The Green Mountains surrounding Lincoln, Vermont form a rugged backdrop for camping at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 4,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day but can drop into the 40s at night even in July and August. Camping options include traditional tent sites, RV facilities, rustic cabins, and yurt camping near Lincoln, Vermont's surrounding parks and forests.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Lake Champlain: Button Bay State Park offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the shoreline. "Nice park for cycling the Lake Champlain Byway" according to one visitor who enjoyed the waterfront location.
Hiking trails for all abilities: Mount Philo State Park features short trails with significant views. "Only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains," notes a camper.
Mountain exploration: Smugglers Notch State Park places campers directly on hiking trails. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," explains one reviewer who appreciated the convenience.
Reservoir adventures: Little River State Park offers unique water-based recreation. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," says a visitor describing the park's remote camping options.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many Lincoln-area campgrounds feature secluded spots. At Mount Philo, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private," explains one camper who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: State parks maintain well-kept amenities. "The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking," reports a visitor to Little River State Park.
Yurt accommodations: Gifford Woods State Park offers alternative shelter options near Lincoln. "We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill. The only down side is that the lean-to opening faces the road instead of the woods, which would have been better for privacy," details one camper.
Urban accessibility: North Beach Campground combines nature with city convenience. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls," advises a repeat visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most Lincoln-area campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service," reports a Mount Philo visitor detailing the simple amenities.
Bathroom facilities vary: While most state parks offer modern facilities, setups differ. At Button Bay State Park, "Bathrooms are clean, facilities are great. Easy access to the lake. Book early for the best sites."
Limited privacy at some locations: Campground layouts vary significantly. "The main camping area is essentially a huge field, so not much shade or privacy. The benefit of this area is that it's closer to everything," explains a visitor describing one section of a local campground.
Off-season opportunities: Rogers Rock Campground across Lake Champlain offers extended camping. "I was lucky to book a site (#68) on the water. Beautiful views and morning sun. There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline," shares a September camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. At Button Bay State Park, one visitor noted it "has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!"
Swimming options: Shelburne Camping Area provides water recreation near Lincoln. "We were near the pool and office. With no privacy or nature around us, we were surrounded by permanent residents," explains a visitor who still found the location ideal for exploring nearby attractions.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites surround Lincoln-area campgrounds. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes a Little River State Park visitor who camped with five children.
Multi-generational activities: Parks often feature diverse recreation options. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" reports a family that enjoyed Button Bay's range of activities.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state parks near Lincoln offer primitive camping only. "No hookups but have a dump station," mentions a Button Bay visitor noting the basic RV accommodations.
Size restrictions: Many Vermont campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. At Mount Philo, "because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs," cautions an experienced camper familiar with the terrain.
Private alternatives: Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday offers full-service sites within driving distance of Lincoln. "We stayed in a full hook-up site that was plenty long enough for our 45' RV and tow car," reports an RVer who found the facilities adequate for larger vehicles.
Navigational challenges: Forest roads can present difficulties. "Some roads are unpaved, unmarked with directional signs, very narrow, and tough to navigate," warns a Rogers Rock visitor detailing access issues at some sites.
