Located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Jay offers camping options ranging from lakeside sites to mountain settings at varying elevations between 1,600 and 3,800 feet. The region experiences crisp autumn nights with temperatures often dropping below freezing after September, while summer days remain comfortable with highs rarely exceeding 80°F. Cell service fluctuates throughout the region with significant dead zones in valley camping areas.
What to Do
Paddle on Lake Memphremagog: Just 15 miles from Jay at Prouty Beach Campground, campers can kayak on the 27-mile lake that extends into Canada. "You can ride your bike to Canada or into town and see the small town community. Wonderful place to ride bikes and watch the sunset," notes one visitor. Boat rentals available seasonally.
Mountain biking: The Kingdom Trails network offers 100+ miles of single-track trails. Many campers use Brighton State Park as a base for riding. "Great campground with VERY clean restrooms. Campsites are private and the place is often not busy affording extra privacy," reports one mountain biker.
Hiking to fire towers: Elmore Mountain offers a moderately difficult 2.2-mile trail to a fire tower with panoramic views. "There is a fire tower you can hike at the top which provides beautiful views," notes a camper at Elmore State Park. The park maintains 45 spacious sites and opens from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
What Campers Like
Stargazing opportunities: The Northeast Kingdom offers exceptional dark sky viewing. "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!" shares one camper about Elmore State Park.
Lake Willoughby access: The crystal-clear glacial lake near Jay draws campers for swimming and paddling. "Absolutely beautiful view of Lake Willoughby. Take a paddle out there, they have rentals very reasonably priced!" reports a visitor at White Caps Campground, which provides direct lake access across the road from campsites.
Local food options: The region offers farm-fresh foods near campgrounds. "There was a farm stand on the main road we got the best lettuce, strawberries and cilantro from the stand," mentions a camper at Alburg RV Resort, who also noted "Devyn's Creemee Stand is close we got ice cream, farm fresh eggs and Maple syrup from there."
What You Should Know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds in the Jay region operate with limited seasons. "Peak of foliage was our last trip last year. I really hesitated to leave a review because selfishly I want it to be OUR SECRET HIDEAWAY," mentions a visitor at Smugglers Notch RV Village, indicating the popularity during fall colors.
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly in privacy levels. At Brighton State Park, "Many campsites, some close together, some more remote, all very pleasant and well kept." Some waterfront sites may have limited privacy at busy times.
Bathroom facilities differ widely: From older coin-operated facilities to newer amenities. "The sinks are cold water only, which I normally wouldn't mind, but the temps dropped into the 20s during our trip, which made washing up a little bit painful," reports a camper at Elmore State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playgrounds and activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Sugar Ridge RV Village, "Kids love to play here and mini golf on site makes it even better." Another visitor notes, "Kids were happy with the heated pool, horse rides, and other activities."
Wildlife education: Brighton State Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities. "Near by are all sorts of awesome hiking trails. Boreal forest. THE best... The Moose Observation Platform is no lie. We saw one, crossing the road right by it when we were about to give up!"
Lean-to options: Several state parks offer covered lean-to shelters, ideal for family camping in unpredictable weather. "The lean-to made our stay much more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise," notes a Brighton State Park camper who experienced rain during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many rv sites near Jay, Vermont feature sloped terrain requiring additional equipment. "Entire location on rolling hills gives the feeling of a small campground but it is fairly large," notes a camper at Sugar Ridge RV Village, suggesting bringing leveling blocks for uneven sites.
Limited cell connectivity: Internet access varies widely. At Lone Pine Campsites, "Weekdays in prime season are quiet, weekends are packed," with reviewers noting variable WiFi performance during busy periods.
Power reliability: Beyond the standard hookups, voltage fluctuations can occur. "This resort has a lot to offer. The pool was packed yet felt good. The place is maintained well and very clean," shares an RVer at Alburg RV Resort, which provides reliable 50-amp service despite being at full capacity.
