Pet-friendly camping around Eden, Vermont offers multiple options at various elevations between 700-2,000 feet. The region experiences cool summer nights with temperatures typically dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Small mountain streams run through many of the campgrounds, providing natural white noise for sleeping and cooling spots for dogs during hot afternoons.
What to do
Mountain hiking access: At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, campers can reach numerous trails directly from camp. "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," notes Michael V.
Winter camping options: For those willing to camp in cold weather, Smugglers Notch offers unique off-season opportunities. "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. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," explains Ed M., who visited in March.
River activities: The Lamoille River provides water recreation options for pets and owners alike. "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," reports Nancy W. about her stay at Mountain View Campground.
What campers like
Private sites: Many campgrounds provide well-spaced sites that work well for campers with pets. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," explains Jess O. from Little River State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities are well-maintained at most area campgrounds. According to Matthew H., "shower area is nice and both restrooms were clean. All in all a very nice place with easy access to the whole mt. Mansfield and Stowe area."
Reliable ranger service: Park rangers provide helpful service and enforce quiet hours. Ben C. notes that at Smugglers Notch, "The staff was helpful and very good about controlling excessive noise from other sites. You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises Ben C. about Smugglers Notch.
Campground layouts: Site types vary widely between campgrounds. At Underhill State Park Campground, "you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff," reports Ali T.
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires proper preparation. Ed M. explains: "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for cooling off. At Mountain View Campground, Nancy W. found "two 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."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites add learning experiences to camping trips. Rita M. shares her experience at Little River: "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover."
Pet-friendly beach access: Several campgrounds near Eden provide lake or river swimming for pets. At Elmore State Park Campground, Tara S. notes "the sandy beach on Lake Elmore and the hiking trail up to the top of Elmore Mountain" make it a good choice for families with dogs.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. Nancy W. notes: "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."
No pull-through availability: Most RV-friendly campgrounds near Eden still require unhooking. "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," explains Nancy W. about Mountain View Campground.
Level site options: Finding level sites can be challenging in mountainous terrain. Kara W. shares about her experience at Gold Brook Campground: "Our site was level and extremely spacious, FHUs, and featuring a fire pit. There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites."
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