Best Campgrounds near New Haven, VT
The New Haven, Vermont area encompasses a blend of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within Green Mountain National Forest. Rivers Bend Campground provides tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, water access, and toilet facilities, while Button Bay State Park offers waterfront camping with cabins and glamping options approximately 15 miles northwest. Campers seeking more primitive experiences can find several dispersed camping areas in the national forest, including the Lincoln Dispersed Camping area and sites along forest roads within 30 minutes of New Haven.
Many Vermont state parks in the region operate seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with limited or no winter camping available. Forest Service dispersed camping areas typically remain accessible year-round, though winter conditions can make roads impassable without appropriate vehicles. Button Bay and other waterfront sites tend to fill quickly during peak summer months, particularly on weekends. A visitor noted of Lincoln Dispersed Camping: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with Button Bay State Park earning praise for its views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Developed campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy, with Mount Philo State Park providing more secluded sites in wooded settings compared to the open field camping at Button Bay. Both public and private campgrounds maintain clean facilities according to visitor feedback. Multiple reviewers mentioned the family-friendly nature of the state parks, citing amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Private campgrounds sometimes offer extended seasons, with a few remaining open year-round, while the national forest dispersed sites appeal to those seeking more solitude and primitive camping experiences without facilities or designated sites.