Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Craftsbury Common accommodate a range of camping styles from primitive to full-service options. The region sits within Vermont's Northeast Kingdom at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills and dense forests. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, requiring proper insulation for cool-weather camping trips.
What to Do
Paddling opportunities: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground offers primitive boat-in camping across 653 acres with 19 miles of shoreline. "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," notes one visitor. The park requires paddlers to carry all gear to campsites.
Historic exploration: Hiking trails near Little River State Park feature remnants of abandoned settlements. "The hiking trails are really good—they're actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," reports a camper who visited with five children.
Mountain views: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides access to Mount Mansfield trails. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," explains a visitor. The park maintains both drive-in and walk-in sites with varying degrees of accessibility.
What Campers Like
Privacy options: Some campsites at Elmore State Park Campground offer seclusion within wooded sections. "The lean-tos are on a sunny open hill. Bathrooms are clean, staff is friendly. Book the loop away from the road for the quietest campsites," advises a regular visitor who appreciates the park's diverse camping options.
River access: Waterfront sites at Mountain View Campground provide direct water entry points. "Great car accessible tent sites right on the water and plenty of amenities that the kids will love. We'll stocked camp store and two pools," notes a visitor who gave the campground 4 stars despite some highway noise.
Winter camping: Off-season opportunities exist for experienced cold-weather campers. "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... No facilities off season... Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," reports a winter visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park.
What You Should Know
Pet restrictions: Tree Corners Family Campground has specific pet policies beyond standard leash requirements. "Not allowed any bully breed or what they consider aggressive type dogs," notes one reviewer who found the rules restrictive.
Site selection: Carefully evaluate campsite placement when booking. "Check with the local ski resorts for summer activities like gondola rides. The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," reports a visitor to Smugglers Notch.
Seasonal timing: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "We visited in early June before the high season, so the crowds were minimal during the week but busy on the weekend," explains a camper at Gold Brook Campground, highlighting the importance of timing for those seeking quieter experiences.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water recreation: Little River State Park Campground offers swimming and boating options for children. "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," explains a Labor Day weekend visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "They have a store with the necessities along with an ice cream stand that is open not only to the campers but the public as well so it can get pretty crowded," reports a visitor to Tree Corners Family Campground, noting the family-friendly amenities.
Multi-day activities: Plan itineraries that minimize travel between destinations. "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!" advises a visitor who used Little River State Park as a base camp.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Kingdom Campground provides comprehensive services for larger vehicles. "Very clean and quiet campground mostly set up for RVs. All RV sites have water, sewer, and electric. Tent sites have water and electric," explains a recent visitor, noting the campground prioritizes RV accommodation.
Site dimensions: Check specific site measurements 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," shares a Mountain View Campground visitor who stayed with a large vehicle during peak season.
Off-season considerations: Many parks reduce services after October. "We are here for their last weekend the campground is open. Foliage is just past peak, the staff is friendly, the store is pretty well stocked and everything is clean and tidy," reports a late-season visitor to Kingdom Campground with a 34-foot fifth wheel.
