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Best Campgrounds near Montgomery Center, VT

427 Reviews

The region surrounding Montgomery Center, Vermont encompasses diverse camping experiences at developed sites including Smugglers Notch State Park and Lake Carmi State Park. These established campgrounds provide amenities for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin accommodations. Both parks feature fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, while maintaining wooded settings characteristic of Vermont's landscape. Lake Carmi offers waterfront camping with swimming access, and Smugglers Notch provides more secluded sites nestled in mountain terrain. Mixed-use campgrounds like Mountain View Campground in nearby Morrisville accommodate tents, RVs, and cabin stays with additional amenities such as electric hookups and shower facilities.

Seasonal operations significantly influence camping availability in this northern Vermont region. Most developed campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, with Smugglers Notch State Park running from May 19 to October 15 and Lake Carmi State Park available from May 19 to October 9. Winter conditions close most facilities, though some private campgrounds may remain accessible for cold-weather camping. Advance reservations are recommended during peak summer and fall foliage periods when demand increases substantially. Cell service varies throughout the area with stronger signals near towns but limited coverage in more remote camping locations. A visitor noted, "Smugglers Notch State Park has about 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to's well dispersed throughout the grounds...all were fully shaded and extremely private."

Water access represents a valued feature at several campgrounds in the region. Lake Carmi State Park provides direct lake access with boat-in camping options, while other sites like Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape offer more primitive tent-only accommodations near water features. Mountain View Campground provides sites near the Lamoille River. Campers frequently mention the area's natural beauty and privacy as standout attributes, though some note proximity to highways can occasionally affect noise levels. A review from a camper at Mountain View Campground mentioned it as a "Nice family campground nestled in between route 15 and the Lamoille River. Great car accessible tent sites right on the water and plenty of amenities that the kids will love." Public lands throughout the region complement these developed options with more rustic camping experiences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Montgomery Center, Vermont (101)

    1. Lake Carmi State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Franklin, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 933-8383

    $29 / night

    "Our first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. And while there are many nice campsites to visit in Quebec... we've done them all, within a 2-hour radius. Well, guess what?"

    "Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees. 

    Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower."

    2. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    26 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. Eden Rec Area Camping

    1 Review
    Eden Mills, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 635-7725

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Camper.on the beach on a friends property on the lake, canoed and enjoyed the area. There are campgrounds on or near the lake as well. It was a very peaceful retreat."

    4. Prouty Beach Campground

    6 Reviews
    Newport, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 334-7951

    $33 - $75 / night

    "We stayed at T4, a site w electric right on the lake."

    "There is a very nice bike trail that runs through the campground, to the city of Newport on one side and to Canada on the other!"

    5. Tree Corners Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Orleans, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 754-6042

    $42 - $100 / night

    "Great place to go if you’re looking to go trail riding- trail is right across from the campground alongside the corn field."

    6. Mill Pond

    1 Review
    Franklin, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 285-2240

    "We reserved on line a month before as we were pulling a motorcycle behind our RV. Total distance of 38 feet. Site accommodated us nicely."

    7. Mountain View Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake Elmore, VT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-2178

    "It can get a bit noisy due to the proximity to the highway, but it's still a good option for car camping in this part of Vermont."

    "Nice grass site with a large field behind, and Just a short walk to the river. Clean facilities and proximity for exploring Stowe and surrounding areas. Would love to camp here again."

    8. Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven

    2 Reviews
    Jeffersonville, VT
    17 miles
    +1 (802) 923-6698

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Many amenities such as wood, water and outhouse nearby. Very nice experience."

    9. Green River Reservoir State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hyde Park, VT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-1349

    $20 - $50 / night

    "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."

    "Each campsite includes a fire pit and access to an outhouse. Usually the outhouse is shared between 2 to 3 campsites, but there is plenty of space between each site."

    10. Elmore State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake Elmore, VT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-2982

    $19 - $28 / night

    "Our lean-to, Hickory is situated in a lovely meadow, but quite close to other campers and a view that overlooks the campground road. There is very little shade and no privacy."

    "Great hiking trails from easy to difficult. Early and late seasons are quiet. It's quite busy during the summer months as the lake is great for families and swimming."

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Recent Camping Photos near Montgomery Center, VT

178 Photos of 101 Montgomery Center Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Montgomery Center, VT

427 Reviews of 101 Montgomery Center Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Meadowcrest Campground

    Meadowcrest

    Very nice place . Quiet the staff are very kind people . It was hard to book over phone but messages worked well . I was tent camping on the river . Very private

  • Matilda A.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Maidstone State Park — Maidstone State Forest

    QUERRS AND DISABLED AVOID!!!

    AVOID MAIDSTONE STATE PARK

    Being thrown out of Maidstone because Tom thinks he can make up the ADA, threatened to call the police over nothing and threw us out.

    We have been in the state parks this summer since the 9th of may missed 7 days and us and our dogs have had zero issues until Maidstone

    Great a transphobic park manager targeted us over service dogs and harassed a teenager who has major medical issues, purposely not going to the sight leader and harassing a disabled teenager when isolated from the rest of our site.

    Maybe I’ll post the videos here, it’s unhinged.

    Our lives are worth so much more then some unhinged manager trying to make up his own version of the ADA

    Throw on transphobia was the motivation, awards Maidstone as the worst state park in the system so far.

    My ex wife’s 3 sisters all worked for him at basin harbor club in there younger years and he was unhinged and problematic then, I remember how elated they were to see him move on to the state parks and out of the community.

    Maidstone state park horrific transphobic and disability based discrimination was the most surprising, according to Maidstone one of our service dogs is not allowed in the state parks system. Yet Kathy up in the Ilands who runs that campground with an iron fist didn’t have any problems in the 46 days I spent there to open the season………

    The documentation I have is shocking, way yo cut our time short by 2 weeks and have to panic pack and flee

    

    0 stars

    It’s also alarming how the manager and the staff are excited attendance it’s down 30%, 3 of the 5 employees stating they don’t want it busy and the collective goal of the campground was low attendance for less work.

    What a disgusting audited to have. I’m way over qualified to run Maidstone state park, 1/3 of side A is closed, soon side B as soon as that bath house gives out.

    It’s a small place, it should be packed with Vermonters, as a businesswoman it would be ridiculously easy to pack that campground week in and week out, quickly justifying new facilities and oping back up the loop

    2 years at the helm, I’d be planing a summer of renovations at Maidstone

    Instead it’s going to fizzle and fail under its current management.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Moose River Campground

    Right on the Moose River

    Clean park on the river. The WiFi is weak and inside the park is little to no service.

  • J
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Grand Isle State Park Campground

    Great family friendly park

    What a lovely state park! We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional. Showers are coin operated. It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs. The only small drawback is that the water front sites are overgrown with trees on the other side of a fence. You could see the water in some parts but not all of the site. Overall- a great place!

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Little River State Park Campground

    Tranquil

    Stopped by midweek without reservation after vehicle issues forced a stop by the nearby shops in Barre/Berlin. Very peaceful with ample hammock spots. They sell wood stacked in cribs, wish I'd planned for that as I ended up using my only towel to haul it. Good price on the wood, though.

    I'd come back here if it were just to quietly meditate or read or something, but don't know if there's much to do. I didn't experience the same issues others did with bathroom as some other reviews and surprised to learn there are campers who require a full kitchen sink- I just use a couple of rags.

    Bottom line, a lovely but unmemorable stay.

Guide to Montgomery Center

Camping options near Montgomery Center, Vermont range from primitive backcountry sites to family-friendly campgrounds with amenities. The area sits within Vermont's Green Mountains at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations. Fall camping temperatures can drop into the 20s overnight, requiring proper cold-weather gear even during summer months.

What to do

Hiking to fire towers: Elmore State Park Campground offers direct access to mountain trails with observation points. One camper noted, "There is a fire tower you can hike at the top which provides beautiful views."

Water recreation options: Lake Carmi State Park Campground provides multiple water activities despite seasonal conditions. A visitor shared: "There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat."

Winter camping opportunities: Experienced winter campers can access some sites year-round. A visitor to Smugglers Notch mentioned: "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."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campsites near Montgomery Center offer secluded camping spaces. A reviewer at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground shared: "Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping."

Off-grid experiences: Smaller, private campgrounds provide more rustic options. A camper at Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape commented: "Most quiet and peaceful place for camping... Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night."

Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. One Elmore State Park visitor explained: "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."

What you should know

Seasonal water conditions: Lake water quality varies throughout the season. A Lake Carmi camper observed: "Although swimming is allowed, the 'beaches' are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming."

Limited cell service: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the region. One visitor noted: "Beautiful setting on a lake nice sites, many with lean tos. The only major drawback is lack of cell service & power."

Shower facilities vary widely: From coin-operated to no facilities at all. A Lake Carmi reviewer stated: "The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I've experienced in quite some time."

Reservation requirements: Green River Reservoir State Park requires advance planning, as one visitor mentioned: "The earlier in the year you reserve, the more choices you will have. Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times."

Tips for camping with families

Access to local stores: Some campgrounds have nearby resources for supplies. An Elmore camper shared: "The Elmore Store just down the road has everything you need including AMAZING pizza (Fire Tower) and a great deli."

Dedicated family amenities: Mountain View Campground offers specific family-friendly features. A visitor described: "There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground."

Age-appropriate water access: Some locations separate swimming areas by age. A Tree Corners Family Campground visitor mentioned: "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."

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions and access: Many campsites have limited space for larger vehicles. At Lake Carmi, a reviewer noted: "You can fill up the camper with water on the way in but no sites have any hookups. And there are few that are big enough for large RVs."

Hookup availability: Mountain View Campground offers full-service sites. A camper reported: "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues."

Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. A Mill Pond camper shared: "We reserved on line a month before as we were pulling a motorcycle behind our RV. Total distance of 38 feet. Site accommodated us nicely."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Montgomery Center, Vermont located?

Montgomery Center is located in northern Vermont's Franklin County, nestled in the western foothills of the Green Mountains. It sits approximately 12 miles south of the Canadian border and about 50 miles northeast of Burlington. The village is positioned along Vermont Route 118, with the Trout River flowing through its heart. Montgomery Center is near Lake Carmi State Park Campground and is part of the larger Montgomery township. The area is known for its proximity to Jay Peak Resort (about 10 minutes east) and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region.

What outdoor activities are available near Montgomery Center, VT?

Montgomery Center offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Enjoy hiking and mountain biking on numerous trails including access to the nearby Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. The area is known for excellent skiing at Jay Peak in winter. Water enthusiasts can take advantage of kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the Trout River and nearby Lamoille River at Mountain View Campground. In summer, swimming holes dot the local rivers. For nature lovers, Little River State Park Campground provides access to boating on Waterbury Reservoir and serves as an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities.

What are the best camping options in Montgomery Center, Vermont?

Montgomery Center offers several excellent camping options. Art and Health Chill Camping provides a unique experience on private land with multiple accommodation options including cabins, hives, and open spaces for RVs and tents on 8 acres of beautiful property. For water lovers, Stillwater State Park Campground is a fantastic option with lakeside campsites, swimming areas, and boat launches. It also provides access to the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail. Nearby, Green River Reservoir State Park Campground offers a more remote experience with boat-in only sites, providing a peaceful, less crowded camping experience in Vermont's beautiful natural landscape.

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