RV campgrounds near Lincoln, Vermont range from state parks to private resorts nestled in the Green Mountains. The area's elevations, typically between 1,300-1,700 feet, create cooler evening temperatures even in summer months, often dropping 15-20 degrees from daytime highs. Most campgrounds in the region close from late October through April due to snow accumulation that can exceed 80 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking trails accessible from camp: Branbury State Park Campground offers nearby hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "A five minute hike- though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike- from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole."
Fall foliage viewing: Late September through mid-October offers peak leaf-peeping opportunities. At Smugglers Notch RV Village, one visitor shared their experience: "At the peak of foliage was our last trip last year. Imagine the Mountain as your Canvas and the campground as your color palette."
Swimming in Lake Dunmore: During summer months, Branbury State Park features a designated swimming beach. According to a camper, "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. At Branbury State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they arent super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are."
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds feature sites along waterways. A visitor at Brookside RV Camping mentioned, "This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night."
On-site activities: Family-friendly amenities keep children entertained. At Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground, campers enjoy "mini golf, heated pool, two playgrounds, and crafts and fun things for the kids!"
What you should know
Bear awareness required: Wildlife precautions are essential in Vermont campgrounds. A Branbury visitor warned, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!"
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. A camper at Brookwood RV Resort reported, "We got crappy cell service, and the camp wifi was spotty- but hey, we were camping, right?"
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly in spring and fall. A Sugar Ridge RV Village camper noted that sites are "on rolling hills" which can help with drainage during wet periods.
Tips for camping with families
Rental equipment available: Some parks offer water recreation equipment. At Branbury State Park, "Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals" are available during the summer season.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, families appreciate that "The kids loved the gem mining and train rides!!"
Nature education: Some parks offer educational programs. Branbury State Park includes "a nature center with all kinds of information and activities" that helps children learn about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs equally. At Sugar Ridge RV Village, one camper advised, "Site map is oriented upside down and would be helpful if corrected and updated. Our site looked angled on map so thinking it would be easier to approach from a certain direction to back in, drove in as I needed but found site was perpendicular to road."
Power considerations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. A Sugar Ridge visitor noted, "Family staying next to us found their site had 50 amp service not the expected 30 amp and they needed to borrow an adapter cord."
Winter closures: Nearly all rv campgrounds near Lincoln, Vermont operate seasonally. Most facilities like Smugglers Notch RV Village close between late October and early May when access becomes difficult due to snow and freezing temperatures.
