199 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The central Vermont region around Middlesex includes several diverse camping options ranging from established state park campgrounds to more remote boat-in sites. Little River State Park Campground, located near Waterbury, offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping accommodations on the shores of the Waterbury Reservoir. Approximately 15 miles northeast, Kettle Pond State Park provides a more secluded camping experience with tent and RV sites accessible by multiple methods including boat-in and hike-in options. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, situated about 20 miles north in Cambridge, features similar accommodation types in a mountain setting.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with some extending to Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend visits during peak summer months. Little River State Park and other developed campgrounds typically provide amenities such as drinking water, toilets, showers, and trash disposal, while more remote sites offer minimal facilities. Road access varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring navigation on smaller roads. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent within park boundaries. A review noted, "There's no cell service anywhere in the park."
Waterfront camping opportunities represent a significant draw to the Middlesex region, with several highly-rated sites situated along the Waterbury Reservoir. The reservoir supports multiple recreation activities including swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling. Campers particularly value the remote boat-in sites at Waterbury Reservoir, which provide a more secluded experience while maintaining basic amenities. According to a visitor, "These remote sites are so peaceful. The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand." Hiking trails throughout the area often connect to historical sites, with Little River State Park featuring trails to abandoned homesteads and a cemetery. Mountain biking trails are also available at some locations, providing additional recreation options for visitors seeking active pursuits during their camping stay.
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability"I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"
"They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"While we were next to the creek at site 12, it was blocked by brush and trees.
Check in was easy, and the staff were present enough in case you had questions or needed to buy firewood.""It’s centrally located to many wonderful sites around Stowe and Waterbury. Check-in was a breeze. We picked up our packet from the office mail box and headed to our site."
"It is not as remote as some other locations, mainly because you are in Waterbury, VT and Waterbury can be quite busy with visitors. "
"Also the spot where you set up tent at this site was on a slope, others sites might be better.. still 10/10 will return, these sites are all prime locations!"
from $24 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $49 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
"This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road. The lake is beautiful, clear and clean, and there is a beach with sand for swimming."
"The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing."
from $19 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year. 3 night get away with son, and first time on Kettle pond."
"Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest."
GuideIt’s a nice relatively small campground in a pretty setting. Sites are fairly close, and there’s definitely some longer tempura residents, but it’s well kept and seems like a nice place to stay.
ScoutWe stayed here because we wanted to spend a few days exploring the Adirondacks without moving the RV every night. It worked perfectly for that. We headed out early each morning, explored somewhere new, and had our camper waiting for us when we got back.
GuideGood size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
ScoutVery nice campground with great modern facilities. Many of the RV lots have nice views of Lake Champlain.
ScoutPeaceful, quiet, relaxing space. Super friendly staff.
TravelerWe just got home from our week at Fransted Family Campground and am already looking forward to returning next year. The location of the campground was perfect - especially for exploring the Franconia Notch region. There is a nice mix of RV and tent sites. The tent sites are well shaded and felt spaced out compared to other places I have camped. We had a site on the stream which was nice. Fell asleep each night listening to the water. I only used one of the bathhouses, but it was clean. Showers were clean (separate rooms). Customer service was off the charts. So friendly and helpful. There was a number we could call to get firewood if the store was closed and they were also so nice about it too. There is free WiFi, but it really only works up near the front office. But there is a beautiful pavilion with nice furniture to relax on if you needed to go and use WiFi (or just relax for that matter). We didn’t have kids with us, but there are a lot of lawn games, a playground, courts and field available. Overall, very quiet but Al family friendly. I will definitely be back.
ScoutLove it here, great for swimming, kayaking and camping with your family
ScoutSpent a night here. Sites are grass for most part and level. Plenty of room. We did the water and electric site.
ScoutThis is my first year seasonal at Magic Pines and my fiance and I love it. It's quiet, everyone is friendly, it's pet friendly and has a beautiful nature vibe to it.
Winter camping opportunities around Middlesex, Vermont remain available in select areas when many traditional campgrounds close. Smugglers Notch State Park offers winter access to lean-to sites during off-season months at no charge with advance reservation by phone. The region experiences average January temperatures of 10°F to 25°F, with snow typically covering the ground from December through March.
Mountain biking from camp: Little River State Park Campground connects to extensive trail networks suitable for riders of various skill levels. "We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children. This is a great park to just relax," notes Hannah H., highlighting how the campground serves as a perfect base for local adventures.
Paddle to remote sites: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites offers boat-in only camping for those seeking solitude. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27," recommends Julia S., who adds valuable access information.
Winter backcountry skiing: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides access to alpine terrain during winter months. "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," advises Ed M.
Glacial pond serenity: Kettle Pond State Park Campground features remote campsites accessible by boat or trail. "I scouted this area a couple of years ago and stayed in one of the lean-tos, this is a great area in the winter when no-one else is around," shares Miccal M., who appreciates the solitude during off-peak seasons.
Historical exploration: Little River State Park offers trails connecting to historical sites. "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M., describing family-friendly exploration opportunities.
Riverside primitive camping: Austin Brook provides no-fee dispersed camping alongside moving water. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" advises Thomas and James S., highlighting the importance of low-impact practices.
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal to no connectivity throughout the region's state parks. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," notes Michele S. about Ricker Pond State Park Campground.
Winter camping preparation: Off-season camping requires specific gear and experience. "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," warns Ed M. about winter stays.
Reservation policies vary: Some private campgrounds have strict cancellation rules. Gold Brook Campground requires payment in full at booking, with different refund policies based on when reservations were made.
Child-friendly activities: Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers gentle water activities suitable for all ages. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," shares Rita M.
Multi-use trail access: Several campgrounds connect to the Cross Vermont Trail system. "We took a half day bike trip on it one day to go to the town of Marshfield to visit Rainbow Sweets, home of some of the best French pastries in Vermont. We biked through marshland, seeing Great Blue Herons and other wildlife," reports a Kettle Pond visitor.
Weather preparation: Vermont weather changes quickly, especially in higher elevations. Pack layers and rain gear even during summer months when overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s.
Limited hookup availability: Most state parks offer primitive camping without utilities. Gold Brook Campground provides full hookup sites near Stowe. "Our site was level and extremely spacious, FHUs, and featuring a fire pit. There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites," reports Kara W.
Size restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns and limited turnaround spaces. "I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area," notes Tim M. about dispersed camping options at Austin Brook.
Off-season considerations: Most RV campgrounds close by mid-October and don't reopen until mid-May. Winter camping with RVs is extremely limited in the Middlesex area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Middlesex, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Middlesex, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 199 campgrounds and RV parks near Middlesex, VT and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Middlesex, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Middlesex, VT is Little River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Middlesex, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Middlesex, VT.
What parks are near Middlesex, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Middlesex, VT that allow camping, notably Union Village Dam and Green Mountain National Forest.
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