The camping areas around Monkton, Vermont provide access to both developed and primitive campsites within Vermont's picturesque landscapes. Mount Philo State Park Campground, located about 8 miles west of Monkton in Charlotte, offers tent camping and lean-to sites with views overlooking Lake Champlain. Green Mountain Family Campground provides tent and RV camping options with electric hookups, while several areas in the Green Mountain National Forest offer dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more remote experiences.
Seasonal operations heavily impact camping availability throughout the region. Most developed campgrounds operate from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, closing during winter months. "The sites are very private and shaded, and it's close proximity to Burlington makes it a good choice for travelers," noted one visitor about Mount Philo State Park. Temperatures in the area can vary significantly by elevation, with cooler conditions persisting at higher elevations even during summer months. Access roads to dispersed camping areas like Lincoln Dispersed Camping may require vehicles with higher clearance, particularly after rain when forest roads develop large puddles. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Campers consistently highlight the privacy and natural setting of sites in the region. Several visitors mentioned the smaller size of campgrounds like Mount Philo as a positive feature, with one noting it has "just 10 campsites (7 tent sites and 3 lean-tos)" which creates a more secluded camping experience. The campgrounds in this region typically feature wooded sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary widely. Lincoln Dispersed Camping receives positive reviews for its seclusion and proximity to water sources, though visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities. Mixed-use campgrounds like Shelburne Camping Area remain open year-round and provide more amenities including showers and electric hookups, making them suitable for both tent and RV camping, though several reviewers note they lack the natural solitude of more remote locations.
$23 / night
"the best part is every night its 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"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
$37 - $100 / night
"We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
"The first is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy."
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
$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."
"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."
$15 / night
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site."
$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"
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
ScoutSame name and google search, but new owner since 2024. We just wrapped up a stay at this campground and I can honestly say… we’ll be back.🙌 From the moment we arrived, you could feel the pride the owner has poured into this place. The new power and water hookups are a huge upgrade, and it’s exciting to see the vision for future expansion already coming to life. Everything about our stay felt easy, welcoming, and most importantly—safe. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly relax, enjoy your time, and feel right at home. Clean, well cared for, and clearly built with heart. Can’t wait to come back and see how it continues to grow.🌲✨
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
RangerWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
Camping spots near Monkton, Vermont range from primitive forest sites to developed campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. The region lies within the Champlain Valley at approximately 400 feet elevation, with surrounding mountains reaching 2,000+ feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall can drop to near freezing at night, especially at higher elevations.
Kayaking at North Beach Campground: Access Lake Champlain directly from shore with rental equipment available. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain. Take your kayaks paddle boards or whatever you have and enjoy the lake," notes one visitor to North Beach Campground.
Hiking historical trails: Explore abandoned settlement ruins at Little River State Park, located 40 minutes from Monkton. "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," reports a camper at Little River State Park Campground.
Sunset viewing: Mount Philo offers exceptional evening light shows over the Adirondacks. A camper explains, "Every night it's 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, it's quite an amazing site."
Privacy between sites: Moosalamoo Campground offers exceptional spacing between campsites. "The campsites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful," writes one visitor to Moosalamoo Campground.
Year-round availability: Unlike most regional campgrounds, Shelburne Camping Area operates throughout winter. "Camped here for the Burlington Questival. Perfect place to hang out with friends and be outdoors. Love that it's open year round!" shares a camper at Shelburne Camping Area.
Waterfront sites: Button Bay State Park offers prime lakeside camping spots. "The waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake. Bathrooms are clean, facilities are great. Easy access to the lake," notes a reviewer.
Seasonal shower operations: Many campgrounds close bathroom facilities after mid-October. "Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc.," explains a visitor to Mount Philo State Park.
Challenging forest roads: Access to dispersed camping requires careful vehicle consideration. A camper at Lincoln Dispersed Camping reports, "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it fills up quickly!" warns a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park. Sites are typically bookable 11 months in advance through Vermont State Parks' reservation system or recreation.gov for national forest campgrounds.
Swimming options: Button Bay offers both lake and pool swimming options. "There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails," explains a reviewer at Button Bay State Park Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," notes a family with five children who visited Little River State Park.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs enhance kids' camping experiences. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," mentions a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. A visitor to Mount Philo State Park Campground advises, "Because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs."
Full hookup availability: Limited campgrounds offer complete RV services. "We didn't advance book, so we were in one of the last available spots. Site 2 is a flat, gravel back in, 30 amp, full hookup," explains an RV camper at Shelburne Camping Area.
Dump station locations: Know where to service your RV tanks. North Beach Campground offers a sanitary dump station, while one visitor notes, "No hookups but have a dump station" at Button Bay State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Monkton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Monkton, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 199 campgrounds and RV parks near Monkton, VT and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Monkton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monkton, VT is Mount Philo State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monkton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Monkton, VT.
What parks are near Monkton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Monkton, VT that allow camping, notably Green Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.
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