North Hartland Lake campsites sit within the Connecticut River Valley at approximately 700 feet elevation. The camping season runs from May through mid-October, with July and August temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Fall nights can drop into the 30s, requiring additional sleeping insulation for tent campers planning visits during foliage season.
What to do
Hiking at Quechee Gorge: Access Vermont's deepest gorge via a designated trail from Quechee State Park Campground. The gorge trail is approximately 1 mile round trip with a moderate descent. "It's a short hike down to Quechee Gorge, where you can cool off in the shallow water," notes a visitor who appreciates the proximity to natural attractions.
Paddling the Connecticut River: Located directly on the Connecticut River, Wilgus State Park Campground offers kayak and canoe rentals plus river access via an on-site boat launch. "This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full. We loved walking the trail behind the campsites along the river to the beautiful vista views with a group with young kids, rented kayaks and fished from the boat launch," reports a camper.
Summit hiking at Mount Ascutney: Located 25 minutes south of North Hartland Lake, Mount Ascutney offers multiple trails of varying difficulty. "There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trails," explains a visitor who appreciated the accessibility options.
What campers like
Private, well-spaced sites: Most campgrounds near North Hartland Lake offer good separation between campsites. At Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, "The campground is lovely. Forest and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible." Sites throughout the region typically include fire rings and picnic tables.
Clean facilities with quarter showers: State park campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathroom is very clean. They offer showers that cost you a few quarters," notes a visitor to Quechee State Park. Most shower facilities require 4-5 quarters for a standard shower.
Lean-to options for weather protection: Many campgrounds offer lean-to structures as alternatives to tent sites. At Coolidge State Park Campground, "We had a wonderful couple of nights here. I highly recommend the lean-to's. The bathrooms were clean and the coin-operated showers were great. Each site was neatly maintained." These structures provide shelter during Vermont's frequent summer thunderstorms.
What you should know
Limited hookups at state parks: Vermont state parks typically do not offer electrical or water hookups at individual sites. Quechee-Pine Valley KOA is an exception, offering full-service sites. "This KOA is what you expect from a KOA– lots of amenities, sites of all sizes and levels of cost, tons of activities, and in a vacation destination area," explains a camper who stayed there for five nights.
Road noise can affect some sites: Several campgrounds near North Hartland Lake experience highway noise. "Initially we pulled up to the site 'Poplar' after driving 4+ hours and I could have cried, this site faces a large DOT/Parks Dept. parking lot with a huge building and trucks everywhere," reports one camper about a less desirable site. Research specific site numbers when making reservations.
Weekend reservations essential: Campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Most Vermont campgrounds accept reservations up to 11 months in advance through the Vermont State Parks reservation system. Holiday weekends often book completely within days of becoming available.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-rich options: Campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas provide better options for families with children. "The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3. We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good."
Swimming alternatives: Look for campgrounds with water access beyond North Hartland Lake itself. Silver Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly swimming. "There is a beach with wading depth, sand for playing, buoys to mark the shallow area, a large dock to jump from with a ladder for climbing out. Located at the beach area is also lawn space for games, a volleyball court, a fantastic playground."
Ranger programs: Many Vermont state parks offer scheduled educational activities. "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," shares a parent about their family experience at a state park.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have size restrictions. "This is a great park. Big sites that fit my 24 ft RV plus 30 ft trailer. Most well spaced." However, not all campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs; most Vermont state parks have a maximum length of 35 feet.
Terrain challenges: Campgrounds in the North Hartland Lake region are often built on hillsides. "The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area. There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size. Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations but limited or no sewer hookups at individual sites. "The sites are nicely spaced and the bathhouses are convenient and clean." Plan water usage accordingly when staying at state parks without hookups.
