Camping sites near Lake Elmore, Vermont range from secluded primitive spots to family-friendly grounds with modern amenities. The region sits within Vermont's northern Green Mountains at elevations between 700-2,000 feet, creating microclimates that can differ significantly from valley forecasts. Water access varies considerably between campgrounds, with remote sites requiring boat transportation and others offering drive-up convenience.
What to do
Hike to fire towers: The trail to Elmore Mountain's fire tower provides panoramic views across the region. "Nice quiet space on a beautiful lake. Easy hiking trails with a fire tower on the mountain. Stayed in a lean to as well. Perfect for families," notes a visitor to Elmore State Park Campground.
Winter camping: For off-season adventurers, some sites offer winter access. At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, a camper reports: "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. 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."
Paddle-in camping: For solitude, consider boat-in campsites. A camper at Green River Reservoir State Park shares: "I love this location because you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape. There is a lot of beautiful wildlife, and they do an amazing job at preserving the sites."
What campers like
Remote camping accessibility: Many appreciate the blend of wilderness feel with reasonable access. At Little River State Park Campground, a visitor notes: "Clean, quiet campground that feels like wilderness, but is accessible!"
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "We were able to watch the Loons teaching its chicks to hunt for food. A bit of work to get to this site but every bit worth the trade off for peace n quiet!" shares a camper who spent 10 days at Kettle Pond State Park.
Meadow sites for stargazing: Some open sites offer exceptional night sky views. "Most sites were mostly private," reports a camper at Elmore State Park, while another mentions the unique benefits of meadow sites: "At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, 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."
What you should know
Water access varies: Not all campgrounds provide on-site water sources. At Kettle Pond State Park Campground, "Kettle Pond State Park is primitive. There is not ANY running water. The running water is accessed by going to New Discovery Campground, which is about 3 miles down the road."
Cancellation policies: Some private campgrounds have strict rules. A frustrated camper at Gold Brook Campground warns: "Made the reservation on 2/15, and today May 23 had to cancel because of the uncertainty with diesel. Reservation was for August 7-10 (2 1/2 months from now). Deposit was payment in full... $171.00. Refund was $0.00!"
Site leveling challenges: Terrain can be uneven at certain locations. A visitor to Singing Wood Farm reported: "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer. While we were there, there were car campers, tent campers, and a class C rv, in addition to us in our travel trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Shallow water areas offer safe play spaces. At Little River State Park, a visitor noted: "Had a great one week stay here on the reservoir. Staff was friendly and helpful. Bathrooms in 'B' were just redone."
Biking opportunities: For active families, some campgrounds connect to larger trail networks. "The Cross VT trail is a multi-use bike path that travels much of the width of VT on old farm roads, snowmobile trails, railroad beds, and occasional roads," explains a camper describing activities from Kettle Pond.
Campground amenities: Some sites offer family entertainment beyond natural features. A visitor to Mountain View Campground shared: "There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on privacy needs. At Mountain View Campground, an RVer notes: "When we first pulled into this campground and saw how close our site was to our neighbors, we were a little dismayed. But it turned out we had a really pleasant stay at the campground and came to like all the amenities and people and thought it was a nice campground."
Hookup availability: RV amenities vary widely between state and private parks. At Smugglers Notch RV Village, a visitor reports: "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."
Winter storage: Plan ahead for seasonal needs. Many campgrounds in the Lake Elmore area close by mid-October, with most beginning to shut down after Columbus Day weekend, requiring seasonal campers to find storage alternatives during winter months.
