Best Campgrounds near Lowell, VT

Camping options near Lowell, Vermont include state parks and private campgrounds within the Northeast Kingdom region, which ranges in elevation from 500 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences temperature extremes across seasons, with summer highs averaging 70-80°F and winter lows frequently dropping below 0°F. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, closing during the cold Vermont winters when snowfall can exceed 100 inches annually.

What to do

Hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to hiking opportunities. At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes from Lowell, "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," according to one visitor. The park features access to Mount Mansfield trail system.

Paddling opportunities: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground offers a unique boat-in camping experience. "It's a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife. The reservoir is 653 acres with 19 miles of shoreline," notes one camper. Sites require a paddle of up to 2 miles from the boat launch.

Mountain biking: White Caps Campground serves as a "Good launching area for MTB" according to reviewers. Its location provides access to the renowned Kingdom Trails network, making it a convenient base for bikers exploring the region's extensive trail system.

What campers like

Secluded campsites: For those seeking privacy, Green River Reservoir stands out. "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," writes one camper. The park maintains 27 remote sites accessible only by boat.

Stargazing: Clear night skies reward campers at Elmore State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Because our lean-to was in a meadow with no tree coverage, we were treated to the most awesome night sky we've ever seen at a Vermont state park. It was mesmerizing!" The park's distance from major light pollution sources enhances astronomical viewing.

Lake swimming: Lake Carmi State Park Campground provides waterfront access for cooling off. Though the park has limitations, campers appreciate that "It was very clean and pleasant. Water was great in the early summer when we went, loved it for kayaking."

What you should know

Electrical limitations: Some campgrounds have power constraints during peak usage. At Mountain View Campground, one visitor noted, "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues." However, at White Caps Campground, a camper reported, "It was a 110 conversion electric not 30 amp. No dump site on property."

Off-season opportunities: Winter camping is available at some locations. One visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground shared, "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."

Space considerations: Site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds. At Tree Corners Family Campground, a camper observed, "Massive campground made mostly for those with kids. They have two separate pools and hot tubs for kids and adults." Meanwhile, another campground was described as having sites "so close to each other that I could hear my neighbor flush their toilet from inside my RV."

Tips for camping with families

Amenities for children: Tree Corners Family Campground offers extensive recreational facilities. "They have two separate pools and hot tubs for kids and adults. Tons of other activities for kids - splash pad, water slides, playground, basketball court, etc.," reports one visitor. The campground prioritizes family-friendly features.

Swimming access: Prouty Beach Campground provides a beach on Lake Memphremagog. A camper mentioned, "The park covers 35 acres with 75 campsites and many amenities that you would expect in a public park like tennis courts, playground, disc golf course, basketball court, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, walking paths, and bike and boat rentals."

Educational programs: Several state parks offer ranger programming. As one visitor noted about the region, "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: When choosing a campsite near Lowell, RVers should consider size constraints. At Mountain View Campground, "Our site (#103) was long enough to fit our rig but we had to squeeze the car in front. The site was level and all the hookups were well-placed and worked fine." The campground has no pull-through sites, requiring unhooking regardless of stay duration.

Cellular connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. One camper at Tree Corners Family Campground noted, "Campground has no cell service and you have to pay for WiFi which is less than ideal." Similarly, at another nearby campground, a visitor reported "Absolutely no internet or phone service in the campground, WiFi worked only if you went up to the office."