The Northeastern Kingdom region surrounding Jay, Vermont offers pet-friendly camping options set among dense forests at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day with cooler 50-60°F nights, creating comfortable camping conditions for pets and owners. Winter camping requires specialized gear as temperatures regularly drop below freezing with significant snowfall.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides direct trail access from camping areas with options for all skill levels. "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," notes Michael V.
River activities: Mountain View Campground offers water recreation for pets who enjoy swimming. Jason D. explains, "Nice family campground nestled in between route 15 and the lamoille River. Great car accessible tent sites right on the water and plenty of amenities that the kids will love."
Seasonal nature programs: Brighton State Park Campground runs ranger-led activities suitable for campers with pets. "We visited just as the foliage season was getting underway, end of September (right now) is peak this year," reports Tara S., who adds "Great trails right in the park, including the Shore Trail and the Boreal Forest loop."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Carmi State Park Campground maintains sanitary conditions despite high pet traffic. "Given a map with highlighted route to our site. Site was clean and grassy. Very little traffic. Local law enforcement drove through. The sunsets were spectacular," shares Karen.
Privacy between sites: Belview Campground offers adequate spacing for pet owners needing separation. "The bench around the fire ring and the spacing between other sites where great. The short walk to the beach was a plus. The owners super kind and helpful," writes Larry T.
Quiet environment: While many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, campers particularly appreciate the peacefulness at Smugglers Notch State Park. "The staff was helpful and very good about controlling excessive noise from other sites. 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.
What you should know
Breed restrictions: Some campgrounds explicitly prohibit certain dog breeds. "Not allowed any bully breed or what they consider aggressive type dogs," Jessi C. warns about Tree Corners Family Campground.
Leash requirements: All campgrounds require pets to remain leashed when outside your vehicle or camping unit. Most limit leash length to 6 feet maximum.
Water quality concerns: Check current conditions before allowing pets to swim. Jennifer L. cautions, "My fiancé went swimming and got a leech or leech-like thing on his foot so swimming for him was pretty much over" at Prouty Beach Campground.
Wildlife interactions: Pets must be supervised to prevent encounters with local wildlife, including porcupines, skunks and raccoons.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Mountain View Campground offers controlled water environments for families with pets. "There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub. There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground," Michelle C. explains.
Pet-friendly lean-tos: Consider booking shelters during rainy periods. "We stayed in one of their shelters due to an impending storm. Great facility but a little pricey. Overall though a good experience," shares Kerry M. about Smugglers Notch.
Off-season benefits: Reduced crowds improve the pet camping experience. "Clean, beautiful state park. Love camping in the lean-tos! My boyfriend & I camp here on a yearly basis with his fam. Love listening to the loons in the morning," writes Heather O. about Brighton State Park.
Bring plenty of bug spray: Vermont's wooded campsites require insect protection for both pets and people, especially during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Brighton State Park Campground accommodates smaller RVs better than large rigs. "Great for Tenters and small campers. Plenty of Bug spray will be needed but well worth it," advises Chris H.
Site dimensions: Check length restrictions before booking with pets who need outdoor space. Nancy W. reports about Prouty Beach 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."
Power reliability: During hot weather, verify electrical capacity. "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues," notes Nancy W. at Mountain View Campground.
Road conditions: Many access roads to pet-friendly camping areas are unpaved. "The roads are gravel and despite it being very dry were not very dusty," adds Nancy W.
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