The Northeast Kingdom camping area around Hardwick, Vermont sits between 1,100 and 2,200 feet in elevation with wide seasonal temperature variations, ranging from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows below freezing. The region's abundance of glacial ponds offers water-based camping options not found in other parts of Vermont. Fall camping season typically extends through mid-October when most campgrounds close for winter.
What to do
Hiking fire towers: At Elmore State Park Campground, the trail to the fire tower atop Elmore Mountain provides panoramic views. "There is a fire tower you can hike at the top which provides beautiful views," notes Kelli M., who recommends exploring the trail early to avoid crowds.
Rails-to-trails biking: The 90-mile Cross Vermont Trail passes through many campgrounds in the region and offers flat, family-friendly biking. According to Rita M., who stayed at Kettle Pond, "We took a half day bike trip on it one day to go to the town of Marshfield to visit Rainbow Sweets, home of some of the best French pastries in Vermont."
Off-season winter camping: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers free winter camping with advance reservations. Ed M. explains, "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."
Pond exploration by boat: The calm waters of the region's ponds make for excellent paddling. "The pond itself is fantastic for water activities and the loop around the pond is a great walk or moderate hike - takes about 2.5 hours," says Ruby L. about Kettle Pond State Park Campground.
What campers like
Remote camping options: Unlike the more developed campgrounds, Kettle Pond offers secluded sites. Rick S. shares, "Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year. Site #9 had plenty of places to hang our hammocks."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies are remarkable in this low light pollution area. Tara S. notes about Elmore State Park, "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. It was mesmerizing!"
Swimming access: Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers water recreation without motor boat traffic. Hannah H. mentions, "If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing."
Local food access: Many campers appreciate the proximity to local stores and restaurants. "The Elmore Store just down the road has everything you need including AMAZING pizza (Fire Tower) and a great deli," shares Shelley T.
What you should know
No cell service: Many campgrounds in the Hardwick area have limited or no connectivity. Michele S. cautions about Ricker Pond, "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly."
Water access considerations: Not all waterfront sites have easy water access. Cindy L. shares about Little River State Park Campground, "Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site... Left kayak down at beach."
Primitive facilities: Some campgrounds offer very basic amenities. Rita M. notes about Kettle Pond, "There is not ANY running water. The running water is accessed by going to New Discovery Campground, which is about 3 miles down the road."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront options. Neena B. advises about Ricker Pond, "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years (except for the years that I don't book enough in advance and aren't able to secure a spot for my desired length of stay)."
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly campgrounds near Hardwick: Mountain View Campground offers accessible activities for all family members, including pets. According to Scott B., "We loved our stay here. 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."
Kid-friendly swimming: Several campgrounds offer supervised swimming areas. "There is a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail," reports Michele S. about Ricker Pond, making it ideal for families with children who want water access.
Multiple activity options: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation beyond hiking and swimming. Sarah C. shares about Mountain View Campground, "They have a small camp store with s'more fixings and a great beer selection... There was a small putt-putt course, a corn hole set and a short hiking trail."
Lean-to camping: For families new to tent camping, lean-tos provide a middle ground. Laura M. notes about New Discovery, "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Many state parks offer primitive camping without utilities. Nancy W. notes about Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground, "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."
RV site selection: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. Shari G. explains about Little River, "The campground has a toilet block with pay showers and flush toilets, but no electrical or water hook ups."
Water fill challenges: RVers should be prepared for non-standard water connections. Laura M. shares, "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results."
Seasonal limitations: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Hardwick close by mid-October. Russ V. advises about Sugar Ridge, "Entire location on rolling hills gives the feeling of a small campground but it is fairly large. Lots of seasonal campers."
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