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Jay, Vermont offers a mix of camping options in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region, with several established campgrounds within a short drive. Prouty Beach Campground in Newport provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites along Lake Memphremagog. Tree Corners Family Campground in Irasburg features tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with seasonal operation from May to October. Lake Carmi State Park Campground offers lakeside camping with cabins and various site types accessible by boat, car, or foot. The region includes both privately operated campgrounds and state park facilities, with most locations situated near water features.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Jay area, with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October. Winter conditions make many sites inaccessible, though some year-round options exist. Lake Carmi State Park provides electric hookups and boat access, while several campgrounds offer cabin rentals for those seeking shelter during cooler weather. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and fall foliage season when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. A camper noted, "This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks I have stayed in. The facilities were clean and the shower was nice and hot."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Jay area. Campers particularly value the pristine lakes and mountain views characteristic of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Several campgrounds provide direct water access for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. While some sites offer significant privacy, others place campers in closer proximity to neighbors. As one visitor to Lake Carmi State Park described, "Our first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. The drive there was really pleasant. It took us mostly through very scenic routes in both Quebec, and Vermont." Proximity to Kingdom Trails mountain biking network makes the area particularly appealing to outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including showers, toilets, and fire rings, while more remote sites offer a more primitive camping experience.
"We stayed at T4, a site w electric right on the lake."
"There is a very nice bike trail that runs through the campground, to the city of Newport on one side and to Canada on the other!"
from $33 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Great place to go if you’re looking to go trail riding- trail is right across from the campground alongside the corn field."
from $42 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Our first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. And while there are many nice campsites to visit in Quebec... we've done them all, within a 2-hour radius. Well, guess what?"
"Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees. Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Camper.on the beach on a friends property on the lake, canoed and enjoyed the area. There are campgrounds on or near the lake as well. It was a very peaceful retreat."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We got space 14 which is an easy drive through site for beginners like us. The bench around the fire ring and the spacing between other sites where great. The short walk to the beach was a plus."
"Lastly, there is a grill and picnic table at every site and they even have a waterfall on property with an available tent site nearby."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"But the grass area and view of lake right in front of you is priceless. We were able to just walk our kayaks across street and put in right there."
"Cheaper than a hotel for kingdom trails though and right next to lake Willoughby"
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability
GuideIt’s a nice relatively small campground in a pretty setting. Sites are fairly close, and there’s definitely some longer tempura residents, but it’s well kept and seems like a nice place to stay.
ScoutWe chose Kings Bay because we wanted to spend most of our trip outdoors and close to Lake Champlain. One afternoon we borrowed a paddleboat and just cruised around for a while with no real destination. Came back, made dinner at the camper, and called it a day. Hard to complain about that kind of vacation.
ScoutKings Bay has such an easygoing feel. Friendly people, beautiful surroundings, and a nice place to enjoy a few quiet days.
ScoutReally peaceful spot with a great view of the lake. We spent most of our time outside and had a very relaxing stay.
ScoutKings Bay has become our favorite place to spend the warmer months. We enjoy the quiet mornings, casual afternoons, and evenings outside when the campground starts to settle down.
ScoutOne of the things we enjoy most about Kings Bay is how easy it is for different generations of our family to enjoy the same trip. The kids can stay active and explore, while the adults have plenty of time to sit outside, talk, and relax. We have celebrated birthdays and family get-togethers here, and it has become a place that everyone looks forward to visiting. There is something special about having a familiar campground where so many memories have been made.
ScoutVery nice campground with great modern facilities. Many of the RV lots have nice views of Lake Champlain.
ScoutOur family brought our camper to Kings Bay for the whole summer, and it has been a great place for us. The kids always have something to do, whether they are near the water, riding around the campground, or spending time with the friends they’ve made here.
ScoutKeeping our camper at Kings Bay for the season has made summer weekends so much easier. We can come up whenever we have a few free days without worrying about towing the RV, finding a new site, or packing everything each time. The lake is obviously the biggest highlight for us. We love having easy access to the water, and the campground is peaceful without feeling isolated. The recreation hall is also nice to have when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Campgrounds near Jay, Vermont feature a mix of RV, tent, and cabin options within the northeastern corner of the state. Most sites operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October due to Vermont's winter conditions. The area sits at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet with the nearby Jay Peak reaching 3,968 feet. Cell service can be unreliable throughout the region, particularly at campgrounds nestled in more remote valleys.
Biking near campgrounds: Tree Corners Family Campground is located directly across from trail access points. A camper noted, "Great place to go if you're looking to go trail riding- trail is right across from the campground alongside the corn field."
Paddling opportunities: Lake Carmi State Park Campground provides water access with two boat launch areas ideal for smaller watercraft. A visitor stated, "There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat."
Winter off-season access: Some campsites permit winter visitors for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. According to one Smugglers Notch State Park Campground visitor, "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."
Larger campsites: Several campgrounds offer spacious sites compared to typical New England campgrounds. A Prouty Beach visitor remarked, "The sites are HUGE! Probably the biggest we have ever seen in our travels thus far."
Private wooded areas: Belview Campground receives praise for site spacing and natural features. A camper noted, "The bench around the fire ring and the spacing between other sites where great. The short walk to the beach was a plus."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high across many campgrounds in the Jay region. A visitor to Lake Carmi State Park mentioned, "Clean bathrooms. No cell service," highlighting the common trade-off between amenities and connectivity.
Seasonal water conditions: Water quality can vary throughout the summer months. A White Caps Campground visitor warned, "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water."
Coin-operated showers: Many campgrounds require quarters for showers. According to a Lake Carmi visitor, "The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I've experienced in quite some time."
Site size limitations: Check dimensions before booking at certain locations. One camper noted about White Caps Campground, "The spots are so close to each other that I could hear my neighbor flush their toilet from inside my rv."
Youth programming awareness: Some campgrounds host summer camps that impact noise levels. A Prouty Beach Campground visitor observed, "Being at the lake meant a lot of noise from others including the campers that use the facility, I mean like actual camp, like groups of kids and counselors."
Family-oriented amenities: Tree Corners Family Campground offers extensive children's facilities. A visitor described, "Massive campground made mostly for those with kids. They have two separate pools and hot tubs for kids and adults. Tons of other activities for kids- splash pad, water slides, playground, basketball court, etc."
Beach quality considerations: Sandy areas vary significantly between locations. One Lake Carmi visitor reported, "The beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix," which may affect family swimming plans.
Electric service reliability: During peak heat, some campsites experience power issues. A Prouty Beach Campground reviewer noted, "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."
Hookup verification: Confirm specific utility connections before booking. As one White Caps visitor discovered, "It was a 110 conversion electric not 30 amp. No dump site on property, i was told my only option was to go down the road to Willo Campground and i could dump my tanks there for $30."
Seasonal closures: Most RV campsites near Jay close by mid-October. The Dyrt listings show seasonal operations with most opening around May 15 and closing between October 9-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Jay State Forest campgrounds?
Jay State Forest campgrounds typically offer basic amenities focusing on primitive camping experiences. In the nearby area, Mountain View Campground provides more developed options with a well-stocked camp store, two swimming pools, and tent sites located along the Lamoille River. For those seeking a more rustic experience within Jay State Forest, expect minimal facilities - typically just basic toilets. Most state forest camping requires you to bring your own water, as potable water sources are limited. Fire rings may be available at designated sites, but always check current fire regulations before your visit.
Do I need permits for camping in Jay State Forest?
Yes, you typically need to obtain a permit for camping in Jay State Forest. Vermont state forests generally require free permits for overnight stays, especially for primitive camping. These permits help manage usage and protect natural resources. For specific information, contact the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation before your trip. If you prefer established campgrounds near Jay State Forest, Barrewood near Westfield offers drive-in access with basic toilets, while Belview Campground near Barton provides reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Always check for seasonal restrictions, as some areas may be closed during winter months.
Where can I find camping in Jay State Forest?
Jay State Forest offers several camping options nearby. Tree Corners Family Campground near Irasburg provides drive-in access with reservable sites and is conveniently located for exploring the forest. Alternatively, consider The Millbrook Campground near Westfield, which serves as a good basecamp for Jay State Forest adventures. For primitive camping within the state forest itself, Vermont generally allows dispersed camping on state forest land following Leave No Trace principles, staying at least 200 feet from any water source, and 1000 feet from developed areas.
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