Campers near Morristown, Vermont can experience seasonal variations from mild 70°F summer days to cold winter nights with temperatures dropping below freezing. The region sits at elevations between 700-900 feet with surrounding mountains reaching over 4,000 feet. Autumn camping typically runs from September through mid-October when nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30s, requiring proper sleeping gear and layered clothing.
What to do
Explore mountain trails: Multiple hiking paths offer access to Vermont's highest peak at Mt. Mansfield. "The Green Mountains of Vermont are amazing all year. Check with the local ski resorts for summer activities like gondola rides. The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," notes a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Winter camping: For those equipped with proper gear, some locations offer off-season access. At Smugglers Notch, one camper shared their experience: "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. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed."
Water recreation: Lakes and ponds throughout the region provide swimming and boating opportunities. At Little River State Park Campground, "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children."
Local history exploration: Some parks contain historical artifacts on their trails. At Ricker Pond, "If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. 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," reports a visitor to Ricker Pond State Park Campground.
Access to multiple activities: The region offers diverse recreation within short distances. Little River State Park visitors appreciate the convenience: "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!"
Peaceful environment: Smaller, less-developed campgrounds offer tranquil glamping in Morristown region. At Singing Wood Farm, "If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you. It is a private landowners land, and she has up to 5-6 campers at any point in time. Sites are set up with picnic or other small tables, and randomly spread out across the field."
Boat-in access: Some parks feature water-accessible sites. At Ricker Pond State Park, campers note: "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."
What you should know
Off-season considerations: Winter glamping options around Morristown involve specific preparations. "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises a winter visitor to Smugglers Notch.
Bathroom facilities: Most state parks have basic but functional facilities. At Big Deer State Park Campground, "The bath house is centrally located to all sites and was adequate as it relates to cleanliness and accommodations. Despite their being a ton of signage regarding mask wearing in the bathrooms, there were very few heading the request."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" warns a Smugglers Notch camper.
Water quality concerns: Some lakes experience seasonal algae issues. At Lake Carmi State Park, a visitor noted "the lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Several parks have beach areas for children. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," shares a family that stayed at Lake Carmi State Park Campground.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play equipment for younger campers. Big Deer State Park offers "a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net."
Educational opportunities: Parks often feature ranger programs that engage children. At Smugglers Notch, reviewers highlight "exceptional" ranger programming alongside the natural attractions.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with small children, consider sites near facilities. Ricker Pond visitors suggest sites "just across from the bathrooms but down the hill enough to not be bothered by the comings and goings."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Singing Wood Farm, one RVer noted: "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer. While we were there, there were car campers, tent campers, and a class C rv, in addition to us in our travel trailer."
Limited hookups: Most state parks in the region lack full RV services. If you need hookups, consider North Beach Campground where "We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here. You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options."
Size restrictions: Many Vermont state parks cannot accommodate larger RVs. For big rigs, look at private campgrounds like Maple Grove, which offers "30 RV plus 11 tent sites right on Route 104 in Fairfax. RV sites are arranged around an oval. Pads are gravel. Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly."
Sanitary facilities: Dump stations are available at select locations but not all campgrounds. Little River State Park and North Beach Campground provide sanitary dump access for RVs.
