Camping sites near Morristown, Vermont range from primitive backcountry experiences to family-friendly locations with modern amenities. The region sits in the northern Green Mountains at elevations between 700-4,400 feet, creating notable temperature variations where nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in July and August. Winter camping opportunities exist at select locations like Smugglers Notch State Park, where off-season sites are available for experienced winter campers.
What to do
Hiking from your site: Several campgrounds provide direct trail access without driving. At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, campsites connect to Mount Mansfield's trail system. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes Ben C. The park offers multiple access points to Vermont's highest mountain.
Water sports: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground provides remote paddle-in sites on a 653-acre reservoir with 19 miles of shoreline. Sites require paddling distances up to 2 miles from the boat launch. As one visitor described, "It's a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife." The reservoir allows only non-motorized watercraft.
Winter recreation: Several campgrounds remain accessible in winter for experienced campers. As Ed M. reports about Smugglers Notch, "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... Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing."
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Underhill State Park Campground offers walk-in sites that create a backcountry feel while keeping amenities accessible. "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff," shares Ali T.
River access: Numerous camping areas near Morristown feature riverside sites. At Brewster River Campground, campers appreciate falling asleep to natural sounds. "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night," writes K.M. Their lean-to options sit directly on the river with three walls and netting on the fourth.
Night sky viewing: Without significant light pollution, the area provides excellent stargazing opportunities. The open meadows at some campgrounds enhance this experience. At Singing Wood Farm, sites spread across an open field offering unobstructed views. Underhill State Park campers report exceptional night skies: "We were treated to the most awesome night sky we've ever seen at a Vermont state park. It was mesmerizing!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons. Little River State Park Campground fills quickly on weekends. The remote paddle-in sites at Green River Reservoir book early, particularly for summer weekends. One camper advises, "The earlier in the year you reserve, the more choices you will have."
Site levelness challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain that can challenge RV and trailer campers. At Singing Wood Farm, "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer." Similar challenges exist at other campgrounds in the mountainous terrain.
Seasonal operating dates: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, though exact dates vary. Little River State Park remains open from "May 19 to October 22," while Elmore State Park operates from "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend." A few campgrounds like Smugglers Notch offer limited winter access without services.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Elmore State Park Campground features a sandy beach on Lake Elmore that families consistently rate highly. "The sandy beach on Lake Elmore and the hiking trail up to the top of Elmore Mountain" make it particularly suited for family activities, according to one camper. Little River State Park also offers swimming areas, though campers note "the beaches are very small and full of children."
Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer play structures for children. Little River State Park includes "a small playground" that families appreciate. Mountain View Campground provides additional family amenities including a swimming pool and organized activities during summer months.
Ranger programs: State parks in the region offer educational programming. Smugglers Notch State Park received specific praise: "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," reports Harry H. These programs typically run from late June through August.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Full-service RV sites are available at Mountain View Campground, which offers "full hookup RV sites" with 50-amp service. Most state parks provide no hookups or limited services. Gold Brook Campground offers electrical connections but not full hookups at most sites.
Campsite privacy considerations: RV campers note varying levels of privacy between campgrounds. Mountain View Campground has closely spaced sites. "When we first pulled into this campground and saw how close our site was to our neighbors, we were a little dismayed," reports one RVer, though they ultimately enjoyed their stay. State parks generally offer more separation between sites.
Cell service and connectivity: Wi-Fi availability varies significantly. Gold Brook Campground provides reliable internet access: "Wifi was great over the week (was able to work without a problem), but collapsed when more people showed up on Friday." Cell service can be spotty in mountainous areas, particularly at more remote campgrounds.
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