Montpelier's RV campgrounds sit in the Green Mountains at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet, where summer daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with cooler evenings in the 50s. Most campgrounds in this region are built on rolling terrain with a mix of open meadows and wooded sites, requiring leveling blocks even on designated pads. Cell service coverage remains variable throughout the area due to mountain topography.
What to do
Hike historic trails: Little River State Park Campground features several trails leading to abandoned homesteads. "I've stayed here a couple of times and both times had a blast. Some of the best sites are up on a bluff with views over the lake and towards sunrise," notes one visitor who appreciated the historical hiking opportunities.
Enjoy water activities: Waterbury Reservoir at Little River State Park offers kayak rentals and paddle-only camping sites. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," shares a camper who enjoyed the waterfront options.
Visit local attractions: Lazy Lions Campground provides easy access to regional tourism spots. "We stayed here 2 nights. Wanted to see the sights like Green Mountain Coffee, Ben and Jerry's and Trapp Family Lodge," writes a visitor who used the campground as a base for exploring local attractions within a 20-30 minute drive.
What campers like
Family-friendly facilities: Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground offers extensive recreation options. "This campground has everything! Horse carriage rides, paved roads, 2 pools, playgrounds, mini golf, fireworks," shares one family who enjoyed the amenities. Another camper mentioned, "We had a amazing time! Dog friendly, mini golf, heated pool, two playgrounds, and crafts and fun things for the kids!"
Quiet retreats: Cannon Mountain RV Park provides a peaceful setting with just seven sites. "This is one of our favorite trips every year! The campground is small, only 7 sites, but located at the base of Cannon mountain nestled next to Echo lake it's simply breathtaking," notes a reviewer who values the tranquil environment.
Convenience to towns: Campgrounds near Montpelier offer access to larger communities. "Very nice campground convenient to Smugglers Notch and Stowe," writes a visitor to Smugglers Notch RV Village who appreciated the proximity to popular Vermont destinations.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Montpelier have limited operating seasons. Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground runs from May 1 to October 31, while Little River State Park closes October 22.
Site variability: Campground terrain varies significantly across the region. "Sites are good size and come with full hookups. They also have great WIFI," notes a visitor to Smugglers Notch RV Village, while a Lazy Lions Campground reviewer mentioned their "site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring."
Reservation requirements: Some smaller campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Brookside RV Camping has only two sites, making advance planning critical. "This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night. Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road," notes a visitor who managed to secure a spot.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational activities: Sugar Ridge RV Village offers organized events for children. "Kids love to play here and mini golf on site makes it even better," shares a camper who appreciated the structured activities. Another mentioned "crafts and fun things for the kids" among the family-friendly amenities.
Beach access: Little River State Park features water recreation areas suitable for children. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," noted a family who enjoyed the swimming options.
Age restrictions: Not all campgrounds welcome children. Lazy Lions Campground has an adults-only policy that appeals to some campers. "Having spent time in plenty of campgrounds with screaming or unwinded children, I could see this as a positive draw for the RV'ing crowd," explains a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Some campgrounds have specific size constraints. At Cannon Mountain RV Park, "The sites are narrow, a little bigger than a parking space, especially because of the trees in between the sites," notes an RVer who needed to plan carefully for slide-outs.
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds vary in quality. One Onion River Campground visitor reported: "Lovely river running through the property but you need to go over a bridge in order to get to the campground which is ridiculously narrow and there are terrible potholes. Our 42 foot fifth wheel barely made it in."
Utility reliability: Power supply can be inconsistent at some locations. A Lazy Lions camper noted "The FHUs were in good order. Slightly low water pressure," while others reported similar minor utility issues at rv campgrounds around Montpelier, Vermont.