106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $29 / 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"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Great place to go if you’re looking to go trail riding- trail is right across from the campground alongside the corn field."
from $42 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $33 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Many amenities such as wood, water and outhouse nearby. Very nice experience."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $19 - $28 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe chose Kings Bay because we wanted to spend most of our trip outdoors and close to Lake Champlain. One afternoon we borrowed a paddleboat and just cruised around for a while with no real destination. Came back, made dinner at the camper, and called it a day. Hard to complain about that kind of vacation.
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.
ScoutKings Bay has such an easygoing feel. Friendly people, beautiful surroundings, and a nice place to enjoy a few quiet days.
ScoutReally peaceful spot with a great view of the lake. We spent most of our time outside and had a very relaxing stay.
ScoutKings Bay has become our favorite place to spend the warmer months. We enjoy the quiet mornings, casual afternoons, and evenings outside when the campground starts to settle down.
ScoutOne of the things we enjoy most about Kings Bay is how easy it is for different generations of our family to enjoy the same trip. The kids can stay active and explore, while the adults have plenty of time to sit outside, talk, and relax. We have celebrated birthdays and family get-togethers here, and it has become a place that everyone looks forward to visiting. There is something special about having a familiar campground where so many memories have been made.
ScoutVery nice campground with great modern facilities. Many of the RV lots have nice views of Lake Champlain.
ScoutOur family brought our camper to Kings Bay for the whole summer, and it has been a great place for us. The kids always have something to do, whether they are near the water, riding around the campground, or spending time with the friends they’ve made here.
ScoutKeeping our camper at Kings Bay for the season has made summer weekends so much easier. We can come up whenever we have a few free days without worrying about towing the RV, finding a new site, or packing everything each time. The lake is obviously the biggest highlight for us. We love having easy access to the water, and the campground is peaceful without feeling isolated. The recreation hall is also nice to have when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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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