Best Campgrounds near Hartford, VT

Camping near Hartford, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those leading to stunning views in the White Mountains. One camper mentioned, "The campground is only a short drive away from an endless amount of hiking options."
• Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to rivers or lakes. A review noted, "The lake was beautiful—warm and crystal clear, soft sand, with a trail around it."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor shared, "I had a bear enter the site twice and a moose, which was both terrifying and cool."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review highlighted, "The bathrooms (which have coin-operated showers) were immaculate and seem to be somewhat newer than the other state parks."
• Spacious Campsites: Many sites offer good separation from neighbors. One camper said, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A review stated, "The check-in people were super nice and welcoming!"

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are close to roads, which can lead to noise. A camper noted, "The sites are all nice, but the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. One visitor mentioned, "This campground has a lot of potential... The bathrooms were pretty gross and need updating."
• Reservation System: Popular sites can book up quickly. A review warned, "The nicest sites were reserved the entire time we were there and they were total no-shows."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One review mentioned, "Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day."
• Safety: Ensure the campground has safe areas for kids to play. A camper shared, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."
• Pack Snacks: Some campgrounds are far from stores. A visitor advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there; stuff is expensive at the corner stores."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. One camper noted, "The sites are large, wooded, and private."
• Water Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer water hookups. A review pointed out, "Most sites here are W/E only, and after 5 days we had to use the facilities."
• Dump Station Access: Look for campgrounds with easy access to dump stations. A visitor mentioned, "There’s a spacious dump site if needed."

Camping around Hartford, VT, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience. Whether you're at Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park, Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park, or Lost River Valley Campground, there's something for everyone.