The Eden Mills area in Vermont provides a variety of campground options within a short drive. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, located about 20 miles west of Eden Mills, offers tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access. Mountain View Campground in nearby Morrisville features tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. Elmore State Park Campground and Green River Reservoir State Park Campground round out the established camping options in the region. According to The Dyrt, these campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through mid-October, with most closing around Columbus Day weekend.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this region, with most campgrounds operating only during the warmer months. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during peak foliage season in September and October. As one visitor noted, "Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it's an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!" Road access varies across the region, with some campgrounds like Green River Reservoir requiring boat-in access only. Weather can change rapidly in Vermont's mountains, with temperatures dropping into the 20s even during fall camping trips. Cell service is limited in many areas, particularly in the more remote campgrounds.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and peaceful settings of the Eden Mills area campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the exceptional stargazing opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "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." Waterfront camping receives high ratings, particularly at Elmore State Park and Green River Reservoir State Park. The proximity to hiking trails and outdoor recreation is another common theme in reviews, with many campgrounds offering direct access to trails and water activities. Sites with more privacy tend to be in higher demand, especially those situated in wooded areas or along waterfront locations. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas are available at several of the larger established campgrounds in the region.
$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"
"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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$30 - $125 / night
"If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you. "
$45 - $70 / night
"Been coming here for a few years now and it’s my favorite place to go in Vermont so far."
"It’s a beautiful and quiet campground with limited spots that you have to reserve before going (they don’t do walk in’s). The woman in the office is so sweet and helpful."
$50 - $79 / night
"So close to Stowe and a lot to do…and then you come back “home” to relax and do nothing but enjoy the time away from everyday life. Truly the only time I totally relax. "
"Very close to Smuggs and only a short but beautiful ride to Stowe. I look forward to watching this campground grow as they continue to expand and will be camping here several times each season."
$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."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutSame name and google search, but new owner since 2024. We just wrapped up a stay at this campground and I can honestly say… we’ll be back.🙌 From the moment we arrived, you could feel the pride the owner has poured into this place. The new power and water hookups are a huge upgrade, and it’s exciting to see the vision for future expansion already coming to life. Everything about our stay felt easy, welcoming, and most importantly—safe. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly relax, enjoy your time, and feel right at home. Clean, well cared for, and clearly built with heart. Can’t wait to come back and see how it continues to grow.🌲✨
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
ScoutEasy to find, quiet & scenic with the river
ScoutMy folks used to take me an my younger brothers there when we were younger to fish an camp or just spend time with family or friends always a piece full place to stay
ScoutQuiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.
GuideThis 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.
The Eden Mills area sits at around 1,000 feet elevation in Vermont's northern highlands, surrounded by the Green Mountains with forested hills and small river valleys. Most campsites in the region sit near bodies of water like Lake Elmore or Green River Reservoir, creating varied microclimates where summer temperatures typically reach the 70s-80s during the day but can drop into the 50s at night. Winter camping is limited as temperatures often drop below freezing from November through April.
Hiking Mt. Mansfield trails: At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, access multiple routes up Vermont's highest mountain. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes Ben C. The park provides "direct access to the whole Mt. Mansfield and Stowe area."
Winter camping adventures: For cold-weather enthusiasts, some parks offer off-season camping. "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," explains Ed M. about Smugglers Notch. Sites aren't maintained in winter, so "carry out all trash/waste."
Paddling Green River Reservoir: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground offers pristine remote paddling with 27 campsites accessible only by boat. "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," reports one camper. Most sites require less than a mile paddle from the boat launch.
Secluded, private sites: Many campers value Mountain View Campground for its riverfront tent areas. "Nice family campground nestled in between route 15 and the Lamoille River. Great car accessible tent sites right on the water," notes Jason D. These tent sites provide easier water access than the main camping areas.
Winter stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional night viewing. "Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises Ed M. about winter camping at Smugglers Notch State Park.
River-based activities: The Lamoille River offers recreational opportunities at several campgrounds. At Mountain View Campground, "one of the most popular amenities is the river access. You can rent kayaks and tubes from the store or bring your own and float down the river," explains Nancy W. The campground provides multiple river entry and exit points.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during foliage season. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" warns Ben C. about Brewster River Campground, which takes advance reservations only and "they don't do walk-in's."
Seasonal operating schedules: The camping season generally runs mid-May through mid-October. "Little River State Park is open May 19 to October 22," while Green River Reservoir operates "May 19 to Columbus Day weekend." Some campgrounds like Mountain View open slightly earlier on May 1.
Variable bathroom facilities: Amenities differ significantly between campgrounds. Mountain View has "a new bathhouse, laundry" while more remote sites have primitive facilities. At Green River Reservoir, "each campsite includes a fire pit and access to an outhouse. Usually the outhouse is shared between 2 to 3 campsites."
Water activities for kids: Elmore State Park Campground offers family-friendly swimming. "The sandy beach on Lake Elmore" is popular, and the park has "easy hiking trails with a fire tower on the mountain. Perfect for families," says Desiree V. The beach area provides safe swimming for various ages.
Educational hiking options: Several campgrounds offer history-focused trails. At Little River State Park, "the hiking trails are really good. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M. These historic settlement ruins make engaging exploration for children.
Lean-to accommodations: For families new to camping, lean-tos offer a good introduction. "We stayed in the lean-to with our two toddlers. It has 3 walls and netting on the fourth. Inside there are two queen sized platforms," explains Kiarra M. about Brewster River Campground. These structures provide more protection from weather while maintaining an outdoor experience.
Site selection considerations: At Little River State Park Campground, RV sites vary in accessibility to water. "Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site," notes Cindy L. Some campers leave kayaks at the beach rather than carrying them up and down.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Singing Wood Farm, "the sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer," reports Heather C. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended.
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited in the Eden Mills region. Mountain View Campground offers complete hookups where "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," reports Nancy W.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Eden Mills, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Eden Mills, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Eden Mills, VT and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Eden Mills, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Eden Mills, VT is Smugglers Notch State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Eden Mills, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Eden Mills, VT.
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