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Best Campgrounds near Montpelier, VT

838 Reviews

The terrain surrounding Montpelier, Vermont supports a diverse range of camping experiences within a short drive of the state capital. Little River State Park Campground and Ricker Pond State Park Campground offer developed camping areas with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins within 15-20 miles of downtown. Additional options extend through the Groton State Forest area, where camping areas like Kettle Pond and New Discovery State Park provide more secluded alternatives. Most campgrounds in this region are seasonal, typically operating from mid-May through mid-October, with many closing after Columbus Day weekend.

Most Vermont state parks near Montpelier require reservations, particularly during summer months and fall foliage season when visitation peaks. "This is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together," noted one visitor about camping in the region. While many campgrounds offer water access for swimming and boating, facilities vary significantly between locations. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the area, especially at more remote sites like Kettle Pond. Winter access is extremely limited, with most campgrounds and their access roads closing entirely during snow season. Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, though hookup availability is limited outside of private campgrounds like Lazy Lions and Onion River.

Lake access represents a significant draw for campers in the Montpelier region, with several camping areas situated on waterways like the Waterbury Reservoir, Groton Lake, and various ponds. A camper observed that Ricker Pond features "a beach with sand for swimming" and described the lake as "beautiful, clear and clean." The rail-trail system connecting various parts of the region provides additional recreational opportunities, with the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail accessible directly from some campgrounds. Many sites accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to partial-hookup RV spots. While some private campgrounds offer full amenities including electric, water, and sewer connections, state park facilities typically provide more basic services balanced with greater natural immersion.

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Best Camping Sites Near Montpelier, Vermont (211)

    1. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    13 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. Ricker Pond State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Groton, VT
    16 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."

    3. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    20 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"

    4. Kettle Pond State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Marshfield, VT
    13 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."

    5. Lazy Lions Campground

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

    $49 - $100 / night

    6. Gold Brook Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moscow, VT
    13 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."

    7. Onion River Campground

    6 Reviews
    Plainfield, VT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 426-3233

    $30 - $55 / night

    8. Brookside RV Camping (Electric hookup only)

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

    $24 / night

    9. Big Deer State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Peacham, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3822

    "Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer.

    For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy."

    "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them! Access to Boulder Beach is included, which is a short walk or drive down the road."

    10. New Discovery State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Marshfield, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 426-3042

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.

    Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at."

    " There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."

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Recent Camping Photos near Montpelier, VT

489 Photos of 211 Montpelier Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Montpelier, VT

838 Reviews of 211 Montpelier Campgrounds

Guide to Montpelier

Camping near Montpelier, 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 several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "The campground is only a short drive away from an endless amount of hiking options."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near water bodies. One visitor at Grand Isle State Park Campground noted, "Kayaking is wonderful and there was a boat launch right near our site."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A camper at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground shared, "I had a bear enter the site twice and a moose which was both terrifying and cool."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Quechee State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms (which have coin-operated showers) were immaculate and seem to be somewhat newer than the other state parks."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One reviewer at Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, wooded, and private."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A guest at Dry River Campground remarked, "Very nice and clean campground. Super helpful and friendly!"

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground noted, "The sites are all nice... but the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Hancock Campground mentioned, "There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full."
  • Reservation System: Some sites can be hard to book due to high demand. A reviewer at Dry River Campground expressed frustration, saying, "The nicest sites were reserved the entire time we were there and they were total no-shows."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Lost River Valley Campground enjoyed, "They also had a tinker bell walk and other activities."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy stay. A visitor at Hancock Campground suggested, "The sites are a little close together, and for winter there was a number of them being used."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to have easy meal options. A camper at Grand Isle State Park Campground mentioned, "The cleanliness of the facilities was excellent."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dry River Campground noted, "Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud."
  • Use Reservations Wisely: Book early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground advised, "Stay here at your own risk! There is literally no one in charge on site at anytime."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground mentioned, "No amenities, no Wi-Fi."

Camping near Montpelier, Vermont, offers a unique blend of nature and community. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV parks and facilities are available near Montpelier, Vermont?

Onion River Campground is a clean RV-friendly option close to Montpelier with water and electric hookups. Sites are arranged around a large field, providing easy access for vehicles of various sizes. Brookside RV Camping offers electric hookups and is another option for RV travelers in the region. For those willing to travel a bit further, Gold Brook Campground near Stowe accommodates big rigs and provides water and toilet facilities. Most state parks in the area including Big Deer and Stillwater State Parks have drive-in access but may have limited hookup availability, so it's advisable to check specific site details before booking.

What amenities does Meadowcrest Campground near Montpelier offer?

Meadowcrest Campground is not included in the available review data. However, other campgrounds in the area offer various amenities. Silver Lake Campground provides fairly private sites, a clean lake with a concrete dock, boat rentals, and nature tours led by state park staff. Mountain View Campground offers car-accessible tent sites along the Lamoille River, a well-stocked camp store, and two swimming pools. For specific information about Meadowcrest Campground's current amenities, it's best to contact them directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date details.

Where are the best campgrounds near Montpelier, VT?

Several excellent campgrounds are located near Montpelier. Stillwater State Park Campground is a fantastic option situated on Groton Lake with swimming areas, boat launches, and access to the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail. Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers beautiful lake views with clean, clear water for swimming and direct access to the Cross Vermont Trail. Other notable options include Kettle Pond State Park for a more secluded experience and New Discovery State Park with its family-friendly amenities. For those wanting the closest proximity to Montpelier itself, Onion River Campground provides basic accommodations with water and electric hookups just minutes from downtown.

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