Camping opportunities near Hyde Park, Vermont range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. The Green Mountains region has elevations between 800-1,800 feet at most campgrounds, with temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees after sunset even in summer months. Several campgrounds in the area operate seasonally with most closing after mid-October when nighttime temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
What to do
Hiking Mt. Mansfield trails: At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, campers have direct access to Mount Mansfield's trail system. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes Ben C. The park serves as an excellent basecamp for hikers tackling Vermont's highest peak.
Paddle remote sites: Remote camping at Green River Reservoir State Park Campground requires a boat trip to reach your site. "The reservoir is 653 acres with 19 miles of shoreline. There are 27 campsites and two group campsites. Most sites are within a mile of the boat launch, a few require closer to a 2-mile paddle," explains reviewer Tara S. Each site includes a fire pit and access to an outhouse.
Winter camping opportunities: For cold-weather adventurers, some campgrounds offer off-season access. "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. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," shares Ed M. about winter camping at Smugglers Notch.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Campers appreciate the layout at many Hyde Park area campgrounds. "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. about Underhill State Park Campground. The park provides wheelbarrows to help transport gear from parking areas to campsites.
Night sky viewing: Several campgrounds offer exceptional stargazing conditions. Lean-tos at meadow sites with minimal tree coverage provide unobstructed views. "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!" reports a camper at Elmore State Park.
Brook and river sites: Many campsites feature water access. "The sites along the brook are treated to the babbling brook sites and sounds. While most sites are relatively wide open, they are well spaced out with tons of room," notes reviewer Ian P. about Gold Brook Campground. Several tent-only sites back directly onto streams for easy water access.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds near Hyde Park operate from mid-May through mid-October. "Check in was easy, and the staff were present enough in case you had questions or needed to buy firewood. Road noise was moderate; I wouldn't want to stay in sites 1-11 due to the proximity to the road," advises Whitney L. about staying at Gold Brook Campground in early June.
Primitive facilities: Many state park campgrounds have basic amenities. "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," explains Michael V. Some sites have cold-water only sinks and no shower facilities.
Pet-friendly options: For pet friendly camping near Hyde Park, Vermont, most campgrounds allow leashed dogs. Little River State Park Campground welcomes pets at their waterfront sites. "Great campground for hanging out and a place to bring your boat. The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat!" notes Hannah H., who frequently brings her dog to the park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Families enjoy the beaches and water access at several campgrounds. "Nice quiet space on a beautiful lake. Easy hiking trails with a fire tower on the mountain. Stayed in a lean to as well. Perfect for families," writes Desiree V. about Elmore State Park Campground. The small sandy beach is ideal for younger children.
Playground access: Campgrounds with play areas provide activity options for children. "The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good--the actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," reports Rita M. about Little River State Park.
Lean-to camping: First-time campers or those with young children often prefer lean-to structures. "My husband and I stayed in the lean-to with our two toddlers. It has 3 walls and netting on the fourth. Inside there are two queen sized platforms (we put an air mattress down) and it is right on the river," explains Kiarra M. about Brewster River Campground. The platforms keep sleeping areas dry during rain.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited in the Hyde Park area. "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," writes Kara W. about Gold Brook Campground. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, with a few locations handling larger units.
Wi-Fi considerations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "Wifi was great over the week (was able to work without a problem), but collapsed when more people showed up on Friday," reports one camper. Several campgrounds have recently upgraded their systems for more reliable service.
Reservation timing: For pet friendly RV camping near Hyde Park, Vermont, early booking is essential. "This is new campground opened this past season. This is our 3rd visit and it gets better each time. They offer a variety of different sites to fit each campers needs, a beautiful well kept bath house and a small but well stocked store," notes Alan B. about camping with his dog at Smugglers Notch RV Village.
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