Morristown camping options span the northern Vermont region where the Green Mountains meet the Lamoille River Valley at around 732 feet of elevation. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with average summer temperatures reaching 78°F and winter lows dropping to 10°F. Camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most campsites requiring advance reservations during peak summer weekends.
What to do
Backcountry hiking access: Underhill State Park Campground offers direct connections to Mount Mansfield's extensive 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. who appreciated the "pristine facilities, private camp sites and a beautiful area."
Fall foliage viewing: The mountains surrounding Smugglers Notch State Park provide exceptional autumn color viewing from mid-September through mid-October. "We camped here last week in one of their shelters due to an impending storm. Great facility but a little pricey," shares Kerry M., who found the campground provided good protection during changeable fall weather.
Winter camping opportunities: Several campgrounds offer off-season use with different access and amenities. "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," explains Ed M. about Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. He adds, "Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed. No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste."
What campers like
Remote paddle-in sites: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground features 27 primitive campsites accessible only by boat. "It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape. There is a lot of beautiful wildlife, and they do an amazing job at preserving the sites," explains Mackenzie B., who appreciates the secluded experience.
Swimming access: Little River State Park Campground provides multiple water recreation options. "The reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!" shares Alison O., who adds "We stayed on the B side. The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!"
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies above Elmore State Park Campground create exceptional night viewing conditions. "Because our lean-to was in a meadow with no tree coverage, we were treated to the most awesome night sky we've ever seen at a Vermont state park. It was mesmerizing!" notes Tara S., who found this feature outweighed concerns about privacy between sites.
What you should know
Pet policies vary by campground: Most campgrounds near Morristown welcome pets with specific leash requirements and designated areas. "Elmore state park is perfect for all types of campers," states Gail C., who notes that at Elmore State Park Campground, "It's quite busy during the summer months as the lake is great for families and swimming. Book the loop away from the road for the quietest campsites."
Campsite privacy differences: Underhill State Park offers walk-in sites with greater separation. "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," explains Ali T., who adds, "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized."
Reservation requirements: Dog friendly campgrounds near Morristown generally require advance booking. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises Ben C. about Smugglers Notch State Park, noting the "excellent showers (coin operated) and bathroom facility."
Tips for camping with families
River access for children: Brewster River Campground provides safe water play areas. "It has 3 walls and netting on the fourth. Inside there are two queen sized platforms (we put an air mattress down) and it is right on the river," explains Kiarra M. about their family stay in a lean-to. "The woman in the office is so sweet and helpful. They have brand new toilets and provide hand soap, dish soap, and shower products."
Playground access: Gold Brook Campground includes recreation areas specifically for children. "There is a nice playground in the center and a creek that follows the tent sites. Our dog loved swimming in the creek and meeting his first bullfrog," writes Kara W., who found the campground "centrally located to many wonderful sites around Stowe and Waterbury."
Multi-generational camping options: Little River State Park offers both primitive and more developed sites to accommodate different comfort levels. "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 Rita M., who also appreciated the historic sites, adding, "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Mountain View Campground provides full-service sites for larger rigs. "Our site (#103) was long enough to fit our rig but we had to squeeze the car in front. The site was level and all the hookups were well-placed and worked fine," reports Nancy W., who adds, "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues."
Seasonal RV considerations: Smugglers Notch RV Village offers year-round accessibility. "They offer a variety of different sites to fit each campers needs, a beautiful well kept bath house and a small but well stocked store," shares Alan B., who notes, "They also have great WIFI. Very close to Smuggs and only a short but beautiful ride to Stowe."
Pet-friendly RV spots: Dog friendly campgrounds near Morristown typically accommodate RVers with pets. "Nice family campground nestled in between route 15 and the Lamoille River. Great car accessible tent sites right on the water and plenty of amenities that the kids will love," explains Jason D. about Mountain View Campground, noting that "It can get a bit noisy due to the proximity to the highway, but it's still a good option for car camping in this part of Vermont."
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