Hancock is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Hancock and user-submitted reviews.
Little River State Park, which is part of Mt. Mansfield State Forest, is home to central Vermont's largest and most popular campground. The campground has 81 tent/RV sites, 20 lean-tos, and five cabins. Restrooms have flush toilets and hot and cold running water, and three of the four restrooms have coin-operated hot showers. A sanitary dump station is available, but there are no hookups. Within the campground, there are swimming beaches, play areas, a boat launch, ball fields, and boat rentals for campers (for day use boat rentals and swimming, see Waterbury Center, State Park). Adjacent to the park are miles of hiking trails for campers and day use visitors that take in the rich cultural and natural history of the area.
Remote camping: The remote campsites can be reserved online or through the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 starting May 19. Those not reserved are first come/first served. Information about open campsites may be found at each access area. Simply find a vacant designated campsite, pitch in and the park ranger will come by to get you registered. Campsites may be used by any single party for up to 7 days with no fees. Every remote campsite has a maximum occupancy of 6 people, unless otherwise posted. There are privies at these sites, but there is no potable water. View remote camping page here.
Today, Little River State Park is one of the most popular parks in central Vermont. Waterbury Reservoir is particularly favored for boating with a portion of the reservoir devoted to quieter uses. Angling for bass and trout is as popular here as water-skiing.>
Enjoy swimming beaches, play areas, boat rentals and a launch, and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails in the adjacent Mt. Mansfield State Forest. Self-guided history and nature trails are located close to the camping area.
$19 - $28 / night
This popular state park, located in Vermont, is a narrow passage that leads through the Green Mountains. In 2003, the park was relocated to allow room for expansions, including an updated campground and sites featuring alternative energy. Despite this, great care was taken to relocate and restore the original structures that were built there by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The site originally housed the many young men looking for work during the Depression era, so it was important for their work to be preserved as much as possible.
Visitors report satisfaction with the new renovations, as the new campground has sites that allow for much more room than before, and ample thought was given to the facilities operating on alternative energy. Campers can now enjoy hot showers, firewood and ice for sale, as well as a new location that provides easy access to Bingham Falls.
Before planning a stay at the park, travelers should be aware that most sites in the park are first come first serve, and not easily accessible by vehicle. Because of the limited space and narrow geography, there are only a small number of sites that can accommodate a trailer or RV. Animal lovers are welcome to bring their furry pals for a visit to the park as well.
Day use of the park consists of a variety of recreation and fun. There's a wetlands boardwalk near what's called the Barnes Camp Visitor Center. Bouldering and cave exploring commonly take place here as well, and when the weather allows it, some try their hand at ice climbing. Day use of the park comes with an entrance fee of $4 for adults, $2 for kids 12 and younger, and children ages 0-3 enter the park free of charge.
$20 / night
$37 - $100 / night
$23 / night
We stayed in the rustic campground right down the road from the main campground. We parked in a lot and walked about 5 minutes to the campgrounds on the lake. They were beautiful and well kept, even had a small pile of fire wood for us.
The site had a relatively nice outhouse, a picnic table, a fire pit and a grate for grilling. It was right on the lake. There were a ton of other people in the main campground but only one other camper in the rustic area. $25 a night to camp.
There was some noise from the highway but not too bad. Coyotes were howling all night and definitely heard some around our campground.
This is a small campground, really it's an extension of Stillwater just up the road. Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer.
For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy. We did have to change sites due to our neighbors yelling at their kids and using less-than-appropriate language to do so. We could still hear them on the other side of the campground :(
The site itself was nice, even though it lacked privacy.
Boulder Beach Road is an easy dirt road access to these campgrounds.
We had 1 bar of AT&T service.
The bathrooms were adequate, nothing special
But we made a last-minute decision to camp and this was a decent location for that. I would camp here again, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
We booked this spot sight unseen as there were no pictures available. Tucked back in the woods and quiet. The front section was much wider open and more state parkish. Excellent showering facilities and a cook wash up station that was well maintained.
Great spot near the lake to put up a tent for the night. Very safe and super close to town. Seemed really popular and a little loud until around 11. If you’re a light sleeper then consider bringing some ear plugs.
Pros: Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP) 1.7 mile from #7 Ranked World's Best Disc Golf Course: Fox Run Meadows New fire ring New picnic table Gorgeous Mountain View
Cons: Grass site No amenities No Wi-Fi Soft ground, sinked during setup
I absolutely love this place every time the leaves turn yellow. It is really beautiful like paradise. The right place to rest and relax with poppy playtime chapter 3.
I haven't camped here, I stopped in a spoke to the host. Drove through and was impressed with the campground, it's well maintained and very nice. The problem for me is it's really two or three connected fields, with hookups in places and lean-tos and fire pits. There was no privacy. But if you're looking for a tent location or a spot to park your camper while you fish on the lake this is the spot.
We generally enyojed our stay. Really nice reservoir. However the campground is a bit pricey and doesn’t offer dishwashing sinks. You need to somehow fill water in some kind of bucket and then make a mess on your campsite..
Nice, wooded sites. Staff was great and very helpful. I didn't see the restrooms with the showers on the one end of the campground, but the restrooms I did see on the end that I stayed were like outhouses but with flushable toilets--kinda meh.
Nice, wooded sites. The restroom is a bit dated and dingy, but clean. The shower is coin-operated and could offer a bit more privacy (the stall wall is quite low and right next to the door entering the restroom.)
we camped here in early October and it was gorgeous. Well spaced out sites. Friendly staff , flush toilets, showers, Quiet and peaceful. Good spot to summit Mansfield from.
This will be my fourth time camping and this is by far the best one! For starters everyone is friendly. They have very clean bathrooms and showers (.50¢ per minute). Firewood and Ice for sale. Electric plug ins if needed (bathroom and beside of ice and firewood with benches) The tent sites are so spacious and clean. There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it. It takes you out to the gorge and to the visitors center. I recommend eating at the snack bar! Their food is so good and the gift shop has so many options. MAKE SURE YOU RESERVE A TABLE at the public house because they don’t allow walk ins after a certain hour. If you’re looking for different places to eat, go to white river junction. Lots of options! Overall an amazing campground!!
Plenty of space between sites. Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont. The (AT&T) cell phone reception was pretty good, but could be slow at times (which could be because of the area or because of the busy fall color season.)
Great campground with a decent amount of space between campsites. The bathrooms (which have coin-operated showers) were immaculate and seem to be somewhat newer than the other state parks.
From the drive to the park, to the friendliness of the manager Brittany, to the facilities, and the hiking trails, this park met our every expectation.
This was our first camping with our two adult pups. One can be a barker depending on certain triggers. So we stayed in one of the lovely rustic cabins. We love hiking and there is no shortage of hiking trails in and around the park, including the AT that runs right through the park.
I can't say enough good things about how well the park is maintained. Bathrooms were frequently cleaned and the park was meticulously maintained. We drove by another VT state park too, and maintenance crews were seen blowing the leaves etc. and in general taking good care of the parks.
Gifford Woods is definitely on my list of must return to parks...We like to try new parks, but this one earned the spot to be a return spot.
Could be nice, but my bike was stolen at 3 am (it was locked) and two others the previous night. Needless to say, I have a low opinion of this campground
Nice large spots available. Friendly employees. Beautiful lake with a nice trail. The road into the campground is super rough though.
I have been a seasonal camper for 7 years and there is just no better place than Medcalf Acres. The owner is very nice and accommodating and the staff, in particular Michael is always doing something to make the campground look better(cleaning, mowing and weed whacking) just to name a few. There is always something for the kids to do and the staff makes it fun for the kids. They have a heated swimming pool or you can float/swim in schroon river. There is Wi-Fi, cable, sewer, water and electric. You can’t find a better place for the money and the memories that are made.
Large spots new and clean restrooms. Just next to the lake for a swim. So many mosquitos
Very friendly staff and the pool was amazing for the kiddos.
Zero Verizon service but Wi-Fi at the pool for getting some work done.
This park is wonderful for families with kids. -We have an infant and a preschooler. The site and facilities are clean. It was very helpful to have a lean-to during a very rainy weekend. The lake and beach is lovely, clean, and the water is warm and clear. We love how there was a concession stand, a park, and picnic areas.
Local area: Because of the amount of rain, we decided to explore Manchester and bought some gear at Mountain Goat -rain pants for our hike. We ate at the Road Runner which was fantastic. Our hike was about 10 minutes out from manchester at Lyle Falls. Highly recommend 2.5 miles up to a gorgeous waterfall.
Additionally, we stopped by Honeypie in Jamaica for burgers and shakes!
Very nice place, easy to book reasonable price because of winter season they close the bathroom, but there is a jiffy John waste, dump station have water and laundry, if needed 
General: 70 tent/RV sites and 20 lean-to sites plus five cabins divided into two areas on Waterbury Reservoir.
Site Quality: Good separation and decent-sized, wooded sites.
Bathhouse/Shower: Basic but clean
Activities: Boating, swimming, and hiking. Plus a nature center.
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. The access road is a bit rough but navigable by all vehicles. The park is beautifully maintained and there are many more trails to explore so it is on our list for a return trip to Vermont!
This park was a very pleasant surprise to us. The staff was very kind and accommodating. The park was clean and typical of all Vt. State Parks. The real surprise was the things to do at the park and close bye. Though Half Moon Pond is very small it offered a calm relaxing time on the water. We found several trails to hike at and near the park as well. Each site is separated with trees, offering some privacy and a greater sense of nature
We camped here for the Fourth of July weekend. The park is small, clean and friendly. The sites are semi secluded and through hikers on the AT/LT can find rest and shelter at this park. There has been an increase in Black Bear activity but that won't deter us from ever coming back.
Came to this campground for a quick night’s stay and I was so bummed out to stay one night! Visited during the peak fall foliage time and the site was so beautiful!
I stayed at the site 11, which was a walk-in site but the walk was only 15 steps from the car so it wasn’t that of a big deal. The site was leveled nicely and had a nice privacy as well. While I could hear them, could not see them very well.
Bathroom was nice and it was close to hiking trails, restaurants and nearby attractions. Would definitely come back and stay for couple nights if I do get a chance next time.
This is a large campground with many opportunities to hike and/or mountain bike on different trails. Also a large reservoir with boating access and stunning views of the fall foliage along the water. We stayed at site 13 our first night. It’s one of the first campsites when entering and shared driveway/camping area with site 14. It was nice but a lot of better sites in the park. We also stayed at cherry lean to which was on a slight hill (pretty level once you are up the hill driveway) and it was spacious and nice. Once again it was a shared driveway with the lean to next door but still allowed privacy and great views of the water. It’s not level with the water and has a steep hill down and not accessible from the site
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Hancock, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Hancock, VT is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
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