Best Campgrounds near Middlesex, VT

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Middlesex, Vermont (192)

    1. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7103

    $19 - $28 / night

    "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."

    2. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-4014

    $20 / night

    "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"

    3. Gold Brook Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moscow, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-7683

    "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."

    4. Brookside RV Camping (Electric hookup only)

    2 Reviews
    Berlin, VT
    7 miles
    +1 (214) 789-3822

    $24 / night

    5. Lazy Lions Campground

    6 Reviews
    Graniteville, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 479-2823

    $49 - $100 / night

    6. Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park

    2 Reviews
    Bolton, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 879-6565

    $10 / night

    "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."

    7. Ricker Pond State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Groton, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3821

    $19 - $110 / night

    "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."

    8. Kettle Pond State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Marshfield, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 426-3042

    "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."

    9. Austin Brook

    6 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites — Waterbury Center State Park

    1 Review
    Waterbury Center, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 585-4855

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Middlesex, VT

718 Reviews of 192 Middlesex Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Brewster River Campground

    A regular

    Been coming here for a few years now and it’s my favorite place to go in Vermont so far.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Beach Campground

    Ok for the night

    It’s basically a public park with beach access. The views on the beach are absolutely beautiful. No frills sites.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • K
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    Hidden gem!

    Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained! Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents).

  • Jim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Happy Hill Maple Farms

    Offseason

    Quiet spot just off the Hwy. you can hear traffic but not many cars out this time of year(August). They had a fire pit and picnic table . No electricity so we used the generator. We the only one here so the noise should not bother anyone. Great pace for fall visits

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

  • E
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Indian Brook Reservoir

    Family of 4 tent camping

    I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over. Site was gorgeous and private, right on the reservoir. Really lovely setting!

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Oh My God. NO!

    Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct! Dan, one of the owners, said that somebody must have tried to hook a 50 amp into the 30 amp. box. He went about a half block to check breaker said that it was not flipped but it was wobbling pretty loose in there.

    My husband is a licensed electrician and of course had his own testing equipment. It showed 25 amp coming out of it. So he said move to spot 50. Well before we moved our vehicle, we went down there and checked it. He took off before we could. And guess what the exact same problem. We did not even hook into the second one. (#50)
    So he proceeded to tell us that it was our equipment that had gone bad. Even though we never plugged into spot 50!

    I had planned on one night thank God! He did refund our $52. we had to drive down the road and try to find someplace else at 7:00 in the evening. Another thank God, the Walmart about 10 or 15 miles down the road would allow overnight.

    So we are now on our way to our next location which is about a 7 hour drive. We are just hoping that they did not damage our equipment. It has been extremely stressful if you go there you better watch out!


Guide to Middlesex

Camping near Middlesex, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Moosalamoo Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We had a fabulous hike up the Moosalamoo trail and the weather was perfectly 'fall' like."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing waters at Button Bay State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The waterfront sites are fantastic, and the bathrooms are clean."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Ricker Pond State Park Campground for some fishing or a paddle. One reviewer shared, "Paddling out on the lake has to be the best way to enjoy this wonderful area."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground said, "Gorgeous Mountain View."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Little River State Park Campground mentioned, "The restroom is a bit dated but clean."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the welcoming vibe. One guest at North Beach Campground noted, "Very safe and super close to town."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A camper at North Beach Campground warned, "Seemed really popular and a little loud until around 11."
  • Privacy Concerns: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A visitor at Little River State Park Campground mentioned, "Only downside is a lack of privacy between spots."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Branbury State Park Campground pointed out, "No drinking water and no showers."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Button Bay State Park Campground has a swimming pool and playgrounds, making it a great choice.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Since some campgrounds can be noisy, consider bringing earplugs for light sleepers. A camper at North Beach Campground suggested, "If you’re a light sleeper then consider bringing some ear plugs."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games or sports equipment to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Moosalamoo Campground mentioned, "The surrounding forest is filled with lakes, hiking and mtn biking."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gold Brook Campground noted, "The plots are level, grassy, and seemingly well maintained."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground appreciated, "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP)."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Gold Brook Campground mentioned, "This place gets busy on the weekend."

Camping near Middlesex, Vermont, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Middlesex, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Middlesex, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 192 campgrounds and RV parks near Middlesex, VT and 14 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 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Middlesex, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 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.