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.
"The first is where you'll find the lean-tos and the dog trail/beach. This area is super quiet, offers a bit of shade, and plenty of privacy."
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
$23 / night
"the best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains"
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
$15 / night
"there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"
"Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
"This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities."
"Lastly, the location was perfect, just outside of Burlington made access to the area ideal."
$18 / night
"The best part of this campground is the view of Lake Champlain and Vermont. We stayed here one night in our RV with no hookups. The site was gorgeous and the campground clean."
"On river border of NY & VT. Nice views from the campsites, some places to walk around including a bridge. Lots of room for big RV, good hookups. Pretty quiet. Clean and well cared for."
"If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"
"This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25."
"It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutPam met us outside as she said ‘dodging rain drops’ to stack wood. She was warm and friendly. You can tell she runs a tight ship immediately telling us when quite hours were, and letting us know the dogs needed to be on leash and under our control. We brought our 2 labs with us. Only 2 vehicles per site is allowed. You do need tokens to use the shower. 2 tokens was more than enough for me to shower and not feel rushed. The bathrooms are AMAZING! I am looking forward to coming back!
ScoutDEC has designated and constructed 12 camp sites in areas around Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road. Camping will only be allowed at the designated campsites or more than 500 feet from the Shelving Rock and Dacy Clearing Roads.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
ScoutSame name and google search, but new owner since 2024. We just wrapped up a stay at this campground and I can honestly say… we’ll be back.🙌 From the moment we arrived, you could feel the pride the owner has poured into this place. The new power and water hookups are a huge upgrade, and it’s exciting to see the vision for future expansion already coming to life. Everything about our stay felt easy, welcoming, and most importantly—safe. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly relax, enjoy your time, and feel right at home. Clean, well cared for, and clearly built with heart. Can’t wait to come back and see how it continues to grow.🌲✨
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
Green Mountain National Forest dominates the landscape near New Haven, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 500 to over 3,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Campgrounds in the region typically feature both open meadow sites and heavily wooded options, with several offering direct water access.
Hiking the Clark Brook Trail: Accessible from Green Mountain National Forest FR207, this 3-mile trail connects to the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail system. "NFR 207 Meadows, with great views! In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," notes a visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Swimming at Lake Dunmore: Branbury State Park offers a sandy beach with designated swimming areas. "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available," writes a camper at Branbury State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: Moosalamoo Campground provides direct access to numerous biking trails. A visitor notes, "Moosalamoo campground has awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest."
Historic site exploration: Crown Point offers colonial-era ruins for history enthusiasts. "The ruins of Fort Douglas and the bridge were both amazing views. Biking across the bridge was a great workout as well as a tour of the fort. So much history," shares a visitor to the area.
Riverside camping spots: Many dispersed sites offer direct stream access. At Austin Brook, "There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area," reports a camper. Another adds, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings."
Private wooded campsites: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers secluded sites in a small, quiet setting. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area," notes a visitor. Another camper adds, "The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained!"
Spectacular mountain views: Elevated sites provide panoramic vistas. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 describes it as having "Great mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view. The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks."
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Bathrooms are small and clean with hot showers," notes a camper at Mount Philo. At Moosalamoo, visitors appreciate the "Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers."
Seasonal operation: Most established campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Rivers Bend Campground in New Haven operates "May 1 to Columbus Day," while Crown Point runs "May 19 to October 8."
Dispersed camping challenges: Forest roads can present access issues. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, a visitor notes, "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
Variable site privacy: Shelburne Camping Area offers convenience but less seclusion. "Sites are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean," reports a camper. Another notes, "The site is close to the highway which is convenient but it also means you hear the traffic all night."
Limited availability: The most popular campgrounds fill quickly in peak season. "Only 8 campsites so try to book early," advises a visitor to Mount Philo State Park. Similarly, at Branbury: "Book early for the best sites."
Swimming options: Branbury State Park Campground provides kid-friendly water access. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground," shares one visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there," notes a camper at Button Bay State Park.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites offer learning experiences. Crown Point Campground provides "preservation and interpretation of the ruins of 2 fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French, as well as the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse."
Open field activities: Campgrounds with meadow areas allow for group games. At Button Bay, "The second camping loop has a few waterfront camping cabins. The main camping area is essentially a huge field, closer to everything - the playground, pool, nature center, kayak and canoe rentals, and the trail out to the point."
Site selection: Moosalamoo Campground offers well-designed RV sites. "This is an exceptionally well laid out and maintained campground. The camp sites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful."
Access considerations: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. "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," reports a visitor to Lincoln Dispersed Camping.
Hookup availability: Rivers Bend Campground in New Haven offers electric and water hookups but no sewer connections. A sanitary dump station is available on-site for longer stays.
Highway proximity: Shelburne Camping Area provides easy access but comes with noise considerations. "The grounds were landscaped well, and they were changing flower beds over to mums for fall during our stay. Check out their weekly rate, that cut our cost down. I think the daily rate is in the $40s."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to stay at New Haven Campground?
Camping costs in the New Haven area vary by campground type and amenities. Grand Isle State Park Campground offers reasonable rates for a beautiful Lake Champlain setting. Mountain View Campground provides affordable tent sites along the Lamoille River. State park campgrounds in Vermont typically range from $20-30 per night for tent sites and $25-40 for sites with hookups. Private campgrounds generally charge $30-60 depending on amenities and season. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays, and state parks may have day-use fees in addition to camping fees.
Where is New Haven Campground located and how do I get there?
New Haven camping options include Rivers Bend Campground located in New Haven, Vermont. For nearby alternatives, consider Silver Lake Campground which is accessible via Vermont Route 53 near Middlebury. Many campers access the area via Route 7, which runs north-south through western Vermont. The region is approximately 35 miles south of Burlington and is well-connected to major highways. Most campgrounds in the area are drive-in accessible, with some offering walking trails to more remote sites.
What amenities are available at New Haven Campground?
While camping in the New Haven area, you'll find various amenities depending on the campground. North Beach Campground offers large campsites, RV sites with electric hookups, and access to a beautiful beach with views of the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain. Little River State Park Campground provides shoreline access to Waterbury reservoir with boat rentals available. Many campgrounds in the region feature the basics: picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and access to recreational water bodies. Some offer additional amenities like camp stores, laundry facilities, and swimming areas.
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