Recreational vehicle camping near Montgomery Center, Vermont offers travelers access to the Green Mountain National Forest and panoramic vistas of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,395 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests and numerous lakes attract campers seeking outdoor recreation opportunities from May through October, when average daytime temperatures range from 65°F to 75°F during peak summer months.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: At Apple Island Resort, campers can launch watercraft at the marina across from the campground. "We launched our paddleboard and kayak there but it was pretty mucky getting in and out of our boats. We were allowed to leave our kayak locked on a rack at the marina so we didn't have to take it back to our campsite every day," reports one visitor.
Explore local agriculture: The rural countryside around Montgomery Center features multiple farmers markets and farm stands. "Visit Arbor Farm Market down the road!" suggests a visitor to Apple Island Resort. Another camper at Alburg RV Resort mentions, "There was a farm stand on the main road we got the best lettuce, strawberries and cilantro from the stand."
Mini golf and recreational activities: Several campgrounds offer on-site recreational options for days when you want to stay close to camp. At Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground, "Kids love to play here and mini golf on site makes it even better," according to one visitor. The campground also features "horse carriage rides, paved roads, 2 pools, playgrounds."
What campers like
Heated pools: Swimming facilities rank high among camper preferences during summer months. "Kids were happy with the heated pool, horse rides, and other activities," notes a Sugar Ridge visitor. Another camper at Lone Pine Campsites appreciates that the park offers "multiple pools, activity center, playgrounds, ball courts."
Local food options: Campgrounds in the region often have on-site stores with local products. "There is a small store onsite and they sell some groceries, wood & ice there too. Devyn's Creemee Stand is close we got ice cream, farm fresh eggs and Maple syrup from there," mentions an Alburg RV Resort camper.
Spacious sites: Many campers value the generous site sizing at campgrounds near Montgomery Center. At Lone Pine Campsites, one visitor raves, "The sites are absolutely the biggest I've ever seen. The kids have a soccer field out in front of us to play in."
What you should know
Site map accuracy: Some campgrounds have outdated or incorrectly oriented site maps. A Sugar Ridge camper advises, "Site map is oriented upside down and would be helpful if corrected and updated. Our site looked angled on map so thinking it would be easier to approach from a certain direction to back in, drove in as I needed but found site was perpendicular to road."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from early May through mid-to-late October, closing for winter. Apple Island Resort runs from "May 1 to Oct 20," while Lone Pine Campsites operates "May 1 to Oct 15." Some facilities like Iroquois Campground & RV Park end their season earlier, operating "May 1 to Oct 1."
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. A Lone Pine visitor notes, "There is noise from the highway but it eventually became white noise to us," while another reports, "The campground is close to the highway but we never noticed the road noise."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When traveling with young children, consider requesting sites near play areas. One visitor to Lone Pine Campsites shares, "We had one right next to the playground so our daughter could walk straight to it without having to cross a road. And speaking of playground, it was large and very nice."
Budget for activities: Many campgrounds charge for optional recreational amenities. A visitor to Smugglers Notch RV Village notes its "beautiful well kept bath house and a small but well stocked store." This location is "very close to Smuggs and only a short but beautiful ride to Stowe," offering access to additional paid attractions.
Weekend vs weekday stays: Campground atmosphere changes significantly between weekdays and weekends. One Lone Pine camper observes, "Weekdays in prime season are quiet, weekends are packed." For families seeking a calmer experience, midweek stays may be preferable, especially during July and August when occupancy rates peak.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Electric service varies between campgrounds and even between sites. A Sugar Ridge camper reports, "Family staying next to us found their site had 50 amp service not the expected 30 amp and they needed to borrow an adapter cord." Always pack appropriate adapters or confirm exact hookup specifications when booking.
Cell service quality: Mobile connectivity varies throughout the region. A Sugar Ridge visitor mentions, "Decent cell phone signal (Verizon)," while at Smugglers Notch RV Village, campers appreciate that "They also have great WIFI."
Sewer connection positioning: Some RV sites have unusually positioned sewer connections. An Apple Island Resort camper notes, "The sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.'" Bringing extension hoses and adaptable sewer equipment helps address these site-specific challenges.
