road," reports a recent camper.
Small campground atmosphere: Smaller campgrounds provide a more intimate experience. The Cannon Mountain RV Park is described as "small, only 7 sites, but located at the base of Cannon mountain nestled next to Echo lake it's simply breathtaking!"
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds close after the fall color season. Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground specifically operates "May 1 to Oct 31," similar to other parks in the region.
Cell phone coverage: Verizon typically provides the best service in the area. A camper at Sugar Ridge noted: "Decent cell phone signal (Verizon)," which matches reports from other campgrounds.
Mountain driving challenges: RV access can be difficult in some locations due to steep terrain. At Cannon Mountain RV Park, one reviewer mentioned: "The sites are narrow, a little bigger than a parking space, especially because of the trees in between the sites."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Riverside Camping & RV Resort offers "4 lodging types to choose from" and "large, level, grassy sites" that work well for families with different camping preferences.
Consider campgrounds with amenities: Sugar Ridge provides facilities specifically for children. "Kids love to play here and mini golf on site makes it even better," notes one visitor who appreciated the recreation options.
Check for swimming options: Water activities keep children entertained during summer months. "The heated pool, horse rides, and other activities" were highlights for one family staying at Sugar Ridge.
Tips from RVers
Hookup verification: Call ahead to confirm the exact hookups at your site. One Sugar Ridge camper found "their site had 50 amp service not the expected 30 amp and they needed to borrow an adapter cord."
Site dimensions matter: At Smugglers Notch RV Village, visitors appreciate the "variety of different sites to fit each campers needs" and sites that "come with full hookups." The campground also offers reliable WiFi, which is not universal in the region.
Seasonal RV storage: Some campgrounds provide seasonal options for those not wanting to transport their RV for each visit. Alburg RV Resort notes "they do have an area you can store your boat and trailer," with similar services available for RVs at select parks.
