Best RV Parks & Resorts near Franklin, VT

This is a county park in what Vermonters call the Northeast Kingdom. The campground sits on Lake Memphremagog overlooking downtown Newport. The park covers 35 acres with 75 campsites and many amenities that you would expect in a public park like tennis courts, playground, disc golf course, basketball court, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, walking paths, and bike and boat rentals. Campground amenities include 50-amp, water, sewer, laundry, free showers and restrooms, and free wi-fi. 

Prouty Beach Campground is in a great location to downtown Newport and there is a biking/walking path to downtown which is about a half mile away. Since the campground is close to downtown and Newport is a fairly small town, you are close to restaurants, and stores. 

During our stay, there was an ongoing summer camp for kids which was a little annoying. While the kids were not in the campground, we constantly heard them and they used all parts of the park. because of the noise, their use of the beach and other parts of the park. 

Our electric was problematic. Granted it was hot while we were there (in the high 80’s and low 90’s) our electric pedestal showed readings between 110 and 115 volts which was constantly cutting off our air conditioners. Even though our generator is set to automatically come on, we did not leave our dog unattended just in case that safety measure failed. They kept saying someone would come by to replace the breaker but that never happened. At least the weather cooled off so the electrical grid was not as taxed. 

The park website needs to be updated to accurately reflect the degree of electricity. Despite what the website says, all campsites have 50 amps. The office hours are weird and we could never get a hold of anyone despite trying calling at all times of the day and varying days. Even during our stay, we noticed the office hours are more hit or miss than regular, The campground was very clean. The staff used push mowers and weed whackers to cautiously cut grass around campsites. There was no trash laying around and every morning we saw them rake beach grass and debris along the beach so it was very clean for swimmers.

We have a “big rig” 40’ 5th wheel with 4 slide outs. Called them same day from Capital Region Welcome Ctr in NY, about 3 hrs away (below Albany). They had a full hook up, pull-thru corner space for us. Offered parking for our truck right across lane on separate site. Super nice owners! Went over COVID questions and after hour check-in instructions. We came in just after it got dark. Loved town of Shelburne. Awesome little shops and great, well stocked little local grocery store. Authentic Italian restaurant in grocery store parking lot...picked up delicious strombolis. Due to COVID, mostly call ahead/pick-up or drive thru for many things...incl. delicious coffee in town at Village Wine & Coffee and AWESOME cider donuts at Shelburne Orchards! Only a 20 min drive into downtown Burlington. Took narrated tour on Ethan Allen ferry on Lake Champlain. Shopped in artsy town. Extended our stay for TWO extra nights. Will def come back. Didn’t need to use, but noted that bathrooms were immaculately clean.

We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van and can easily fit in a regular size parking space. Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van. These sites were $13 more per night and we really did not need the hookups. We were finally able to convince the staff that we could take a standard tent site, which was more than big enough. 

The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn’t that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining. 

Bathrooms and shower rooms are individual rooms, but the doors are not labeled so it’s a game of “what’s behind door number 1?”  There was no light in the shower room that I looked at so a night shower would be out of the question. The bathrooms were clean and had soap, paper towels, a garbage receptacle, and a mirror in each. 

Lots of ant hills throughout the campground so be cautious where you set up a tent. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Large and nice-looking playground, pool, volleyball net, disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails. It also looked like there were cross country ski trails but not sure if the campground or cabins would be open in the winter. 

Biggest advantage is that Ausable Chasm(a separate business) is directly across the street from the campground and it is very close to the ferry that will take you to Burlington, VT, our next destination.

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! Leaf peepers were in full force and the grounds were absolutely spectacular- I really picked the perfect time of year to go. Nights got pretty brisk, but the foliage was breathtaking.

The Park, located along scenic Rte108, has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to’s well dispersed throughout the grounds. A couple spots were drive-in sites, accessible to those with disabilities; most had small pathways and/or stairwells leading to their platforms. There was not a bad site within the entire vicinity. All were fully shaded and extremely private. Although, I’d be curious about checking out Sites 1 or 16 next time around!

Bathrooms were clean and the main office sold firewood at the entrance. Facilities are also pet friendly. Plus, there are so many hiking trails and recreational opportunities in and around the Park-from Stowe Mountain Resort to the quaint shops in town and local craft breweries. And even with the Park seeming “full”, the grounds were perfectly quiet, without the incessant sound of generators you find at larger state parks.

Without a doubt, Smugglers Notch State Park is a favorite of mine!

This campground is a gem in the Lakes Region of Northern Vermont. It sits right on Lake Champlain and has the most amazing sunsets. It is a small adult only campground so it is pretty quiet which is exactly what we like. The campground is kind of off the beaten path but that makes for a nice, quiet place to stay. It is a no-frills campground in total contrast from the big “resort” campgrounds– no pool, no Wi-Fi, events, store, etc. 

The park has just a few big rig-friendly sites. About half the campers were seasons but their sites were very tidy and not cluttered up like many they are at other places we’ve stayed. The roads are narrow and dirt/gravel but the able to navigate if you go slow. The owners are extremely helpful and friendly and they really take pride in their campground. They lead you to your site so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. The campground doesn’t have a defined layout, instead, campsites are scattered about which is nice because there is more privacy. Some sites are right along the water with great views while others have partial. The grounds are amazing with lush grass that is kept mowed. Not a speck of trash anywhere in this park and all the dog owners were really good about picking up after their dogs. Apple trees provide nice shade. Bring your cash or checkbook as they don’t take credit cards. There is beach access but keep in mind it is rocky so it can be slippery walking in the water. The campground is located near a local ferry dock which does provide a bit of noise when the boat comes and goes. There is no cable or Wi-Fi. Our Verizon phone and hotspot worked fine and we used our portable satellite dish for television (you might be able to pick up Burlington stations using an over-the-air antenna). 

If you are looking for a quiet get-away in a beautiful part of Vermont, this would be a wonderful place to come. Just down the road is a nice local brewery and there are a few places to eat in South Hero. Definitely recommend going to Burlington which has nice shopping and restaurants. Grand Isle State Park is nearby and has some hiking trails and there is a great biking trail nearby.

I have a 24’ RV towing a 30 foot trailer for perspective. I easily fit in site 107 and lots of other sites would have worked. They have a place to drop trailers if you don’t fit.

Sites 90 to 108 are best. Spaced out under trees.

Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other.

Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose. Clean easy to use dump with water.

Tent sites looked nice.

Short walk to nice beach or you can drive a car. Short tunnel so no campers or bikes on the roof.

Right next to rails to trails path that goes onto a causeway over the lake. There is a bike ferry to keep going. Nice ride.

Nice dog park 3/4 miles to the South on the trail.

Far away from noise. Can’t comment on loud campers.

This is one big Rv Resort on Lake Champlain. The sites are tighter than we like. This resort has a lot to offer. The pool was packed yet felt good. The place is maintained well and very clean. There is a big playground which keeps the kids busy. Met some very nice people that rent a Seasonal place there. They come every year for 2 months. 

There is a small store onsite and they sell some groceries, wood & ice there too. Devyn's Creemee Stand is close we got ice cream, farm fresh eggs and Maple syrup from there. There was a farm stand on the main road we got the best lettuce, strawberries and cilantro from the stand.

There is a boat ramp and docks onsite yet the docks aren't part of the resort. They do have an area you can store your boat and trailer. The restrooms were clean, showers and a laundry room which was needed by us. There is a big long sandy beach, a rec hall, and lots of games to play. The campground was pretty full it is well liked by all.

They have an area for tents too. Your close to NY, facing the Adirondack Mountains. We aren't into the big RV resort places we like more privacy and larger sites.