Camping in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont offers forests, mountains, and water recreation opportunities with elevations ranging from 750 to 1,750 feet. Campgrounds around North Troy, Vermont remain open seasonally from late spring to mid-fall, with most facilities closing by mid-October due to cold temperatures that regularly drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Hiking trails: Brighton State Park Campground features multiple trail options for visitors seeking outdoor exploration. "Great trails right in the park, including the Shore Trail and the Boreal Forest loop. There are lots more trails to discover just a short drive from the park," notes a camper who visited in September.
Biking routes: The region offers both paved paths and mountain biking opportunities. "There is a very nice bike trail that runs through the campground, to the city of Newport on one side and to Canada on the other," reports a visitor at Prouty Beach Campground.
Paddle sports: Spectacle Pond at Brighton State Park provides calm waters ideal for beginners. A camper mentions, "I loved being able to just jump in the boat and float around, especially at night to look at the sky. There were loons calling every night also which I love."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Lake Carmi State Park Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading!" shares one camper who stayed after Labor Day.
Private sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature well-spaced sites. At Belview Campground, a visitor appreciated that "the sites are relatively private and large, and the campground was quiet overall," making it suitable for those seeking more solitude.
Night skies: The area's limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A camper at Will-O-Wood Campground noted, "My husband and I really enjoyed stargazing at night. There was so little light pollution that we woke up during the night thinking that someone was shining a light outside, but realized that it was just the moonlight."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Northeast Kingdom experiences rapid weather changes. At Prouty Beach Campground, a camper reported: "Our electric was problematic. Granted it was hot while we were there (in the high 80's and low 90's) our electric pedestal showed readings between 110 and 115 volts which was constantly cutting off our air conditioners."
Shower facilities: Most campgrounds offer coin-operated showers. "The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can't imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I've experienced in quite some time," notes a visitor to Lake Carmi State Park.
Connectivity limits: Cell service varies significantly throughout the North Troy region. A visitor at Tree Corners Family Campground reported, "Campground has no cell service and you have to pay for WiFi which is less than ideal." Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: White Caps Campground offers equipment rentals right at Lake Willoughby. "Campground offered individual bathrooms, again well kept- very clean. Hosts were welcoming, present, and kind. And absolutely beautiful view of Lake Willoughby. Take a paddle out there, they have rentals very reasonably priced!" shares a visitor.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas, though water quality varies. At Lake Carmi, one camper observed: "The beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix. The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer unusually large sites for family groups. A visitor to Prouty Beach noted, "We were lucky enough to get sites on a bluff. The sites are HUGE! Probably the biggest we have ever seen in our travels thus far."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Belview Campground, first-time RVers found certain sites more accommodating: "This camp ground was really perfect for our first RV camping trip ever. We got space 14 which is an easy drive through site for beginners like us." Ask about pull-through options when booking.
Electrical capacity: Several campgrounds have limited electrical capacity. At White Caps Campground, a visitor reported: "It was a 110 conversion electric not 30 amp. No dump site on property, I was told my only option was to go down the road to Willo Campground and I could dump my tanks there for $30."
Seasonal planning: Most North Troy area campgrounds close by mid-October. Brighton State Park operates "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend," requiring advance planning for fall trips when foliage viewing is at its peak.
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