Jeffersonville, Vermont sits at an elevation of 512 feet in the Lamoille River Valley, nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield and Smugglers Notch Pass. The camping season runs typically from mid-May through mid-October, with average summer temperatures ranging from 50°F at night to 78°F during the day. Winter camping options exist at select locations for properly equipped visitors willing to hike in during snow season.
What to do
Tubing on the Lamoille River: Brewster River Campground provides direct river access where you can rent tubes or bring your own. "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night. Simple bathrooms and showers. Put thought into choosing which site to reserve to enhance your experience!" notes camper K.M. about the riverside experience.
Winter backcountry access: While most campgrounds close during winter, Smugglers Notch State Park offers off-season opportunities. "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. No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste," writes Ed M., highlighting winter camping possibilities.
Mountain biking: The area around Little River State Park provides excellent trail access. "I've stayed here a couple of times and both times had a blast. Canoeing or kayaking on the lake is great and there are paddle only sites available. Some of the best sites are up on a bluff with views over the lake a towards sunrise," notes Miccal M. about the recreational options beyond hiking.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Smugglers Notch State Park campers consistently mention the sense of seclusion. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of 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," says Jess O., highlighting the walk-in sites.
Clean, updated facilities: Mountain View Campground receives high marks for maintenance. "The campground is updated with a new laundry room and shower house. 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," explains Michelle C. about the amenities.
Riverside lean-tos: For a unique camping experience, Brewster River Campground offers covered 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," describes Kiarra M. about the family-friendly option.
What you should know
Winter restrictions: No facilities operate during winter at most locations. At Smugglers Notch State Park, "Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises Ed M. about off-season camping.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak foliage season. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" warns Ben C. about securing spots at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Site selection matters: At Underhill State Park, "We stayed at campsite 6 and loved waking up to the sound of the stream down the embankment," shares Ali T. about choosing locations with natural features. Most campgrounds provide site maps online to help with selection.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options for beginners: Larger families or those new to camping can ease into the experience at Mountain View Campground. "We stayed in a cabin and it was absolutely wonderful. It was clean and had everything we needed. All of the buildings were meticulously kept and the staff were incredibly friendly," reports Sarah C. about the cabin accommodations.
Pet-friendly areas with water access: For families camping with dogs near Jeffersonville, Vermont, river access provides cooling spots during summer. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," mentions Hannah H. about Little River State Park.
Ranger programs: Many state parks offer educational activities. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," notes Harry H. about Smugglers Notch State Park's family-friendly educational options.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state parks near Jeffersonville offer minimal or no hookups. "They don't have all the usual amenities it's 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. about Smugglers Notch State Park.
Site leveling requirements: RVers should be prepared with leveling blocks. "Our gravel pad had a slight slope to it but we were able to get level. The pad was long enough to fit our RV with just enough room to fit the car in front," mentions Nancy W. about Mountain View Campground's sites.
Full hookup private options: For those requiring complete RV facilities, Smugglers Notch RV Village provides newer amenities. "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. The sites are good size and come with full hookups. They also have great WIFI," reports Alan B. about the options for larger RVs.
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