Best Campgrounds near Johnson, VT
Johnson, Vermont provides access to several campgrounds with diverse accommodation types throughout the Green Mountain region. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, located about 10 miles west of Johnson, offers tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options with seasonal availability from May to October. Mountain View Campground in nearby Morrisville features similar mixed-use camping facilities with waterfront sites along the Lamoille River. The area includes both state park campgrounds with basic amenities and privately operated facilities with more extensive hookups and services.
Camping season in this region typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most developed campgrounds closing during winter months. Smugglers Notch State Park operates from May 19 to October 15, while Little River State Park remains open slightly longer until October 22. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. The terrain varies from riverside locations to mountain settings, with some sites offering lake access. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, especially in the mountainous sections near Smugglers Notch. A camper noted, "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."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Johnson area. Several campgrounds provide direct access to rivers or lakes, with Mountain View Campground offering sites along the Lamoille River. Elmore State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles southeast of Johnson, provides lake access with boat rentals available. Green River Reservoir State Park features remote boat-in camping for those seeking more secluded experiences. Visitors frequently mention the natural beauty and recreational opportunities as highlights. Developed campgrounds in the region typically include amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, while some also offer showers, firewood sales, and sanitary dump stations. Most state park campgrounds allow pets but have restrictions on electric hookups, making them better suited for tent camping or self-contained RVs.
